Husband and I are going to Houston area in late July and would like to spend a weekend at the beaches. We prefer quieter, clean beach. We'll have a car. Any suggestions for nice, upscale hotel?

We enjoy staying at the San Luis - it's very pretty and upscale. Also Moody Gardens is a great place to visit if you're looking for a place to escape the heat. And The Strand has some nice shopping and restaurants.


Have you been to Galveston before? Most of the hotels are not directly on the beach, but they will have beach views. The water in Galveston is generally pretty murky due to all the sediment in the water. Just don't want you to have your expectations too high. Have fun!

topping for my Houston buddies......

I forgot to mention, if you like historic hotels, The Galvez is nice. It was built in the early 1900s but has been renovated. It's charming.

As you probably know the closest beaches to Houston are in Galveston. While the beaches in Galveston are clean, the sand is not white and the water is not turquoise blue (you have to go to S. Padre Island for that, which is a quick flight from Houston). As noted Galveston gets some sediment from the Mississippi River due to ocean currents.

As far as hotels, I'd also suggest the San Luis Resort, the Galvez (both of which are on the seawall/ocean), and the Tremont House (restored European style hotel which is on the Strand downtown, about 10-15 min from the ocean)

Thanks for the help. Should we go to South Padre. What do you think?

If you want a beach that looks like Florida, then South Padre is as close as you'll get in Texas. Unfortunately, there really isn't an upscale hotel there. It is more of a family destination.

If you're looking for a nice, upscale hotel, you'll have better luck in Galveston. We ate dinner at the steakhouse in the San Luis, and it was quite nice. If you want a romantic weekend in an upscale hotel, then I'd say Galveston. If you want a prettier beach and less upscale place to stay, you would probably like Padre. Padre used to be a big spring break destination for college students.
As dfr said, Padre would require a flight since it's several hours drive from Houston. Galveston is only about an hour's drive from Houston - depending on which part of the city you're in.

South Padre Island is 370 miles from Houston. Which is 6 hours drive. You can get to Biloxi, MS in about the same amount of time.

We need two adjoining rooms (4 people) for only one night in mid-July. I'm seeing no availability at the San Luis (maybe they have a two night minimum?) The Tremont doesn't look right for us. (two teens with mom and dad). We usually try for Sheraton or Westin because of our points, but I don't see either one in Galveston. Any suggestions?

Have you tried Moody Gardens? They have a lot of amazing things on their property like an aquarium, IMAX theater, rain forest pyramid - I would think teens would like it. They've added a hotel onto their property.

Or maybe try the Galvez? It's historical and would have a nice view of the water. Check out their websites and see what you think.

Also, a new Schlitterbahn water park has opened up in Galveston - think your kids would like it.

Will you be there on the weekend? In the summer, I have found that most of the hotels have a two night minimum on the weekend. That may be what you are finding. Good Luck and Enjoy!

Sorry, one more thing...you might try the Baymont Inn & Suites. Travelocity shows availablilty and it appears to be new hotel with good reviews. They also have rooms with two king beds if that would work.

Thanks for such quick help! The two kings don't work as well for us given our "gender distribution" and the whole teen thing! But we'll look at the Baymont. It is a Saturday night and certainly some have a two night minimum but not all. Does anyone have any experience with the Commodore??? It doesn't look luxurious but would seem to have nice views. We're also trying to evaluate the Hampton Inn

peggie, I'd recommend you go over to tripadvisor.com - you can search the places you have in mind and see pictures and reviews to give you a better idea. If the Commodore is the place I'm thinking of, it's one of those 60s retro looking places.

That was helpful advice (trip advisor) and removed that particular hotel from consideration.

It is a great site; I always use it to break a tie when I can't decide between a couple of different places. Great to read the reviews on cleanliness, etc. and to see pictures taken by actual travelers. I hope you are able to find a good spot for yourselves.

For whatever reason I am having a terrible time finding the "right" spot to stay for a 4 night 5 day vacation to Galveston in October. Several of your comments have been helpful! Thanks! Now...what about the Hawthorne Suites at the Victorian condos, or the Inverness By the Sea Resort? We have reservations at the Commodore, but I am not very comfortable keeping those...gut feeling. Which of the other two sound better? Similar? Are they in walking distance of the shops and eating places there? My husband and I would enjoy having a drink in the evening, but don't want to drink and drive (even though we won't have more than two). Personal rule. Any tips VERY welcome! Thanks!

Also, Anyone ever stay at The Reef Resort in Galveston? That is another one I am looking at. Need to get in our reservation soon. Please help as soon as possible! Thanks so much! This is a special trip to celebrate my retirement!

Glen, I haven't stayed at any of the hotels you're inquiring about - have you looked at the reviews and photos on tripadvisor? That should give you some good information. The San Luis, Moody Gardens, Tremont, and the Galvez are the biggies that people tend to stay at. Hope you are able to find your dream spot!