2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, Texas, United States
Conveniently located near Moody Gardens, and
two blocks from the water park
Rooms are spacious, and come with mini-fridges,
microwaves, and coffeemakers
Large mini-golf course surrounds the property
The on-site Jungle Cafe serves burgers and Southern fare, and
delivers to rooms
Free parking, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast
Free parking for cruise-bound guests, and inexpensive shuttle service to the cruise terminal
Computer and printer for guests' use
Some rooms and common areas look tired and dated, with
old upholstery, furniture, and carpeting
Seawall Boulevard and beach a 10- to 15-minute drive away
No bar on property
No pool
Two blocks from Schlitterbahn Water Park and Moody Gardens, this budget hotel is a convenient choice for families and cruise-bound tourists -- it's surrounded by an outdoor mini-golf course, has an outdoor pool, and offers free parking and inexpensive shuttle service to cruise-line guests. Like the lobby and restaurant, the 151 guest rooms, which are spacious and well-priced, are a bit dated and tired-looking, with old carpeting, furniture, and upholstery, although some have been renovated. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast. A better budget option could be the Days Inn & Suites Galveston West/Seawall, with updated, contemporary rooms.
Scene
Dated but clean, welcoming, and family-friendly
The large mini-golf course, with its zany pirate and animal figurines, leaves little doubt that the Inn at the Waterpark caters to families with children. Situated in a series of two-story buildings with rooms that are reached from outdoor corridors and stairs, the hotel shows its age in its lobby and breakfast room, where dark leaf-patterned carpeting clashes with unmatched furniture. Still, the hotel is clean and welcoming, with small glass tables holding potted tropical plants. The outdoor pool area, with metal and plastic loungers, is small but immaculate. The Jungle Cafe serves a variety of burgers, salads, spuds, and Southern fried fare for lunch and dinner, and with a roll of paper towels on each table, is unabashedly casual.
Location
Near Moody Gardens and the cruise-line terminal, two blocks from waterpark, and 10- to 15-minute drive to the Seawall
This location is convenient for visiting Moody Gardens, which is within a two-minute walk, and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, within an eight-minute walk. The Lone Star Flight Museum is about a 15-minute walk. The hotel is not within walking distance of Seawall Boulevard and the beach, but Stewart Beach can be reached in about a 15-minute drive. Houston is within an hour's drive, depending on traffic, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about an hour and 20 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Spacious, with mini-fridges and microwaves, but dated decor and furniture
The 151 rooms are spacious and clean with comfortable beds, but most of the furniture, curtains, carpeting, and upholstery is dated. Bed coverings have 1980s-era pastel patterns, and the armchairs and ottomans are a clashing maroon or dark pink; TVs are older model flat-screens. Rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Rooms are larger and have small dining tables. Bathrooms have Paya toiletries, and shower/tub combos.
Features
Mini-golf, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
The standout feature at the Inn at the Waterpark is the large mini-golf course that surrounds the property. The hotel also offers free outdoor parking, Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast -- which includes pancakes -- and an outdoor pool. Guests departing for cruises can leave their cars at the hotel at no charge, and the hotel operates an inexpensive shuttle to the cruise terminal. The lobby has a desk with a computer and printer available for guests' use. There is also a popular restaurant, but no bar, on-site – The Jungle Cafe serves burgers, salads, spuds, and southern fried fare for lunch and dinner and will deliver food to rooms.