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.

A huge, sprawling property attached to a water park, zoo, aquarium, golf course, and convention center, the busy Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center is a resort-style hotel with a wide variety of amenities and activities. It doesn't quite live up to its four-star status, but it's a solid value considering the lovely rooms and features. The property has 418 rooms along with a spa, several on-site restaurants and bars, and an assortment of ballrooms and meeting spaces. Free Wi-Fi and self-parking are nice perks. The hotel includes both indoor and outdoor heated pools along with a large fitness center, and while the beach and historic district are both nearby, the property is so large that guests might find it easier to take the free hotel shuttle or drive rather than trying to walk anywhere.

Within a short walk of the cruise port and a host of restaurants and tourist attractions, the 42-room Harbor House is a convenient mid-range option for couples and families on a brief Galveston layover. Rustic wood floors, metal stair rails, and bare-bulb light fixtures invoke an industrial-hip vibe. Given its location on a busy pier, the spacious and light-filled rooms are surprisingly quiet, and come with comfortable beds, large flat-screen TVs, and ocean or marina views. Wi-Fi is free, boat slips and parking are available, and a cold breakfast is included -- although the offerings are mediocre. The hotel also lacks a pool and fitness room, although guests can use the facilities at a sister hotel (Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel). For another mid-range option with a pool and beach, consider the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston.

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 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 two-and-a-half-pearl Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront is situated just a block off the beach and a five-minute walk from Galveston Island Convention Center. The 91 rooms are homey and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms have partial ocean views. The hotel can get crowded during the summer, though that’s expected of any hotel so close to the beach. There are a free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a small gym, laundry machines, and an indoor pool. For a more modern design, travelers could price the similar Days Inn & Suites Galveston West/Seawall.

The three-and-a-half-pearl Hilton Galveston Island Resort is an attractive option for business travelers and tourists alike, with a beautiful pool, free shuttle, and full-service restaurant and bar. Meeting space, a fitness center, concierge, and free Wi-Fi and on-site parking are other highlights. Its 240 guest rooms are spacious and well-equipped with mini-fridges, safes, coffeemakers, robes, and slippers. Many include balconies and Gulf views. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Travelers looking for a more upscale stay can consider The San Luis Resort Spa and Conference Center.

The two-and-a-half-pearl Comfort Inn & Suites Beachfront is a affordable chain hotel located across the street from the beach. While it doesn't have the most exciting atmosphere, the property delivers decent value with its array of amenities. There's an indoor pool and hot tub, a free hot breakfast buffet that's earned kudos from previous guests, plus a small business center, an on-site minimart, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel lacks a full-service restaurant, and while there's a gym, it isn't well-equipped. The hotel's 100 guest rooms and suites come with balconies -- some with gulf views -- plus flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Travelers who want a mid-range hotel with an outdoor pool can consider the Four Points by Sheraton Galveston.

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.

Baymont Inn & Suites Galveston is a slightly more secluded budget option than other hotels on Galveston's main beachfront road, though it's still only a three-minute walk to Galveston Beach. There are a handful of dining and shopping spots nearby, and many of the areas attractions are within a 15-minute drive. The 89 rooms are bland and pleasant, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and balconies. There's a free limited buffet breakfast each morning. Business travelers can make use of the one meeting room and business center. There's also an outdoor swimming pool and small fitness center. Downsides include the lack of a full restaurant and complaints of spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers can compare rates at Days Inn & Suites Galveston West/Seawall which has fresher rooms and similar features.