11743 Termini- San Luis Pass Road, (Farm Road 3005), Galveston, Texas, United States
Right on the beach
Apartment-style units have attractive, beachy decor, kitchenettes/kitchens, and separate living rooms
All are updated with flat-screen TVs with DVD players and free Wi-Fi
Pool, with whirlpool, looks out at the ocean
Small fitness center includes weight-training and cardio machines, as well as free weights
Kids' club includes indoor games as well as outdoor basketball and volleyball courts
Guests have access to grills for cooking out
No on-site restaurant
Pool is small compared to those at nearby properties
This condo-style Holiday Inn wows with its rooms; it may be a mid-range property, but even standard rooms verge on being upscale with attractive, beachy decor throughout (picture a blue-and-beige color scheme with up-to-date amenities such as flat-screen TVs with DVD players and free Wi-Fi). Bathrooms are a bit small in some rooms, but all units include fully-equipped kitchenettes (or kitchens) and separate living areas. Features are less impressive; though it provides direct beach access (some nearby properties require crossing a busy street to reach the same), the fitness center and outdoor pool are both small, and there's no restaurant. Kids will likely enjoy the game room and basketball court. The four-pearl San Luis Resort often has similar rates, but offers a more modern fitness center and pool, as well as several dining options.
Scene
Families meander throughout this beachfront property.
As with most Galveston hotels on the sand, this Holiday Inn attracts families en masse, particularly during the summer. While the beach and pool can get crowded, guests at least find plenty of space in the condo-style rooms. There's not much in the way of common spaces at this hotel -- just a simple front desk and then several small facilities like a fitness room and game room. Therefore, guests congregate by the pool and around the grills at dinnertime.
Location
Right on the sand in Galveston
While some resorts make guests cross a busy street before hitting the sand, this Holiday Inn sits right on it, making it a convenient and often safer choice for families, particularly those with young children. On one of the island's main stretches, it's just a short drive from numerous restaurants and attractions, such as Fort Crockett Seawall Park, The Strand Historic District, and Moody Gardens. It's about a 10-minute drive to Scholes International Airport at Galveston, and about an hour and a half to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Rooms
Condo-style rooms are the highlight.
The 126 condo-style units, comprised of one or two bedrooms, are a surprise to most guests as they feature up-to-date amenities and attractive, beachy decor that seems upscale for a Holiday Inn. While the look isn't overly elegant, it is reminiscent of a nice beach cottage; picture a blue-and-beige color scheme accented by interesting sculptures, local photography, and dark wood furniture. Fully-equipped kitchenettes and separate living rooms with sofa beds come standard, as do flat-screen TVs with DVD players and free Wi-Fi. Upgrading to an executive level unit or a suite means the addition of a full kitchen (with a stove, oven, and full refrigerator). Most rooms have balconies looking out at the ocean.
Features
A small fitness center and pool, but no restaurant
As a condo-style property, this Holiday Inn lacks some hotel-like conveniences such as a restaurant; guests are expected to cook meals in their kitchenettes or kitchens, or make use of the communal grills. There is a small fitness center and pool, but you'll find better ones at the similarly-priced San Luis Resort. The San Luis Resort, however, sits across the street from the beach while the Holiday Inn provides direct access. Other family-friendly amenities include a convenience store, kids' club, volleyball court, and basketball court.