Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites

Parts of Casa Del Mar are dated, but overall, the property is bright, colorful, and clean. It's set up as a condominium complex, and each unit can be reached by an outside doorway and staircase. There is an elevator in the spacious lobby, but not much else besides a long reception desk, wicker chairs, and a TV. The Casa Del Mar hosts a few business travelers, but most of the guests are families, empty-nesters, and snowbirds who stay for several weeks or months. 

The hotel is directly across the street from the beach along busy Seawall Boulevard, on the corner of 61st Highway/H 342. There are several restaurants within one block -- Golden Corral, Jimmy Johns, Popeye’s, plus a Mexican and Asian restaurant. There's also a gas station, along with a few other businesses and shops on the opposite corner. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a five-minute drive down Seawall Boulevard from the hotel, and Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Water Park, on the other side of the island, are about a six-minute drive. Houston is about an hour's drive away, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a bit over an hour.

The sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean permeate the private balconies of every room at the Casa Del Mar. But some rooms are situated on the busy 61st Street side of Seawall Boulevard and get noise from the street. All units have the same floor plan and are equipped to function as self-contained condominiums. The compact bedrooms have queen-size beds and small flat-screen TVs. There's a narrow hallway with a towel closet and built-in bunk beds, and living areas with small but nicely updated kitchens featuring granite countertops, small refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and sinks. They come equipped with toasters, coffeemakers, utensils, and dishes, but no dishwashers. Living rooms have sleeper sofas, small dining tables, and narrow, private balconies with seating and incredible ocean views. The carpet and furniture are dated but bedding and decor have been updated. Bathrooms have granite countertops and large tiles lining the floor and walls of the shower/tub combos. Every unit has free Wi-Fi and irons and ironing boards. 

Casa Del Mar has no restaurant or dining area -- guests must make use of the unit kitchens or dine elsewhere -- but there are several meeting and presentation rooms, one equipped with a full kitchen for banquets and events. A nicely landscaped outdoor pool and hot tub, both heated in the winter months, give another gathering point. A computer and printer are available for guests' use as is a guest laundry area. Free outdoor, semi-covered parking is available, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel's front desk is open 24 hours.