Best Hotels near Galveston Cruise Port

With its excellent infrastructure of hotels to suit all pockets, the island of Galveston has built a top reputation for being the favored port for cruise embarkation.

Names like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian depart on a regular basis for the Bahamas and the east and west Caribbean from its three cruise terminals.

For many, travelling to meet the ship on the day of the cruise can be a stressful experience. Especially so if flying into the nearest airports.

Are you going to be held up getting to the airport? Is the flight going to be delayed? Even travelling in by car can have unforeseen problems.

Why not give yourself the best chance of a stress-free vacation, by travelling down the day before, to stay at least 1 night in one of the top hotels within a few minutes drive of your port of embarkation.

Galveston Cruise Port

Galveston in Texas is home to 3 different cruise terminals. Distance to Houston is approx. 50 miles, while George Bush International Airport (IAH) is around 90 minutes away. Driving distance to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is 60 minutes.

• Terminal 1 – used by Carnival
• Terminal 2 – used by Disney
• New Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal

All terminals are close to each other.

Read also: Galveston Hotels with Shuttle

What’s the Closest Hotel near Galveston Cruise Port (Terminal 25-28)?

1. The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand Hotel ★★★★ (Walking Distance)

From Tremont House, it’s just a five minute walk to your cruise terminal. An old Edwardian property, it has been refurbished to seamlessly blend contemporary decor with traditional architecture.

The boutique hotel comprises 119 rooms and suites, family rooms, and business conference rooms. The hotel has a piano bar providing a pleasant venue for an after dinner drink, or you can enjoy a cocktail on Galveston’s only rooftop bar. The hotel’s Tremont Café serves popular American fare. And organic tea and coffee are available in all rooms.

There is a complementary shuttle transportation provided to hotel guests to and from the cruise terminal and you can leave your car at the property during your vacation (for guests who booked a special package). The Royal Caribbean cruise terminal can reached in 5 minutes by taxi.

Why Stay Here

• Luxury & closest hotel to port
• Walking Distance

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

What are the Best Beach Hotels in Galveston near Cruise Port?

Beachfront hotels are also a favorite stay for those beginning or ending their cruise. Choose from;

1. Best Western Plus Galveston Suites ★★★ (Popular Hotel))

This 3-star hotel has 96 beds, which are variously configured with the use of sofa-beds for singles/couples or three/four sharing. All rooms have balconies, some with panoramic views over the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities at this affordable hotel include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and business facilities.

Rooms are functional but comfortable, and include a coffee/tea maker, microwave oven and fridge for guests wishing to self-cater. With a beachfront location you can enjoy the golden sand beach and warm Gulf waters. If beaches aren’t your thing a host of attractions are available within a 30 minute walk, or a short car drive.

Why Stay Here

• Beachfront hotel
• Rooms with balcony and a sea view
• Free parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

2. The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center ★★★★ (Beachfront)

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

• One of the best beachfront resorts in Galveston
• Great pool
• Rooms with ocean view & balcony

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection ★★★★

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’.

Facilities include a grill restaurant where patrons can enjoy breakfast and dinner, with a champagne brunch on a Sunday. A lounge bar, full spa services, a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and conference rooms are also available. It’s modern, stylish décor and comfortable beds make the Hotel Galvez a popular stop-over for cruise passengers.

Why Stay Here

• Beachfront Hotel
• 5-minute drive from Port of Galveston

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Galveston Beach, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Great Value)

Located on Galveston Island next door to the Seawall Urban Park, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express comprises 134 rooms, with buffet or American style breakfast. Usual hotel amenities apply, including a shared lounge, an outdoor pool, and business center.

From the hotel’s central location, guests can explore Galveston’s famous downtown area and its old Victorian architecture, seek out the more unusual souvenirs in its many antique and bric-a-brac stores, and enjoy the museums, galleries and eateries. For those who prefer to be more active, there are golf courses close by, or you can enjoy a little fishing off the pier.

