I am planning a trip to Galveston for the family the 2nd weekend in May and need some advice on where to stay. I would like something with an ocean view and prefer a place that you can walk to the beach without having to cross the street. It does not have to be fancy. In fact with 3 kids under the age of five, it is probably better if it is not. We are looking for something under $150 a night. A pool would be nice too. After I read this, does that exclude all of Galveston? I would also welcome any kid friendly ideas. Thanks for any help you can give.
It was a coal tanker in the early 20th century before a hurricane washed it onshore in the 40s and they made it into a hotel...
Seriously , there are plenty of places to stay by the seawall, where you are close to restaurants etc: http://www.galveston.com/conventions/hotels.shtml But I would recommend Islander East Condominiums. It's a few miles away from the "city" but it is more beachy than anything on the Seawall. I have never stayed there but if I had to choose, that would be the place for me, just because of the location. http://www.islandereast.com/
The two most family friendly places in Galveston are Stewart Beach on the far eastern tip of the island and Moody Gardens. Stewart is a big wide sandy beach full of family's with kids. I think you will have to cross the street from the motels though and It can be very crowded on weekends. Moody Gardens is on the bayside but is sort of a Disneyesque development with beaches , sailboats, gardens, IMAX etc. Probably a little more money than your thinking. Your best bet may be to rent a beach house west of town, like Jamaica Beach, Terramar, The Karankawa Townhomes etc. You'll have easy beach access and more controled environment to keep a watch on the kids.
The Balinese is open again and booking some cool bands. As far as places to stay, what about the Galvez?
Seascape is a nice, cheap place. You don't have to cross the street, and it has pools. I would imagine you can get under 150 there.
If you want to avoid having the kids crossing the street, you will definitely be better off renting a beach house on the West end of the island.
We always would stay at the Treasure Isle Inn above General Chow's Chopstix when we had rugby tournaments down there. Hight of crapdom that place is. I suggest trying a West Beach Condo, about the only place save the Flagship where you won't have to cross the street.
I spent last week at the San Luis Resort Hotel. The whole resort is very, very kid friendly. It has about 16 floors (top two: suites) at about $150.
