Galveston Luxury Hotels & Destination
Galveston, TX Luxury Destination
A coastal city in Texas, Galveston has often been passed over by travelers as they head towards Houston. But to miss a luxury hotel trip to Galveston would be to miss a truly golden opportunity. While nowhere near as large as some other cities in Texas, Galveston makes up for its smaller, but still considerable, size with charm and attractions that hold a special interest to the luxury hotel traveler. Water parks, museums, and vineyards all await you as you traverse Galveston’s exciting landscape during a luxury hotel stay.
Galveston Luxury Hotels
Galveston’s luxury hotels definitely live up to the glorious name. With several locations, sometimes near a large selection of famous attractions known to Galveston, you will not have far to travel in order to fully enjoy yourself on a luxury hotel stay! With a spectacular view from your Galveston luxury hotel of Moody Garden’s pyramids or the Gulf of Mexico waves rolling onto the beach, be sure to look out the window and smile on Galveston. Galveston luxury hotels offer special wonders such as historic elegance, spas and the European tradition of afternoon tea. Let the local charm of Galveston take you away in a whirlwind of magnificence and pampering when electing to stay at a small luxury hotel.
Galveston History
Sometimes referred to as the “Republic of Galveston Island” by residents, Galveston does not have much in common with other Texas cities. Originally in the hands of the Akokisa and Karankawa Native Americans, Galveston changed hands several times over the next several hundred years, before finally ending up in the hands of the Spanish. Jose de Evia named the city Galveztown after a Spanish governor, Bernardo de Galvez in 1785. Unfortunately, Galvez was never to set foot in this town named after him. Another part of Galveston’s checkered past is its association with a pirate, Jean Lafitte who began a colony in Galveston, which at its peak numbered 1,000 inhabitants. However, Galveston as we know it today was started by two men, Michel Menard and Samuel May Williams. By 1839, Galveston was the largest port east of New Orleans, and was home to many firsts in the state of Texas, first opera house, first post office and first golf course. Galveston suffered in 1900, in what has since been called The Great Storm. A hurricane of gargantuan proportions demolished much of the island town. Galveston was never to regain its former glory, as Houston began to exceed it, but the island town has never really lost its appeal. Although Galveston is still recovering from Hurricane Ike in 2008, the city itself is still beautiful, vivid, and absolutely luxurious. The history of Galveston is as varied and interesting as the city itself, so be sure to find time to explore Galveston’s past during your luxury hotel stay.
Galveston Moody Gardens
A veritable menagerie of entertainments, Moody Gardens is a large plaza at One Hope Boulevard in Galveston that shouldn’t be missed by the luxury hotel visitor. While one section, the Rainforest Pyramid, is currently under renovation, the rest of this luxurious plaza is open for perusal. A visit to the Aquarium Pyramid, luxury hotel guests will be confronted with an array of creatures. You might even have the chance to meet and touch a live penguin! At the Discovery Pyramid, the wonders of science and history combine. Luxury hotel visitors can experience what it was like to enter Galveston Island and become a citizen in bygone years. Galveston luxury hotel guests will be enchanted by the theater performances at Moody Gardens. This Galveston attraction plays host to an IMAX theater that is six stories tall and shows films in 3D, a 4D Special FX Theater that completely immerses luxury hotel visitors in the experience with sensations, smells, and sights, and a Ridefilm theater that lets you be part of the action as you move and jostle as the movie plays. Every Galveston luxury hotel guest is sure to find something that fascinates at Moody Gardens.
Galveston’s Schlitterbahn
A water park that has been praised worldwide, Schlitterbahn may have 4 locations, but the Galveston location is the most praised. With blindingly fast waterslides and open pools you’d expect to find in a water park, Schlitterbahn also offers the luxury hotel visitor a year-round thrilling water park experience. Schlitterbahn in Galveston has a covered and heated section of the water park, specifically for the Wasserfest area. The temperature is kept at a wonderfully warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to swim and splash in absolute comfort, even if the day outside is cool. So whether you’re planning a summer or winter Galveston luxury hotel getaway, Schlitterbahn, Galveston is one place you won’t want to miss.
Galveston Activities
By no means is Galveston’s allure limited to a grand water park and a gigantic plaza of luxurious exhibits. The island offers an array of activities for any luxury hotel stay, all easily accessible. Deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the rays at the beach are always favorites among all luxury hotel travelers with a taste for beautiful the sun and surf. For those with a musical ear, attend a performance by the Galveston Symphony Orchestra. Also, those with an eye for the visual art form, peruse the ArtWalk, which allows local artists to showcase works and occasionally to paint the side of a building. If you’re not in the mood for strolling the streets, luxury hotel guests can visit one of Galveston’s art galleries, such as the Galveston Art League Gallery, home to the oldest art league in all of Texas. For luxury hotel visitors wanting to view the entire island of Galveston, the Galveston Island Ferry is the most recommended service. Running regularly since 1929, the ferry provides a natural and distinctive view of Galveston Island leaving a lasting memory of your Galveston luxury hotel escape. Luxury hotel visitors interested in all things, railroad should plan to spend some time at the Galveston Railroad Museum. The displays are mesmerizing and the train yard a historic picture of the role the railway played in developing a nation.
The Strand Historic District with its Victorian era buildings attracts the luxury hotel shopper with antique stores, curio shops and outstanding restaurants. It is also the location for Galveston celebrations and festivals such as Dickens on the Strand and Mardi Gras. Consult with your luxury hotel concierge when planning your Galveston getaway to be part of an exciting Galveston event.
Galveston Shopping
Galveston’s shopping will amaze you with its exquisite style and luxurious offerings. Whether you’re looking for shoes, clothes, or jewelry, there is guaranteed to be something fabulously unique to remind you of your Galveston luxury hotel stay. Vic's Estate and Fine Jewelry offers exactly what it sounds like, fine jewelry for those who care to browse or buy. Galveston offers a smorgasbord of options, such as Couteux Couture and Nefertiti for luxury hotel shoppers interested in fashion. These stores will excite you with their selection and quality. Galveston luxury hotel shoppers will find a myriad of boutiques, shops and specialty stores to satisfy your shopping needs and your luxury hotel concierge is a valuable resource for specific items.
Galveston Dining
Dining in Galveston tantalizes not only the luxury hotel guest’s taste buds, but the beaches and sunsets from your chosen restaurant will feast your eyes as well. If it is steak you’re craving, Galveston Steakhouse is sure to please. Not only does it offer tasty food, but there is live entertainment as well. Luigi’s is the Galveston restaurant of choice for luxury hotel guests desiring delicious northern Italian cuisine. Of course, seafood is always a great choice when this close to the Gulf of Mexico. The array of international cuisines includes Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican and American, but you’ll also find fusions of ethnic tastes as well. Your Galveston luxury hotel concierge can help you find just the flavor you are looking for.
Enjoy Galveston’s long stretches of sand and sea air as you choose to make Galveston your luxury hotel destination. Experience the unique essence of this island beauty, with its pleasant inhabitants and amazing attractions. Your Galveston luxury hotel getaway will remain in your mind long after you leave. Make Galveston your next luxury hotel destination today.
|
 |
|
texas
