Harbor House Hotel And Marina
Located right on Galveston Wharf with gorgeous bay views, Harbor House Hotel and Marina welcomes cruisers with spacious rooms that include a refrigerator, microwave and Wi-fi. Close to the Strand for shopping and dining, this is one of the closest hotels to Galveston cruise port and convenient for visitors wanting to visit the Seaport Museum and the Tall ship Elissa.
- Distance from port: 0.3 miles
- Address: No 28 Pier 21, Galveston Island
- Phone number: 763-3321
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 saltwater pool, fitness center, and 24-hour business center. 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
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.
Why Stay Here
Staying Close To Galveston Port
While both George Bush and Hobby offer the typical array of airport accommodations, Cruise Critic members recommend staying on Galveston Island, where you donât need to worry about traffic, and the cruise port is just a few minutes away.
Traveling from Idaho, planned on arriving a day early, to enjoy the pleasures of the coast. âWe are staying at Gaidos â we will get there in the dark but hoping for a beautiful sunrise on departure day, right on the Gulf.â Houston-based geofeo approves of that choice. âGaidos is nice. Right across from the beach. Eat at the restaurant, very good.â The hotel, full-name Gaidos Seaside Inn, offers a cruise ship special when booked directly with them, which includes free parking for the duration of your cruise as well as complimentary transportation to the port. Texas Tillie agrees, about the restaurant, noting its long legacy, calling it a âlocal institution.â He writes that Gaidos âhas been serving seafood in Galveston since the earth cooled!â
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Where To Stay Near Cruise Port Of Galveston In Texas
You can easily find Galveston cheap motels and affordable or more luxurious hotels in different parts of town, and most of them are situated close to the cruise ship terminals. Stay within easy walking distance, or a short distance away right on the beach . Some hotels will shuttle you for free to the port and offer free car parking.
If you want to stay close to the port, nearest hotels are located within walking distance of both terminals. Closest properties are The Tremont House and Harbor House Hotel and Marina. Both hotels are 5 minutes drive from Galveston Beach, as well as the dining and shopping options of the Strand Historic District.
Some Galveston hotels offer a free shuttle to the port, as well as free car parking such as the Holiday Inn Resort, and Inn at the Waterpark. Very reasonable is the La Quinta Inn & Suites.
Galveston Hotels With Free Cruise Parking
Its one of the best-kept secrets in Galveston cruising. If you know about it, however, you can save some serious money.
Since Galveston caters to tourism and the cruise industry, many hotels will do everything they can to earn your business. That includes letting you park your car during your trip at a huge discount or often even for free. To take advantage of this perk, you simply need to stay at the hotel/motel before you leave on your cruise.
While a number of the hotels have cruise and park packages that raise the price of the room to include parking, lots of smaller or independent places will just let you park for free. Many will also provide a free shuttle to the port.
To give you an idea of where you can find hotels offering this service, we started with all the hotels on Galveston Island. Then, using Kayak.com, we narrowed our list down to those offer 2-star or higher accommodations and positive reviews. Finally, we searched for only those offering cruise parking. The list below should be a good starting point, but keep in mind that it may not list every hotel with the perk.
Also, be sure to confirm the details with the hotels below just in case anything has changed.
Two Star Hotels:
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What Are The Best Beach Hotels In Galveston Near Cruise Port
1. The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
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
- Rooms with ocean view & balcony
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
2. Hotel Galvez and Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel
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.
Cruise parking is available. It is a one-time fee of $40/vehicle. The charge includes the overnight parking stay and then up to 7-nights that you are gone on the cruise.
Why Stay Here
3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach
Why Stay Here
- Ocean facing rooms with balcony
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
Why Stay Here
Why Stay Here
Red Roof Plus Galveston Beachfront
A little further from the cruise port, Red Roof Plus Galveston Beachfront has well-appointed rooms with free Wi-fi, air-conditioning, tea/coffee makers and satellite TV. Close to the beach and offering ocean view rooms, this 2-star hotel represents great value for money just a short walk from restaurants, attractions and Galveston pier.
- Distance from port: 3.1 miles
- Address: 3924 Avenue U, Galveston island
- Phone number: 750-9400
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Galveston Hotels With Cruise Shuttles To The Port
Headed for a cruise in Galveston and need a hotel with a shuttle to the port?
