With reasonable rates and a location right on the sand (versus being across the street, as many nearby hotels are), The Galvestonian is an extremely popular mid-range option. Most who stay here are families taking advantage of the condo-style units which have full kitchens and balconies with ocean views. Decor and layout varies greatly from room to room as they are individually owned. Although it lacks a kids' club or a long list of activities, the property does have a nice pool area as well as well-kept tennis courts and a small fitness center. Fee for use of fire pits and beach chairs are an annoyance, and there's no restaurant, but most guests seem to be content to make dinner in their rooms or cookout on the communal grills.

The 276 compact suites at the mid-range Casa Del Mar Beachfront are like self-contained condos, with private balconies, living rooms with sofa beds, separate bedrooms with queen beds, bunk beds for the kids, and small kitchens, making them especially well-suited for extended stays. Located right on the Seawall beachfront, the Casa Del Mar is directly across the street from the beach, and it's close to restaurants, shops, and attractions. It has an outdoor pool and hot tub, a barbecue area, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi throughout, and its rates are lower than other beachfront hotels in the area.

The three-pearl DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Galveston Beach is a good choice for families and couples seeking clean and comfortable waterfront accommodations. It's located just across the street from a beach and convenient to all that Galveston Island offers. Its 97 guest rooms are stylish and colorful, done with midcentury modern-inspired decor, and they're nicely equipped with flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Highlights include a spacious pool with swim-up bar, full-service restaurant that serves breakfast for a fee, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for a step up can consider Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel.  

One of the most luxurious properties in Galveston, this hotel has more of a romantic vibe than one suited for families. Features include a refined restaurant, a beautiful spa with outdoor whirlpools, and simple, beachy rooms with comfy beds and modern amenities; it lacks a kids' club. The standout here is the pool. Surrounded by vine-covered columns, it has a whirlpool and swim-up bar, or guests can opt for poolside drink service from attendants. Getting to the beach requires crossing a sometimes busy road, but this four-pearl property offers a solid bang for the buck with generally reasonable rates considering the fresh, modern look and plethora of amenities.

This 16-story, 30-acre resort is located across the street from the beach on Galveston Island. For families, there's a kids' club, and free-form pool with fun waterslide that shoots guests into a smaller heated pool. For adults, there's a swim-up bar, secluded grotto Jacuzzi overlooking the water, and a 21-plus lounge offering poker, darts and billiards. The 10th floor, dubbed Club Ten, is higher end and adults only: Rooms here have rich, sophisticated decor with lots of dark wood and leather, classy artwork, and sleek bathrooms with flat-screen TVs in the mirrors. In regular rooms, the decor is either contemporary or a cheerful country style. Five, 800 square-foot luxury villas were added in 2015. Business travelers may also choose to stay here for the 200,000 square feet of on-site meeting space, and the proximity to the convention center.

This Holiday Inn on the beach of Galveston Island is a comfortable mid-range option across the street from the beach. The rooms are contemporary, with red accent walls, and each of the gulf-view rooms has a private balcony (though seating consists of cheap plastic chairs). Bathrooms have pretty granite sinks, but are otherwise unexceptional, with tile floors and shower/tub combos. Suites are spacious with extra living and dining spaces, and each has a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, coffeemaker, and microwave. The hotel features a lounge that provides live weekend entertainment, as well as a basic restaurant for meals. The big outdoor pool (with designated kids' area) is located in an outdoor courtyard with palm trees and uncomfortable plastic lounge chairs. It's a bit nicer than the pool at the Four Points by Sheraton, but Four Points has a slightly better fitness center and more central location.

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.

Compared with other properties on Galveston Island, this mid-range, 85-room Courtyard has more for business travelers, with meeting rooms and a business center. But its Gulf-front convenient location, free parking, lovely outdoor pool, and large rooms with sofa beds also hold appeal for tourists. Be aware that breakfast is not included in the room rate, and that prices can double on weekends. The closest beach from the hotel is rocky, not sandy, and aside from the ocean, there's not much within easy walking distance. For a sandier spot, travelers could check out the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort.

Slightly more secluded than other hotels on Galveston’s main beachfront road, this budget Best Western is a solid pick for those who want to be at arm’s length from the action. The walk to the beach takes a little longer than from neighboring hotels, but the Best Western Plus Seawall has a lovely outdoor pool, free parking, Wi-Fi, and includes breakfast in the room rate. The 62 rooms are basic but large and pleasant, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers; some have nice views of the ocean.

The 88 rooms at the mid-range Marriott-owned TownePlace Suites are self-contained apartments with full kitchens, and can be a good choice for travelers staying on Galveston Island for extended periods. Although the hotel is in a somewhat remote area of the island with little in walking distance, the ocean is across the street, and parking, Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast are free. The hotel also has a small fitness center with cardio machines and free weights, a coin-operated laundry, a convenience store, and a beautiful outdoor pool with fire pit and shaded seating -- although it's shared with a neighboring Courtyard hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Galveston West - Seawall is a lower-middle-range hotel with an oceanfront location that isn't swimmable. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is located a four-minute drive away. The 81 guest rooms are simple in terms of decor, though they feature amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have balconies, though not all have great sea views and there have been a few complaints of mold odors. There's a free buffet breakfast each morning, though no restaurant facilities for other meals. Outside, there are a swimming pool and two whirlpools. Additional features include a small fitness center, meeting room, and 24-hour business center. Travelers looking for a better beachfront location (where you can swim) can also consider Holiday Inn Resort Galveston - On the Beach.