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Hotel Galvez
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$$$
5 reviews for Hotel Galvez
The act of just stepping into Hotel Galvez is something like stepping back in time. Or, maybe it's more like stepping into a stereotypical picture of the South. Hotel Galvez (despite the non-locals/tourists roaming the halls) seems like the kind of place where you'd see women in dresses wearing white gloves sipping from teacups and distinguished gentlemen wearing suits with monocles, pocket watches, and shoes shined better than most mirrors. It reminds me of a time I was never around to see and one that will never exist again - but that's okay because the modern world is a pretty cool place if you ask me.
Everything about this place seems to ooze class. From the start you're greeted with a gigantically grand lobby, complete with a restaurant sporting a pianist cranking out tunes. There's also bar that's not to much up front, but perfectly center where the bartenders serve up your drinks and treat you like the royalty most of us seem to think we are. If you sit at the bar and don't turn around, the old fashioned back piece adorned with all the finest liquors will make you think this place hasn't changed in 70 years... and it probably hasn't which is to its credit.
The rooms are moderately sized and not much to look at considering the price. Yes, they are just as historic as the rest of the hotel, but this is not the place to be if you're trying to follow some sort of strict budget. Unless you are lucky enough to land a corner room which at least SEEMED like it was substantially larger, but I can't say for sure without actually having done square footage measurements.
The pool and Jacuzzi were absolutely delightful. Not that there was anything special really about them, but the atmosphere surrounding them provided the perfect way to really feel like you're on vacation... which you probably are. There was also a bar in the pool, but when I was there it was never staffed. Getting some drinks while swimming may not be the best idea, but it sure seemed like a damn cool one.
I've got to give it up to the staff here as well. Everyone was really helpful and provided myself and my family with great suggestions on places to eat, go out for drinks, find entertainment, and even some local history if that's what you're into. When my brother and I decided to have a few drinks at the bar and were unable to safely drive ourselves to the next spot to terrorize, they offered to call us a cab without us even suggesting the idea. Chatting with the bartender on a friendly enough level can even earn you some free drinks (which for me translates into better tips... which is probably what Kat was plotting all along), so make it a point to be nice, folks!
This place is five stars and for the price it should be. If you have the means to stay here without breaking your bank, you surely will not regret it. If not, just showing up to chill out in the lobby and maybe sneaking into the pool (take a right at the entrance and go to the end) might be worthwhile as well. It's just that rockin'.
Galvez is a historic hotel. With that said, the rooms are smaller and a little more worn than what might be expected. So, the rates were a little higher than I would have wanted to pay. What makes up for it is the location (across the street from the beach though not on the beach) and the beautiful first floor lobby/dining area and banquet rooms (gorgeous for a wedding). The hotel is well-maintained for being almost a century old (built in 1911) and having weathered hurricanes and storms in the region. Whether or not you decide to stay there, the Sunday brunch is excellent. The choices and quality of food were superb, and even if I don't return to the hotel for an overnight stay, I'd definitely make it back for the brunch.
I was attending a week long conference in Galveston and when I received my hotel information I was glad that they chose to book Hotel Galvez. So far I've only stayed at two of the hotels in Galveston and I have to say this one is by far the better one of the two.
The first thing that you notice is just the architectural structure. It does feel like a step back into time. Parking here is either valet or you can self park at the garage, but keep in mind both have a fee so pick your costs. Once you step into the lobby you can see the pictures of what the hotel used to look like before the renovations. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I had a single corner room with an ocean view so it was nice and cozy. The bathroom might've needed a little bit of help just cause there was a bit of mold on the ceilings and one of the tiles was coming apart. The one downfall that I did have was that yes they did have WiFi but you had to pay a fee of 10/day each time you logged on. I've stayed at high end hotels and for the most part each had free WiFi. This part sucked because I was there for a conference so business wise I needed the internet.
The breakfast buffet is great. They have a lot to choose from, but after 5 days of the same thing it did get a little old, but hey if the conference is buying you can't complain, right? The fitness center is nice. There aren't too many people there so you pretty much feel like it's your personal gym. The pool is a great way to relax. They have a swim up bar so that's always refreshing to have a drink in hand. The hot tub was OK and the reason I'm saying this is because well it had this weird smell. I mean I didn't get sick so it must be ok, but it wasn't your typical hot tub smell...hmmm?
Oh yes...supposedly the hotel is haunted according to some of the staff. You can see ghosts in the picutres and if you're on the 5th floor, well you'll see once you get there.
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This is a historic land mark. Wonderful to stay, eat or have an event like a wedding, a party or a meeting.
Beautiful carved doorways, arches, floors.....
Wonderful views.
A must stay and see.
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Beautiful Rooms, great beds, fantastic breakfast... a wonderful nights sleep had by all.. and you can't beat it- its right on the water!! It has great friendly staff and the history behind the place is just an added bonus.