Staying on the island before or after your cruise is highly recommended. Galveston is one of the most historic cities in Texas, and as a tourist destination, there are tons of things for you to do. Add that to the miles of Gulf Coast beaches and Galveston should be a port of call itself not just a place to board your cruise ship.
Of course, if youre staying at a local hotel, then you still have to get to the cruise port.
Luckily, Galveston is a fairly compact. Any hotel on the island will only be a $10-15 Uber/Lyft ride to the cruise terminal. Still, its much more convenient if you dont have to worry about a ride at all and simply have transportation provided by the hotel.
Thats why we called and spoke to dozens of hotels on the island to see if they offer a shuttle to the cruise port. Many hotels do, making it easy to get to the ship on cruise day.
The hotels listed below told us they offer a shuttle to the port or have one listed on their website. We suggest calling ahead about any prices listed, as they can change.
Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. Review ratings come from Google and are rounded to the nearest half-point.
Ideal Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port With Shuttle
As Galveston is a top vacation destination as well as a popular cruise port, theres a huge choice of hotels near Galveston cruise port for cruisers to choose from. We cut through the confusion and list the best hotels for cruisers, including the cheapest and closest places to stay in Galveston.
We also list hotels with cruise shuttle service to and from the port. Some charge a modest fee while other cruise shuttles are complimentary with a Cruise and Stay package.
First, a few quick facts about Port of Galveston for cruisers. The port was established in 1825, when Texas was still part of Mexico. It remains one of the oldest ports in the Gulf of Mexico. It is now the 4th busiest cruise port in North America, serving over a million cruisers every year.
Related: Extensive Guide to Port of Galveston Cruise Parking
The port itself is on the east end of Galveston Island, a 27-mile long barrier island connected to the mainland via the I-45 and the San Luis Pass toll bridge. Most hotels close to Galveston cruise port are found on Galveston Island, so check out our round-up of the most ideal hotels near Galveston cruise port for a pre- or post-cruise stay.
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Hotels With Cruise Parking
With amenities and attractions minutes from the harbor, its no surprise many Galveston hotels offer free cruise parking and/or transportation to the terminal. Some offer parking for your vehicle while you are cruising from Galveston while others offer shuttles to the cruise terminal. Some are complimentary while others charge a fee. Click the website links for a list of options.
Port Of Galveston Hotels Faqs:
What hotel is truly the closest to the Galveston cruise port?
The closest hotel to Galveston cruise port is the luxury Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21. It is just 0.3 miles from the cruise terminal and close to the Strand for shopping and dining.
Is there a hotel that is walking distance to the Port of Galveston?
There are several hotels within walking distance of Galveston cruise port including Harbor House Hotel , Tremont House and Knights Inn .
What hotels in Galveston offer cruise parking?
There are several hotels near Galveston cruise port offering cruise parking packages. Comfort Inn and Suites on Seawall Blvd is hard to beat for free cruise parking for guests.
What hotels near Galveston cruise port have free shuttle?
Gaidos Seaside Inn offers free cruise parking for guests and complimentary shuttle transfers. Alternatively, consider Beachfront Palms, at 5914 Seawall Blvd which offers free cruise parking and will arrange transfers with a local taxi company for a fee.
What is the best area to stay in Galveston?
The best area to stay in Galveston is around the Historic Strand District. This downtown area has excellent shopping, restaurants and nightclubs as well as the Pier 21 theater, Seaport Museum and the three-masted Tall Ship Elissa.
Main Photo Credit: Kokoulina / Shutterstock.com
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The Complete Guide To Hotels Near The Port Of Galveston
Florida may be the cruise capital of the world, but dont count Texas out just yet the Port of Galveston is a popular departure point for almost a million people taking to the seas every year.
If youre ready to join them, dont forget to reserve a pre-departure hotel room in Galveston for the night before your cruise. This will eliminate the risk of flight delays or cancellations causing you to miss your ship andensure a stress-free trip to the port.
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels to unique Airbnb apartments and everything in between, this Port of Galveston hotel guide has everything you need to book the perfect stay before your cruise!
