Any BEACHFRONT hotels in Galveston? (Austin, West: spring break, real estate, oceanfront)

[Almost Heaven WV girl]

Where would you stay in Galveston? (I realize that some of the places that people might have recommended in the past may not be back up to par post Ike.)

Thinking of spending a few days in Galveston within the next few weeks -- July 2009. Would like a BEACHFRONT hotel instead of having to cross the road. Any recommendations? We are looking for something that has a really nice pool (preferably oceanfront) and is a better hotel or resort with private balconies and oceanfront rooms. Also something where the beach is in good shape and lastly, something that has been renovated after Ike and wouldn't have to hear construction going on while we are there.

Any opinions will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

BTW -- I know that there are condos available from private individuals, but we won't be there for more than 3 or 4 days and I think most of those places like weekly rentals.

[westres1]

Palisade Palms is on the East end and those down there are the only Beachfront resorts/condos. All the Hotels are behind the Seawall and you have to cross the road.

[AK123]

We used to always stay at the SeaScape which is right on the beach. Haven't been since Ike though. They are condos, but we never had problems booking only 2-3 nights at a time for a long weekend.

You might also look at Pointe West . I've never been but have a friend who has and she said it rocks.

[buffy888]

You will have to cross the street from the hotels, but there are crosswalks/stop lights and frequent opportunities to cross. If you are taking kids, they would probably like the Holiday Inn SunSpree. The pool at the San Luis is pretty nice as is the one at the Hilton (this is smaller). Also, the Moody Gardens hotel is away from the water (but not too far of a drive), but again might be a good pick if you are taking kids.

Otherwise, as others have posted, condos are really the only ones right on the beach. Whether you are booking through an individual or an agency, many of these will take stays shorter than a week. If you are planning on booking 2 or more hotel rooms, you might even consider looking into a beach house rental; sometimes you can find pretty good deals on these that would make it about the same as or just a bit higher than a hotel (but w/kitchen, more room to spread out, etc.). Some of these will take stays of less than a week as well. Fairly rare for these to have pools, though. The Galveston CVB website lists rentals by individuals as well as by real estate/mgmt companies. Some are listed on some of the vacation rental sites as well.

[Bowie]

I saw an article this week that said the Flagship Hotel, which was on the side of the street you're looking for, will be torn down. Apparently the damage it sustained from Ike was too costly to repair.

[LizzySWW]

Here's The Flagship, I took this a few months ago. It looks pretty bad:

[HookTheBrotherUp]

At least in my opinion. I've stayed at the Flagship in the past, and it was no better than a Motel , with room service. The hotel was a novelty, the only hotel in the US over water, at least that is what I think the claim was.

As bad as it was, it was a landmark in Galveston. The island would not look the same without it. I hope they build a new one. If not, well, there goes another historic landmark. Anytime a hurricane would come close, everyone wanted to know what damage the Flagship took, and it usually had some damage.

So, if a new hotel is not built in its place, at least I can rest knowing I took part in the history of the island. I hope Galveston does allow a new structure to go up.

[xsloane]

If you do a search on expedia.com or hotel.com you will be able to see the hotels on a map. If you want a hotel in front of the beaches, then choose something on Seawall and 61st and up since the ones west from it (61st and down) have ocean but no beach.
Crossing Seawall is a life threatening action!! No one stops and the lights are very far one from the other and there are cross walks only for the traffic lights.
The life guards wisthle every other minute, there are police cars and ambulances everywhere... Not a very quiet place there.
If you want a better, much better place to relax at the beach, go west, to the State Park. They opened in May again and things are looking good. You will have showers (which not all the pocket beach parks do) and porta-potties (on the day camp area) or toilets (on the overnight camping area).
It is beatiful down there! And 90 degrees at the ocean feels like heaven compared to 100+ here in Austin area.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

At least in my opinion. I've stayed at the Flagship in the past, and it was no better than a Motel , with room service. The hotel was a novelty, the only hotel in the US over water, at least that is what I think the claim was.

As bad as it was, it was a landmark in Galveston. The island would not look the same without it. I hope they build a new one. If not, well, there goes another historic landmark. Anytime a hurricane would come close, everyone wanted to know what damage the Flagship took, and it usually had some damage.

So, if a new hotel is not built in its place, at least I can rest knowing I took part in the history of the island. I hope Galveston does allow a new structure to go up.

My family stayed at the Flagship a couple of days over spring break in '08. I agree with your assessment that it wasn't luxurious. With a coupon, it was a good value, considering its location.

The article I mentioned before stated that the hotel was owned by Landry's. It said they haven't announced their future plans for what they will put on the land after the Flagship is torn down.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

They have a special right, or permit that was grandfathered in, so the fact that they can build a structure on a pier is unique in Galveston. I've heard that if they don't build a new hotel, they will build a boardwalk of some kind, something like the one in Santa Monica. We'll see, times are hard for Fertitta (owner), plus he also has the Kemah boardwalk to deal with which is not 100% almost a year after Hurrican Ike.