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

• Near beach
• Family friendly
• Ocean facing rooms with balcony

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

5. Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites Onsite Team ★★★ (Private Balcony)

A condominium of 180, 3-star self-catering apartments on Galveston Island, each apartment has a private balcony, small bedroom, living/sleeping room, kitchenette, and bathroom, making it ideal for those wishing to come and go as they please.

Enjoy a little exercise in the two outside pools, before taking lunch in the picnic and barbeque areas. Located in the suburbs on the beachfront at Seawall, Casa Del Mar is close to some of Galveston’s best restaurants, fast food outlets, and places of interest.

Why Stay Here

• Rooms with kitchen
• Family friendly
• Located right on the Seawall beachfront

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

6. DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach ★★★★

If you want a little more than just rest and relaxation, Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel on Galveston Beach may suite your needs. This 97 room 4-star hotel has 2 restaurants, conference facilities, a lounge/beach bar, swim-up bar, pool bar, a 24 hour fitness center, and on-site cycle rental.

If that’s not enough to keep your activity levels up, close by you will find Segway rental, parasailing, kayaking, surfing, and windsurfing. While a 10 minute drive will get you to the local Sea Golf Course. The hotel is within walking distance of Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, while other close by landmarks include The Bryan Museum just a 10 minute walk, and the Strand Historic District a 20 minute walk.

Why Stay Here

• Good location by the beach
• Nice pool area
• Rooms with balconies

Cruise Expert Rating: 7/10

Other popular & budget friendly hotels, often booked by cruisers

1. SpringHill Suites Galveston Island ★★★ (Free Parking)

If you’re driving to Galveston cruise port, the SpringHill Suites Hotel, located at 6303, Broadway Street, is well located and easy to reach by car. The cruise terminals are 10 minutes away. Free parking is available for guest staying at the hotel.

This 74 bed hotel is made up of roomy, airy, sofa bed studios, which can sleep up to six guests. Its modern style is enhanced with contemporary furnishings and an entrance-way gallery of work by local artists. The hotel has an indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center for those wishing to maintain their fitness levels.

For the evening a number of international eateries are within a five minute walk. Local attractions within a few minutes drive include 61st Street Fishing Pier, Galveston Convention Center, and Seawall Beach.

Why Stay Here

• Easy drive to cruise ship terminal
• Good value for money
• Free parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston ★★ (Affordable)

Just a minute’s walk from Seawall Beach on the Texas Gulf Coast, the 120 room, 3-star La Quinta Inn and Suites offers comfortable rooms with bath, shower, and all usual amenities. Furnishings are modern and business-like, but comfortable enough.

Facilities include a meeting room, 24 hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and spa tub. Tea and coffee are available in the communal area, and a continental breakfast is included. A number of Galveston’s most popular attractions are within a ten minute walk, as are five popular fast-food outlets.

The hotel offers cruise parking, so you can park you vehicle while on cruise (please check with hotel for latest information). Best way to get to the port is by Uber, Lyft or taxi cab.

Why Stay Here

• Great value for money
• Good for 1 night pre-or post cruise stay

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Homewood Suites By Hilton Galveston ★★★

This Hilton Galveston hotel is situated in the East End district of Galveston, with the cruise terminal a 10-minute drive away. Its 88 guest-rooms incorporate a number of family rooms. Rooms are studio style, with many including full size kitchens capable of cooking a complete meal for four guests.

Inside is a 24-hour business center, communal meeting area with tea and coffee making equipment. A buffet or American breakfast is available, and the hotel also offers a free food and drink shopping service. For those wanting to explore, the hotel is a couple of minutes from the nearest beach, with other places of interest a few minutes walk away.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Rooms with kitchen

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

Looking for something else? Unique Places to Stay near Cruise Terminal

1. The Mansion on 17th, formerly Schaefer Haus ★★★★ (Free Cruise Parking)

Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the usual steel, mortar, and glass skyscraper hotels, for something a little more unique, a little more personal. The Mansion on 17th is a 12 roomed, faux colonial style residence, converted into a luxury guest house.

