DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Galveston Beach

This casual hotel is geared toward couples and families seeking fun in the south Texas sun. The bright lobby is decorated with vibrant colors in a whimsical, almost shabby-chic style. There are a few contemporary armchairs clustered in a mini-lounge, but people don’t spend much time there after checking in. The action typically centers around the inviting pool, with its swim-up deck and bar overlooking the ocean. Expect the sunny pool to be quite crowded during Spring Break and other peak times, particularly during the Longboard Bar’s popular happy hours. Lots of travelers who take cruises out of the Port of Galveston choose this comfortable hotel from pre- and post-cruise stays. The hotel exudes a distinct tropical beach resort vibe.

The DoubleTree is located on Seawall Blvd., just across the street from a beach. Several restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk, including a Denny’s. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is 15 minutes away on foot, or just a one-minute drive or ride on the hotel’s free shuttle. Stewart Beach State Park is four minutes by car, and the Port of Galveston cruise terminals are six minutes away. The Galveston Island Convention Center is a six-minute drive, and Moody Gardens is a 19-minute drive. The popular Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is near Moody Gardens as well. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the Scholes International Airport at Galveston, and approximate drive times to Houston’s Hobby Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport are 50 and 80 minutes, respectively.

Guest rooms are eye-catching, with colorful, midcentury modern-inspired style. Lacquered doors, molded plastic desk chairs, and platform beds are done in bright orange, there are attractive side tables that mix white Formica with ash-colored wood, plus chevron-stripped carpeting. The rooms provide ample space for comfort and include small seating areas. Suites aren't significantly larger, but they include sleeper sofas. King and Double Queens are the bed options for both standard rooms and suites. Some units feature full or partial ocean views, while others overlook the pool area. Likewise, some rooms have small balconies with seating. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, Smeg mini-fridges, iHome docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have wide vanities with stylish circular mirrors and large walk- in showers.

This beachfront hotel is designed for fun in the sun, with a spacious outdoor pool that has a swim-up deck and bar. The pool is open year-round, but it isn't heated. The Longboard Pool Bar also serves regional favorites for lunch and dinner. Inside, the casual Foxtail restaurant offers features fresh seafood and other American classics. It’s open for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner. Room service is available. The 24-hour fitness center is a bit narrow and cramped, but it offers free weights and several pieces of modern Life Fitness cardio equipment. For outdoor exercise, the hotel offers free loaner bicycles. The hotel operates free shuttle service to popular island spots like the Pier. The 24-hour business center has two computers and a printer, and there's more than 800 square feet of meeting space. There's also guest laundry and valet dry cleaning and laundry. Parking is on-site, but it’s not free. The hotel offers parking and cruise packages that include a shuttle to and from the cruise terminal. Wi-Fi is free throughout.