This charming hotel overlooks Galveston’s historic wharf and is the site of an early Galveston Steamship Terminal. Today the hotel provides a vantage point for portside ship watching and is a hotel of choice for cruise ship passengers seeking pre- and post- cruise excursions on the island. Nine boat slips adjacent to the hotel welcome guests to sail in for a stay.

 

The 42-room hotel, including three one-bedroom suites, hugs the Galveston Harbor. Guestrooms are spacious and many include refrigerators and microwaves. Nautical-themed rooms with white-washed oak furnishings, pickled wood floors and harbor views enhance the experience. This hotel is reminiscent of a working waterfront warehouse and is perfect for a couple’s escape or a spontaneous weekend getaway for the whole family.

Galveston Island, Texas

Tucked away off the southeast corner of Texas, this island city is named after Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish Colonial governor who ordered the first survey of the Texas Gulf Coast in 1786. The surveyor, Jose de Evia, named Galveston Bay in honor of the governor and the island was later given the same name. Ironically, Bernardo de Gálvez never visited the island that bears his name.

 

In 1817, Pirate Jean Lafitte made his home base in Galveston, having been expelled from his settlement in Louisiana. He laid claim to the lavishly furnished mansion that he named Maison Rouge and established the new settlement of Campeche. In 1822, one of his captains reportedly attacked an American merchant ship and Lafitte was forced out of Galveston by the Spanish. Prior to leaving, he held a party for his pirates with much wine and whisky and then proceeded to burn his settlement. Legend has it that he buried treasure on the island, but it is yet to be found.

 

The Great Storm of 1900 suspended development on the island when the deadliest natural disaster in the United States tore through the city with 120 mile per hour winds and 20-foot waves, killing over 6,000 people in its wake. Following the tragedy, citizens showed an indomitable spirit of survival as they began to rebuild the island. Nearly every structure left standing in the city was raised and sand was filled in beneath them raising the grade of the entire city. A 17-foot seawall was built to protect the island from future tidal surges and the city undertook a 14-year grade-raising program to elevate the level of homes and businesses and prevent flooding.

Guests are able to utilize meeting space at the neighboring Tremont House. The Tremont House provides 14,700 square feet of meeting and banquet space for both large and small events. Meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology, high-speed Internet, catering and staffing abilities.

 

Davidson Ballroom (7,946 sq. ft.)

With high ceilings and open space that seats nearly 900, the ballroom is perfect for large gatherings. For smaller events, the ballroom can be divided into the North and South Rooms. Each room can hold from 60 to 430 people, depending on the event.

 

Sam Houston Room (2,842 sq. ft.)

This L-shaped room is perfect for groups under 150. Once the lobby of the Belmont Hotel, the original front desk is now used as a bar for functions. Floor-to-ceiling windows make this space very alluring and bright.

Complimentary Continental breakfast is served daily at the hotel and guests are welcome to enjoy signing privileges at both The Tremont House and Hotel Galvez & Spa. Olympia The Grill at Pier 21 is located on the first floor. Other restaurants are located within walking distance from the hotel and offer local treats, fresh seafood and Galveston charm.

 

Bernardo’s Restaurant at Hotel Galvez

Bernardo’s, named for Bernardo de Gálvez, celebrates the Spanish, Cuban and Louisiana influences of Gálvez’s life, while continuing to feature local favorites such as fresh Gulf seafood. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On-line reservations are available at http://www.bernardosathotelgalvez.com/.

 

Bernardo’s is also known for its celebrated Champagne Sunday Brunch where guests can dine on omelets made-to-order, Belgian waffles, prime rib and other assorted delicacies while being entertained by the melodies of a nearby pianist. The brunch is available Sundays from 11a.m. - 2p.m.

 

The Tremont Café (opening August 2009) at The Tremont House

The new Tremont Café, coming in August 2009, will feature Starbucks coffee, pastries, a pizza oven, gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. The Café will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as provide items for room service. Designed to appeal to travelers’ mobile computing needs, the new café will feature 42-inch plasma televisions, Internet booths, and complimentary Wi-Fi and printing capabilities. The Tremont House also offers free Wi-Fi in the lobby.

 

Toujouse Bar at The Tremont House

The imposing Toujouse Bar in the hotel’s inviting lobby offers a relaxing atmosphere after long days of meetings or city exploring. Live piano music sets the tone as guests sip cocktails in this elegant setting.

 

The Rooftop Bar at The Tremont House

The Rooftop Bar is the only outdoor venue on the island to offer a bird’s eye view of Galveston. Guests can see the historic harbor, downtown, ship channel, beachfront and other landmarks from this rooftop setting. The Rooftop Bar is open Thursday through Saturday evenings.

 

32 miles of sparkling Gulf Coast beaches

Texas Seaport Museum with famous 1877 Tall Ship Elissa

Galveston Harbor Tours Aboard the Seagull II T

he Historic Downtown Strand District for shopping and dining

Postoffice Street Arts and Entertainment District

Four Historic House Museums

Lone Star Flight Museum and Texas Aviation Hall of Fame

1894 Grand Opera House (Official Opera House of Texas)

Railroad Museum and Galveston County Historical Museum at Shearn Moody Plaza

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Moody Gardens

Year-round birding sites

Average annual high - 80-89˚F

Average annual low - 50-58˚F

 Daily service via AirTran, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest. Airport shuttle service begins at $35 per person.

 

75 Minutes Away

Daily service via AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Frontier, KLM Royal Dutch, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TACA Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways

Harbor House

Pier 21 #28

Galveston, Texas 77550

(409) 763-3321

www.HarborHousePier21.com