Each of the 12 rooms is individually decorated, and furnished with traditional style furniture and drapes. All rooms are en-suite. The communal lounge is also in traditionally style, and a great place to meet with friends before that night out. A buffet or American breakfast is available, and a number of local landmarks are all within a five minute walk.

You can leave your car parked at the property and they will happily drive you to the cruise terminal.

Why Stay Here

• Bed and Breakfast
• Close to Galveston cruise port
• Free shuttle & cruise parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

2. Carr Mansion ★★★

Carr Mansion is an impressive looking Greek revival mansion, converted into an adults-only, 3-star bed and breakfast establishment, and located just a mile from the Moody Mansion Museum. This 19th century property has been artfully decorated and furnished, to seamlessly blend the old style architecture with modern décor and antique furnishings. From brass fittings, to paintings by local artists, there are personal touches everywhere.

Its 8 rooms are all individually decorated, and come with private bathroom and patio or balcony. A communal lounge and bar is available, with a buffet breakfast in the morning. A good number of visitor attractions and restaurants are just a short car ride away.

Why Stay Here

• Breakfast included
• Restored 19th century Greek Revival mansion
• 6 minutes from cruise terminals

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

3. Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast ★★★★ (Top)

Located on 1914 Avenue M, Galveston, this 5 bedroom B&B was built in 1887. Construction is Queen Anne style, with the interior fittings, furniture, and decor remaining faithful to the period, providing a unique 19th century feel.

For that romantic getaway, the Coppersmith Inn offers two private suites with their own entrances, Clara’s Cottage, and The Carriage House. Each room comes with its own bathroom, and the Inn has a communal lounge. A full breakfast is included and the B&B is close to beaches and other attractions.

Why Stay Here

• Bed and Breakfast
• Located in Lost Bayou historical district
• 6 minutes from Port of Galveston

Cruise Expert Rating: 9.5/10

What are the Best Hotels near Houston George Bush International Airport?

If your flight arrives late in the evening you can opt to stay in Houston near George Bush International Airport.

If you are in early you can already make your way to Galveston. The island is a tourist destination where you could stay at least a day before or after your cruise vacation.

1. Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental ★★★★

Located on John F Kennedy Boulevard, Houston, Texas, this 4-star hotel is connected to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport by a free airport tram shuttle system. The Houston Airport Marriot has 565 comfortably elegant studios, suites, and family rooms. The popular steakhouse/bar is great for meeting friends for a drink or evening dining, and an American Grill serves breakfasts and lunch.

Other amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour business center and complimentary airport shuttle. The Houston Marriot is the closest hotel to Houston Airport.

Why Stay Here

• One of best hotels near Houston Airport
• Easy to get to/from terminal by free train-shuttle
• Great location

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

2. SpringHill Suites Houston Intercontinental Airport ★★★

Another 3-star hotel on the John F Kennedy Boulevard, and just a mile from Houston Texas International Airport, the 156 room SpringHill Suites offers a free shuttle service to and from to the airport. Each suite includes private bathroom, sofa bed, fridge, and microwave.

You can cool off in the outdoor pool. Work-out in the fitness center. Get working in the business center. Or just chill on the terrace with a coffee or wine from the bar. A free breakfast buffet is available in the morning.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Free airport shuttle
• Outdoor pool

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Courtyard by Marriott Houston Intercontinental Airport ★★★

This 3-star hotel just a few minutes from George Bush International Airport that benefits from a free airport shuttle. The 127 letting units comprise rooms or suites, and all have the usual amenities, including private bathrooms.

There is an onsite coffee shop, as well as tea and coffee being available from the communal area, which can be enjoyed on the terrace, or while relaxing in the garden. A continental or à la carte breakfast is available in the morning, and a good selection of local attractions are available within a short drive of the hotel, including the Houston Grand Prix, and the Golf Club of Houston.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Free airport shuttle
• Great location

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

Map

(Latest update December 30th 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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