11 Best Beachfront Hotels in Galveston, Texas

Galveston, which is tucked on a barrier island, is a part beach resort and part Southern historic town. But overall, it’s Houston’s favorite seaside bolthole, and it’s easy to see why. Firstly, it boasts an elegant historic center with stunning Victorian architecture and a rich cultural heritage. But, above all, it has one of the best coastlines that Texas has to offer. And when there’s a coastline, there’s a beach hotel. There are many options for an amazing beachfront hotel in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. No matter whether you’re looking for luxury resorts or budget accommodations, there’s a hotel perfect for your Texas coast visit. 

What also helps is that the beaches here are one of the best places to see and visit in Texas. So, what are you waiting for? Here are the 11 best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, that allow you to stay directly on the beach. 

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

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The Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center is one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. Overlooking Offatts Bayou, this resort offers a breezy island-like atmosphere. You’re surrounded by more than 200 acres of tropical gardens, with gorgeous views of the Offatts Bayou. What’s more, Babe’s and Galveston beaches are less than five minutes away.

There’s a lot to do at the hotel, such as the stunning outdoor pool, where you can swim and then lounge on the daybeds. There’s even a mini beach and lazy river out there. Or, you could rent bikes to explore the property or the neighborhood. Afternoons are best spent indulging in a massage treatment at the spa. Dining options are abundant and don’t forget to try the fresh seafood. While all rooms and suites are amazing, stay at the Galveston Suite for a touch of indulgence. Or you could choose one of the rooms with views of the bayou.

Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa

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Best historic hotel. The Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa is the only “historic beachfront hotel on the Texan Gulf Coast.” In fact, it’s one of the best historic hotels in Texas, so you can see the allure! This historic 226-room resort sits right on the seawall and is named honoring the city’s first viscount for whom it was named. Plus, it sits on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Historic Hotels of America member! That’s why this six-storied, 1911-built Spanish colonial hotel was once called the “Queen of the Gulf” and the “Playground of the Southwest.”

The entire hotel has public areas and rooms with plush upholstery and traditional dark wood furnishings. What’s more, all amenities and facilities radiate enchanting allure and aim to make your stay magical. Spend a good amount of time at the full-service day spa, getting indulged with massages and treatments. You can begin your day at the pool, which even has a swim-up bar to order cocktails and drinks. When you get hungry, there are multiple restaurants, of which the outdoor grill with a tropical garden faces the sea. And, of course, the sea is right out front. Choose from a host of rooms with city views, partial gulf views, and full gulf views, of which the latter is obviously the best of the lot.

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites

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Best family-friendly. The Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites is one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. This all-suite hotel has suites that come with living areas, well-equipped kitchens, and private balconies. So, you can whip up meals any time you want. While most suites have partial views of the sea, the seafront ones are absolutely phenomenal. So, it’s much more than a hotel could offer. This is all the more amazing as the sandy beach lies right out front, just beyond the lush gardens.

If you were impressed by the digs, wait till you see the amenities. When you’re done with beach time, head back to the pool deck, which has not one, but two heated pools. While kids frolic in one, adults can enjoy some peaceful time in the other. Later on, congregate in the barbecue area and enjoy a fun meal outdoors.

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

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Most luxurious. If luxury is what you’re looking for, then look no further than the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center. The 32-acre beachfront setting is simply spectacular and is one of the best luxury hotels in Galveston. The beach is right out front; you step right onto the sand as soon as you step off the property. After spending a day at the beach, head to the adults-only 10th-floor lounge, where you can enjoy some drinks and food. Besides free Wi-Fi, there’s also a salon and spa onsite where you can spend a lazy and laid-back afternoon. Or, you could swim in and lounge at the pool, which has its own poolside bar from where you can order cocktails.

Choose from a host of rooms and suites that have coffee machines, luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products, flatscreen TVs, and bathrobes. But the highlight is the private balcony that they all have, along with a seating area.

Galveston Beach Hotel

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Best value for money. Galveston beach living can’t get any better than at the Galveston Beach Hotel, one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. This hotel sits right by the beach, so your feet are right on the sand as you step off the property. When you’re done with beach time, the hotel boasts an outdoor, sea-facing swimming pool. After pool time, you can work out in the fitness center or enjoy a drink or a bite in the shared lounge. In fact, there’s even a restaurant where you have complimentary breakfast and lunch, and dinner served daily. The rooms and suites are great, especially since they come with private bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and wardrobes. If you’re a larger group, then family rooms are also available.

Four Seasons on the Gulf

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Best for couples. The Four Seasons on the Gulf is one of the best hotels in Galveston, Texas. Tucked right next to the beach, this Galveston hotel is perfect for couples. This hotel has one of the most vibrant exteriors you’ll see in a hotel ever, and it’ll remind you of Damrak in Amsterdam. It sits on a low bluff overlooking the ocean, so the sand is just a hop, skip, and jump from the property. If you don’t want to spend time at the beach but rather gaze at it, there’s always the sea-facing outdoor pool. Aside from that, the hotel also has free Wi-Fi, a patio with a BBQ pit, alfresco furniture, and a picnic area.

