Hotels in Galveston, Texas

A little about Galveston...

Galveston is the county seat of Galveston County located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of the 2005 U.S. Census estimate, the city had a total population of 57,466. Galveston is accessible by a causeway linking Galveston Island to the mainland on the north end of the city, a toll bridge on the western end of the island, and by ferry boat service on the east end of the city.

Galveston is known for its historic neighborhoods and a ten-mile long seawall designed to protect the city from floods. It is also home to the infamous Balinese Room, the Balinese Room was a well-known nightclub in Galveston, Texas built on a pier stretching 600 feet from the Galveston Seawall over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For decades a dance hall and illegal casino, the Balinese Room was remodeled and reopened in 2001 (minus the gambling). In 1997 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Galveston is considered a major tourist destination and remains a port of entry and a destination for cruise ships, and a port of call and repairs for cargo ships. Galveston is currently ranked the no. 1 cruise port on the Gulf Coast and no. 5 in North America (2006).

Galveston's historic downtown and abundant beaches are major tourist destinations. Houstonians and visitors from around the world purchase beach homes and condominiums and make Galveston their second home.

Other attractions in Galveston include Moody Gardens, the Galveston Railroad Museum, Schlitterbahn, the Strand and the Lone Star Flight Museum. Galveston is also home to several historic ships: the tall ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum and USS Cavalla and USS Stewart, both berthed at Seawolf Park on nearby Pelican Island. Galveston is also home to a symphony orchestra and a small ballet company.

Schlitterbahn is the name used for either of three water parks located in Texas. They are considered to be some of the top water parks in the United States. Schlitterbahn is a German word for "wet road," apparently a metaphor for a water slide. Schlitterbahn's catch phrase is "The hottest, coolest time in Texas!" The park allows customers to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. This is a rare feature among modern amusement parks. Both the South Padre Island and the Galveston parks feature "Transportainment" river systems, which allow visitors to navigate most of the park (including waiting in line at rides) without having to leave the water.

The city is home to three post-secondary institutions: Galveston College (a junior college opened in 1967), Texas A&M University at Galveston, and University of Texas Medical Branch.