Hilton Galveston Island Resort

The island’s convention center is next to this hotel, so it naturally hosts many conference delegates who often bring their families to combine business with pleasure. The spacious lobby reflects the business influence, with subdued earth tones and leather furniture. It’s tastefully decorated with some Asian-inspired accents, but it lacks energy. A livelier beach resort vibe exists around the hotel’s beautiful pool, where guests can swim to an island and stay in the water while enjoying a cocktail and listening to music. The private pool cabanas help give it an upscale feel. 

The Hilton is located on Seawall Blvd., across the street from the beach and next to the Galveston Island Convention Center. A supermarket and several restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk, including an IHOP. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a six-minute drive or ride on the hotel’s free shuttle. The Port of Galveston cruise terminals are 11 minutes away by car, and Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is a 13-minute drive. Approximate drive times to Houston’s Hobby Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport are 50 and 80 minutes, respectively. 

Much like the hotel’s public spaces, the guest rooms are modern and pleasant, but lack vibrant colors and energy. The carpet is two-tone brown, with lighter swirls that match solid drapes, accent walls, and padded headboards. Upholstered armchairs and leather ottomans are darker brown. White duvets and large pieces of contemporary art help brighten what is otherwise a fairly dark motif. One upscale touch is granite tables with benches, and vanities with magnifying mirrors for applying makeup outside the bathrooms. 

Units are spacious and come in King and Double options, with categories determined by views (Gulf, pool, and city) and if private balconies are included, and Suites with separate living rooms also are available. Executive rooms offer access to the Executive Lounge that has a free continental breakfast, soft drinks, and evening hors d’oeuvres. 

Bathrooms are spacious have black granite vanities and marble tile framing the shower/tub combos, plus Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, robes, slippers, desks, and free Wi-Fi. Units are generally clean and well-maintained, but some past guests have reported minor issues such as noisy air-conditioning units and bathroom grout that could use a more thorough scrubbing -- something we witnessed in some rooms. 

This beachfront, resort-style hotel features a huge heated pool with a rock island that includes a swim-up bar. Several private cabanas are available for rent, and a whirlpool is next to the pool. The Palm Court restaurant serves casual fare with a Gulf Coast flair for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner. The Lounge lobby bar also has light fare, and 24-hour room service is available. 

The fitness center is nothing to call home about, but it has several pieces of Precor cardio equipment with video screens and free weights. The hotel’s meeting space can accommodate up to 380 people, there's a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, guest laundry facilities are on-site, and there's also a gift shop sells snacks as well as sundries and an array of clothing and souvenirs. Cruise passengers will appreciate "stay and cruise" packages that include free parking while they’re cruising. Daily self-parking is free, but valet parking is not. The hotel also offers scheduled shuttle service to the cruise terminal and to Pleasure Pier. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.