What Are The Best Beach Hotels In Galveston Near Cruise Port
1. The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
If you want hi-end, unashamed luxury, then this fabulous spa resort is the place to stay. A lavish 4-star resort and conference center set in 32 acres on Galveston Island, the complex has held the Triple A Four Diamond Award for the last 20 years.
With 248 rooms, ranging from plush standard to Club 10, VIP rooms to penthouse suites and superb villas, this complex has it all. With 3 award winning restaurants, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, full spa and wellness treatment center, plus large conference center, you need never step out of the resort.
If you do, you have 32 miles of beach to explore, with Moody Gardens, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Moody Mansion Museum, and Seawolf Park, all within five miles of the resort.
Why Stay Here
- Rooms with ocean view & balcony
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
2. Hotel Galvez and Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel
At over 100 years old, this 224 room, Spanish Colonial style 4-star hotel, has lost none of its impressive mystique. Close to the historic Pleasure Pier, and with a view out to the Gulf of Mexico, it is known as the Queen of the Gulf.
Why Stay Here
- 5-minute drive from Port of Galveston
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach
Other top places of interest include the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Moody Mansion Museum, and Moody Gardens, all within a short drive of the hotel.
Why Stay Here
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
Hilton Galveston Beach Resort
Relax by the pool in a shady cabana at Hilton Galveston Beach Resort before or after your cruise. The Park and Go package for cruises from Galveston includes 7 nights parking and a shuttle to and from the cruise terminals. Enjoy a luxury stay in this high-end resort close to Landrys and Rainforest Cafe.
- Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
- Distance from cruise terminal: 4.5 miles
- Shuttle service? Yes
- Price per night from: $179
Hotels Near Port Of Galveston
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Ideal Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port With Shuttle
As Galveston is a top vacation destination as well as a popular cruise port, theres a huge choice of hotels near Galveston cruise port for cruisers to choose from. We cut through the confusion and list the best hotels for cruisers, including the cheapest and closest places to stay in Galveston.
We also list hotels with cruise shuttle service to and from the port. Some charge a modest fee while other cruise shuttles are complimentary with a Cruise and Stay package.
First, a few quick facts about Port of Galveston for cruisers. The port was established in 1825, when Texas was still part of Mexico. It remains one of the oldest ports in the Gulf of Mexico. It is now the 4th busiest cruise port in North America, serving over a million cruisers every year.
Related: Extensive Guide to Port of Galveston Cruise Parking
The port itself is on the east end of Galveston Island, a 27-mile long barrier island connected to the mainland via the I-45 and the San Luis Pass toll bridge. Most hotels close to Galveston cruise port are found on Galveston Island, so check out our round-up of the most ideal hotels near Galveston cruise port for a pre- or post-cruise stay.
Galveston Hotels With Shuttles To The Cruise Port
Hilton Galveston Island ResortAddress: 5400 Seawall Boulevard | Phone: 409-744-5000 | Shuttle with PackageStaying at the Hilton? Youll have a great location with the beach just steps away from your room, but youll also have access to a shuttle to the port. Booking the parking package through the hotel means you get parking and transportation included in your fare. The hotel is also close to a grocery store if you need to make a stop before heading to the ship.
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
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Before You Leave The United States
Make sure to plan ahead:
- You tested positive for COVID-19.
- Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.
If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine
Harbor House Hotel And Marina
Located right on Galveston Wharf with gorgeous bay views, Harbor House Hotel and Marina welcomes cruisers with spacious rooms that include a refrigerator, microwave and Wi-fi. Close to the Strand for shopping and dining, this is one of the closest hotels to Galveston cruise port and convenient for visitors wanting to visit the Seaport Museum and the Tall ship Elissa.
- Distance from port: 0.3 miles
- Address: No 28 Pier 21, Galveston Island
- Phone number: 763-3321
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Galveston Cruise Parking Options
Galveston cruise port has its own onsite cruise parking. It is the most convenient and secure parking for cruisers, just a short walk or shuttle ride from the cruise check-in. Cruisers are advised to book ahead as parking is limited. Once your prepaid reservation is complete, you will have a reserved parking spot on the official parking lot or in the port garage.
Prices for parking at Galveston cruise port start at around $85 for 7 nights if you book ahead. The price rises to $90 if you turn up without a reservation. Garage parking at the port is around $115 for 7 days. It is in a secure covered parking lot a short walk from the ship.