The rooms and suites are amazing and have bathrooms, full kitchens, and TVs. Plus, some of the rooms have gorgeous views of the Gulf, so you can certainly spend all your time indoors.

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

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The Hilton Galveston Island Resort is one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. This Hilton property knows how to set the tone for its guests, along with a superb location. It sits right on Seawall Boulevard, right across the beach. So, the beachfront doesn’t get any better than this. Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the restaurant, after which you can grab a towel and head to the beach to relax on the daybed. If swimming in the sea is not your cup of tea, then the outdoor pool area with the swim-up bar is perfect for you.

Begin your evening at the lounge with snacks and cocktails before heading out to dinner at one of the best restaurants around. All rooms and suites at this resort have fridges, coffeemakers, slippers, bathrobes, and setting areas. But the best ones are definitely those that have balconies overlooking the ocean.

Suits Us

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If you’re looking for a sophisticated non-hotel in a peaceful seaside setting, then Suits Us should suit you well. This upscale apartment-condo property is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who want beachside seclusion. This two-bedroom space sleeps up to six people, complete with four-poster beds, luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products, and luxurious linens. The furnishings are a mix of traditional and modern, which is what makes staying here such a unique experience. Despite there being no restaurant for a few miles, the fully equipped kitchen means that you can whip up meals anytime you want. But what astounded us the most was the pool deck, which has a gorgeous heated outdoor pool that overlooks the ocean. The cherry on top is that the ocean is a two-minute walk from the condo. Suits us too!

Sandpiper Point

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Beach chic doesn’t get any better than at Sandpiper Point, one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, on the beach. In fact, beach access is right across a short wooden walkway, which brings you right onto the sand. Its location on West Beach is also perfect for those who crave solitude. Choose from a host of two-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to six people. What’s more, they also have dining areas, kitchens, and private bathrooms as well. There’s a lot more to do at this cool hotel, such as the heated swimming pool and the jacuzzi where you can cool off and lounge. Besides the free Wi-Fi, you can grab a towel and head across the walkway to the beach.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort

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Are you a large group of friends who want to stay in a beach villa? Then the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort is ideal for you. All villas have large living areas besides the plush bedrooms. What’s more, they all also have additional entertainment in the form of cable TVs, video games, and music systems, while some units even have private jacuzzis! That said, the best of the lot is the seafront villas, which sit on swathes of green right off the sand. So, step out of your villas, and you’re right on the beach. The rest of the hotel is no less impressive, as it’s home to a kids’ club, a fitness center, and a sea-facing infinity pool as well. A hot tub, a games room, and a shuffleboard court wrap up the amenities here.

The Tremont House

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The Tremont House is undoubtedly one of the best beachfront hotels in Galveston, Texas, that’s on the waterfront, even if it’s not on the beach. This elegant boutique downtown Galveston hotel lies just a street away from Galveston Channel, right on the harbor. It sits in the original 1839-built Tremont House, which was completely renovated in 1865 after a fire. Today, this luxury heritage hotel has an onsite restaurant serving delicious meals and a rooftop bar with gorgeous views of downtown, the Galveston Channel, and the Bay. Despite not having its own spa and pool, guests can gain access to the same at the Hotel Galvez Grand.

The high ceilings and custom-crafted furnishings extend to the rooms, of which the suites are particularly stunning, with plantation shutters and exposed brick. End the day with a walk along the gorgeous channel right up to the bay, or you could take a short five-minute drive to the beaches.

Our Verdict!

Aside from this list of amazing beachfront hotels in Galveston, we’ve also curated a smaller, specialized list of the best of the lot according to their best features.

• Best value for money: Galveston Beach Hotel
• Best family-friendly: Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
• Best historic: Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa
• Best for couples: Four Seasons on the Gulf

Where to Stay in Galveston, Texas?

Since Galveston is a barrier island, it has many gorgeous beach neighborhoods for you to explore and stay in. We begin with Downtown Galveston, which overlooks the Galveston Channel. What’s more, the neighborhood is flanked by Galveston Bay on both ends. It’s perfect for history and romance lovers as the neighborhood is full of Victorian architecture. Next, we have San Jacinto, which is located southeast of Downtown. It’s home to the gorgeous Stewart Beach and the Galveston Seawall. Ride bikes along the seawall, relax on the beaches or even take kayaking or boat tours from here.

Younger travelers will love East Beach, which lies on the island’s eastern edge. This vibrant spot is famed for its colorful festivals and summer concerts and is the only Galveston public beach where alcohol is allowed. There’s Jamaica Beach, which lies on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. It’s very popular with families. Finally, we have the eponymous Galveston Beach, which lies on the island’s southern side. The long sandy beach and promenade are the perfect place to spend a sun-kissed day in the town.

Which beach is better in Galveston?

The best-known beach in Galveston is probably Seawall Beach. Not only is it the most centrally located on the barrier island, but also it has many things to do. Plus, the 10-mile beach follows the seawall, the country’s longest continuous sidewalk.

What is the best part of Galveston to stay in?

The waterfront Downtown pays homage to the city’s past, thanks to the many historical attractions and museums.

Can you stay the night on the beach in Galveston?

No, camping on all Galveston beaches is not allowed from 12 am to 5 am. Plus, you cannot park on Seawall Boulevard overnight.