Moody Garden Hotel Spa & Convention Center
While not offering amenities specific to cruising, this list would not be complete without mentioning Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center. This 4 star hotel is popular among Galveston visitors because there is so much to do and see, right on the resort property. There is a botanical garden, aquarium and rain-forest, a spa, beautiful beach and three restaurants. Kids will enjoy the 3-D theatre and Discovery Pyramid science exhibit and Palm Beach with its lazy river, wave pool and slides.
The hotel itself has an outdoor tropical pool with a swim-up bar, Jacuzzi and adults-only area, complete with cabanas and poolside beds. There is also an indoor lap pool, perfect for a bit of exercise, or a dip in the water in cooler weather. This pool is fully accessible. The rooms themselves offer luxurious bedding, complimentary WiFi, bath robes and maid service twice a day. Long term parking and shuttle can be arranged by contacting the hotel. For more information on Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center and great prices on rates, click here.
Miles to Port : 5.7 miles
Airport Transfer : No
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Closest Hotels To The Port Of Galveston
Galveston is an interesting city to explore, but at the end of the day, this trip is all about your cruise. If convenience if your number one concern when booking your pre-departure stay, these are the closest hotels to the Port of Galveston:
- The Tremont House 0.1 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21 0.4 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Shaefer Haus 0.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- The Villa Bed and Breakfast 1 mile from the Port of Galveston
- Coppersmith Inn B& B 1.1 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Avenue O Bed and Breakfast 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Carr Mansion 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Rosenberg Motel 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Lasker Inn Bed and Breakfast 1.2 from the Port of Galveston
- Lost Bayou Guest House B& B 1.3 from the Port of Galveston
- Four Points by SheratonGalveston 1.5 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson 1.6 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Knights Inn Galveston 1.7 miles from the Port of Galveston
- La Quinta Inn 1.7 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Ocean Inn 1.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Hotel Galvez and Spa 1.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Pearl Inn 1.9 miles from the Port of Galveston
- DoubleTree by Hilton 1.9 from the Port of Galveston
- Condo di Cocco 2 miles from the Port of Galveston
Things To Keep In Mind
Although Galveston is geared toward welcoming visitors and has many hotel rooms to choose from, we recommend you make your reservations in advance, especially during the busy periods for cruises or during festivals when hotels might be booked up. This will help ensure you are able to get your preferred hotel and room type.
We also recommend you call the hotel you are interested in to check the availability of their Park & Cruise packages as there may be a limited number of rooms available with this offer and some hotels may only offer this option if you make the reservation directly with them.
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Dining Out: Fresh Eats Fished From The Gulf
Surrounded by saltwater, restaurants on Galveston Island serve up some of the best and freshest seafood youll find anywhere. Set at the nexus of the South, the West and Texas, with Caribbean and Latin America not so far away, this is a place with diverse culinary influences.
But, defying what your mother always told you, try some candy before dinner. Go to La Kings Confectionary. You can actually walk there from the cruise pier, writes Petroplex.I get a kick out of watching them make their own candy. I like eating the candy even more. The 1920s throwback has a long counter selling more than 50 candies, including absolute classics like fresh, saltwater taffy and peanut brittle. Even better theres a soda fountain, plus ice cream.
But you wont really want to ruin your dinner, with so many places to dine out. Member ssb recommends a number of local establishments, including the romantic Rudy & Paco, which serves up Gulf shrimp, snapper and grouper with a Latin twist , as well as the fine dining at Shearns Seafood and Prime Steaks, which specializes in garlic-infused Shrimp de Jonghe and a rich lobster bisque, with ninth-floor sunset views out over Galveston Bay.
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Furnished Apartments Near The Port Of Galveston
Sometimes you just crave the comforts of home, even when youre on the road. When thats the case, skip the stuffy hotel rooms and book a furnished apartment in Galveston instead. Airbnb has more than 300 rooms available near Port Galveston and caters to the needs of every traveler by allowing you to filter homes by different preferences, like whether or not its a private or shared space, has a pool or gym, and much more.
Another perk of using Airbnb to find your accommodation near the Port of Galveston is the ability to choose from many unique options that you just wont find anywhere else. There are beachfront condos, manor mansions, RV/campers, boats for rent, and even a tiny home on a Christmas Tree farm for a truly special experience before your cruise departs.
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