There are several other cruise parking companies that operate off-site and include free shuttle transport between the port and the parking area. They are more competitively priced. Expect to pay around $50 for 7 days cruise parking with Discount Cruise Parkingor $69.55 plus tax with Cruise Park.
The above article also covers a good range of hotels offering Stay, Park and Cruise packages which can be the best priced options. They also allow cruisers the chance to relax before or after their cruise and enjoy sightseeing on Galveston Island.
Cruise Critic Members Share Galveston Vacation Tips
Sponsored by Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
With a long and storied history, bountiful beaches and so much to eat and drink , Galveston has a lot to offer for your pre- or post-cruise pleasure. The fourth-busiest U.S. cruise port is a great drive-to spot, but its also near two major airports, making it convenient for those flying in from parts elsewhere. Here, the ultimate experts — that is, your fellow cruisers, who have been there — recommend their favorites, so you can try them, too.
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Window On The Waterfront
The excellent Window on the Waterfront has a collection of attractions close to Galveston cruise port. It has many unusual maritime attractions and museums that may interest cruise visitors including:
The Elissa
The Elissa is a 141-foot long sailing ship built in 1877. It is now permanently docked at Pier 21 as a maritime museum attraction. Tour the decks and imagine life as a sailor 150 years ago.
Built by Henry Fowler-Watt, the Elissa was named after a Phoenician princess. After many years transporting cargo, she was brought to Galveston to be restored. This fully-functional antique vessel makes for a popular and interesting attraction.
Pier 21 Theater
If you want to escape the heat or chilly wind, there are several theaters and art galleries including Pier 21 Theater. It shows three movies about Galveston Island history. These include The Great Storm about the hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900.
Another movie tells the story of The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte and finally, Galveston Gateway on the Gulf, a movie about the immigrants who arrived in Galveston to start a new life.
Texas Seaport Museum
Ocean Star Drilling Rig Museum
Few of us can visit a drilling rig, so the Ocean Star Drilling Rig Museum is a great opportunity to learn about offshore drilling and exploration, seismology and much more.
With so much going on around Galveston cruise port, you might want to seriously consider Galveston for your next cruise.
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston
5002 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-740-5300
The Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On The Beach is a perfect spot for passengers looking for a pre-cruise stay. Long term parking for a cruise in Galveston and port shuttles are complimentary, but there are also cruise packages available such as the Park, Stay and Go package which offers breakfast for two adults in addition to the parking and transportation.
Its location is perfect under 3 miles from the cruise terminal and offers beachfront accommodations for a great price. Kids will enjoy the playground, arcade, as well as the childrens pool which is attached to the large outdoor pool with waterfall and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, is nearby. There are numerous onsite eateries, a tennis court and fitness facilities if you want to get one last workout in before you indulge on the the ship. For more information on The Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On The Beach, click here.
Miles to Port : 2.7
Port Transfer : Yes with Park Stay and Go Package
Long-Term Parking : Yes with Park Stay and Go Package
Breakfast : $
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Port Of Galveston Travel Tips
If you plan to drive to Galveston Island for your cruise or rent a car at the airport for the duration of your trip parking is readily available at the Port of Galveston. Rates start at $55 for a four-day cruise and go up from there, but you can get a $5 discount when you book online and pre-pay for the space.
The cost of car rentals and parking prices can add up quickly, but luckily there are other ways to get to the port. Many hotels on Galveston Island offer paid or complimentary shuttle services to Port Galveston to their guests. Use this list to book a hotel with one or call your accommodation to ask about their shuttle services. If none are available, download the Uber or Lyft apps to request a car to the port when youre ready to go.
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Airport Distance From The Port Of Galveston
Both Houston Hobby and Intercontinental are located far from the port. Houston Hobby is considerably closer, sitting on the southeast side of Houston, compared to Intercontinentals location due north of the city. In total, you should allot between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes , at the very least.
Houston Hobby41 miles from Port of Galveston45-minute ride without traffic
70 miles from Port of Galveston75-minute ride without traffic
One thing to keep in mind is that Houston is notorious for its traffic thanks to road construction. Thats why we suggest allowing up to double the non-traffic time just to give yourself plenty of time to get to the ship.
