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.

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 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.

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 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.

The two-pearl Candlewood Suites Galveston is ideal for families or couples willing to explore Galveston by car. A pool, hot tub, free guest laundry room, and DVD library are family-friendly amenities, while business travelers can utilize a 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi. The biggest drawbacks are its location, removed from the beach, and its lack of a restaurant or any breakfast service. But the 83 spacious rooms include kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Those looking to stay closer to the beach could check the prices at Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Galveston Beach, which also offers a free breakfast buffet. 

Built in 2014, this reliable budget hotel is located in a quiet area of Galveston, about a block from the waterfront. Rooms, with polished wood floors and private balconies, have a surprisingly upscale look, but only a few have ocean views. All come with free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and mini-fridges. The hotel has a pool and free parking, and is within walking distance of a cinema and a handful of restaurants. Days Inn is a safe bet for budget travelers, especially for families, as children 17 and younger stay for free. Travelers could also compare rates and amenities with the mid-range Courtyard Galveston Island Gulf Front.

The mid-range Four Points by Sheraton overlooks the Gulf of Mexico -- a major draw for travelers. On-site amenities -- including a modern fitness center and outdoor pool -- are solid for a mid-range hotel, and the beach (bordered by the historic Galveston Sea Wall) is right across the street. The hotel is clean and well kept, with an appealing lobby featuring colorful striped carpets and modern chairs. Photography depicting the Texan landscape done by local artists adds a warm touch. The chain-like rooms have comfortable beds; modern amenities such flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges; and private balconies, though the views vary (and some views aren't great). All-white bathrooms are simple and clean, with shower/tub combos. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and lounge, though guests might consider walking to other nearby bars and restaurants to sample local seafood.

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.

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.