Given the distance, we would always suggest flying into Houston the day before you sail. If your flight arrives early enough on the morning of your cruise , you should have enough time to make it to the port. However, any delays could mean you risk missing the ship on cruise day.
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More On Cruising From Galveston
Getting to the Port of Galveston Transportation options from airports and the Galveston area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Galveston Cruise Parking Driving to the port? Not sure where to park? We prices and profiles of all the lots near the cruise terminal.
Galveston Hotels with Cruise Parking While the port offers plenty of parking, if you plan to stay the night, you can park at many hotels for free.
Tremont House Wyndham Grand
The luxury Tremont House Wyndham Grand Hotelis in the heart of Galvestons Historic Strand district and conveniently close to the cruise port. Air-conditioned rooms in this historic 1839 building are elegantly furnished. Cruisers will love the Rooftop Bar for views of the cruise ships. Theres also a cafe and upscale restaurant to start your cruise in style.
- Distance from port: 0.5 miles
- Address: 2300 Ships Mechanic Row
- Phone number: 763-0300
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If You Stay At Harbor House You Get A Close View Of Ships
If you stay at Harbor House, you get a close view of ships from around the world as the travel into the Port. Bring binoculars to see more of the ships. There is also a good vantage point to see ships on the far East point of Galveston island. Take Seawall Blvd East until the road ends, then park and watch.
1. Scottish Inns Galveston
The classical facade places this two-story budget friendly hotel amongst the most elegant properties in Galveston. Inside, there are beautiful tiled floors, modern art paintings and a lounge with bright, contemporary decor. Each of the forty-five rooms is tastefully presented and features round windows on either side of the front door.
Outside, theres a patio and pool. Theres free parking during your cruise vacation and on the weekends the hotel provides a complimentary one-way shuttle transfer.
Shuttle & Parking
1. Inn at the Waterpark
If your cruise vacation involves the kids, then this is the perfect place to stay as the Inn at the Waterpark is located right next to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Families can also enjoy a round or two of the hotels mini-golf.
Take advantage of the Inn at the Waterparks free long-term parking. If you are a guest of the hotel you may leave your vehicle parked at the property for the duration of your cruise. Just confirm vehicle parking with the Front Desk. On the day of embarkation, taxi and ride share are available for transportation to and from the cruise terminal.
- Free Cruise Parking
- No shuttle service
Which Houston Airport Is More Convenient To Galveston
While we live in the area, if we had to fly in for a cruise, then wed pick Houston Hobby 10 times out of 10. The shorter distance between Hobby and the cruise port makes the airport much more convenient to get to the cruise ship. Also, we like that Hobby is a much smaller airport in general, making it easier to get in and out.
The only hang-up is that Bush-Intercontinental features many more flights. That means cruisers flying to sail from Galveston might find a cheaper flight into Intercontinental or one that better meets their schedule.
For us, we would have to save more than $100 per person on a round trip flight to make the extra distance and cost of getting to the port worth our while. That said, its smart to search for flights into both, just to make sure youre getting the best price and time for your trip.
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Harbor House Hotel & Marina
No 28 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-763-3321 |Hotel 6 on Map Below | Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table
Start your nautical adventures a little early with a pre-cruise stay in one of the stylishly decorated rooms or suites on the waterfront at Harbor House Hotel. Located on Pier 21 this hotel is just a few minutes walk to the cruise terminal and offers views of the harbour . If youre up early the morning of your cruise you may even catch your ship coming back to port to get ready to welcome you.
Before boarding your ship you can make the most of your stay by visiting several attractions, like the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and Seaport Museum, or the many shops and restaurants just a few minutes walk away in the Strand Historic District.
DISTANCE TO PORT: 5-minute walk
PARKING: $10 per day
POOL: No Access to Hotel Galvez pool for guests
CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 12 NOON
San Luis Hotel & Conference Center
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | 800-392-5937 |Hotel 7 on Map Below | Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table
Discover unparalleled luxury at the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, a 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort on beautiful Galveston Island. Recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1999, the San Luis Resort offers the perfect Galveston hotel and resort experience with lavish accommodations and personalized service.
Some of the amenities included in your stay include Molton Brown toiletries, a Keurig coffee maker in your room, fitness centre access, and a private balcony with outdoor seating for breathtaking Gulf views.
DISTANCE TO PORT:< 10-minute drive
PARKING: Duration of cruise
CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 11 AM
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