Florida may be the cruise capital of the world, but don’t count Texas out just yet – the Port of Galveston is a popular departure point for almost a million people taking to the seas every year.
If you’re ready to join them, don’t forget to reserve a pre-departure hotel room in Galveston for the night before your cruise. This will eliminate the risk of flight delays or cancellations causing you to miss your ship andensure a stress-free trip to the port.
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels to unique Airbnb apartments and everything in between, this Port of Galveston hotel guide has everything you need to book the perfect stay before your cruise!
Closest Hotels to the Port of Galveston
Galveston is an interesting city to explore, but at the end of the day, this trip is all about your cruise. If convenience if your number one concern when booking your pre-departure stay, these are the closest hotels to the Port of Galveston:
- The Tremont House – 0.1 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21 – 0.4 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Shaefer Haus – 0.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- The Villa Bed and Breakfast – 1 mile from the Port of Galveston
- Coppersmith Inn B&B – 1.1 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Avenue O Bed and Breakfast – 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Carr Mansion – 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Rosenberg Motel – 1.2 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Lasker Inn Bed and Breakfast – 1.2 from the Port of Galveston
- Lost Bayou Guest House B&B – 1.3 from the Port of Galveston
- Four Points by SheratonGalveston – 1.5 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – 1.6 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Knights Inn Galveston – 1.7 miles from the Port of Galveston
- La Quinta Inn – 1.7 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Ocean Inn – 1.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Hotel Galvez and Spa – 1.8 miles from the Port of Galveston
- Pearl Inn – 1.9 miles from the Port of Galveston
- DoubleTree by Hilton – 1.9 from the Port of Galveston
- Condo di Cocco – 2 miles from the Port of Galveston
Cheap Hotels Near the Port of Galveston
The best way to cut accommodation costs on a trip is by booking a shared hostel dorm rather than a private hotel room. There aren’t any hostels on Galveston Island but you can still save money by booking one in the nearby city of Houston.
If you’re flying into Houston before your cruise, consider spending the night in the HI Houston at the Morty Ranch hostel or the Wanderstay Houston hostel. You can book a bed in the dorms at both on HostelWorld.com for around $25 to $35 per night depending on the season and availability.
If you’d prefer to make the hour-long trip from Houston to Port Galveston immediately after your flight arrives, these cheap hotels near the Port of Galveston are also available for budget-conscious travelers: The Roadway Inn Galveston, Pearl Inn, Beachtree Motel, Beachcomber Inn, Sleep Inn, Motel 6 Galveston, Baymont by Wyndham Galveston, Quality Inn and Suites Beachfront, and the Rodeway Inn Galveston all offer standard double rooms for around $50 to $65 per night.
Luxury Hotels Near the Port of Galveston
This is the first night of your vacation and sometimes you just want to travel in style. For a more high-end experience, these luxury hotels near the Port of Galveston are the best place to pamper yourself before you take to the seas.
The San Luis Resort and Spa is a standout hotel on Galveston Island because it has a prime location on the beach. Of course, the resort is known for more than just its sandy shores and boasts a pool and spa as well. It sits on 32 acres of land and has ten restaurants to choose from including a steakhouse for a romantic evening out and the Rainforest Cafe for fun meal with the whole family.
For something a bit more memorable than a beachside resort, consider booking a boutique experience at one of the 418 luxury rooms at the Moody Gardens Hotel. The Moody Gardens are a top attraction in Galveston with glass pyramids, live animals, and exotic plants, and now you can sleep smack in the middle of it in their hotel and enjoy the pool, spa, fitness center, and golf course while you do.
Furnished Apartments Near the Port of Galveston
Sometimes you just crave the comforts of home, even when you’re on the road. When that’s the case, skip the stuffy hotel rooms and book a furnished apartment in Galveston instead. Airbnb has more than 300 rooms available near Port Galveston and caters to the needs of every traveler by allowing you to filter homes by different preferences, like whether or not it’s a private or shared space, has a pool or gym, and much more.
Another perk of using Airbnb to find your accommodation near the Port of Galveston is the ability to choose from many unique options that you just won’t find anywhere else. There are beachfront condos, manor mansions, RV/campers, boats for rent, and even a tiny home on a Christmas Tree farm for a truly special experience before your cruise departs.
Transport Between Houston and Port of Galveston
If you’re flying into Texas for your cruise from the Port of Galveston, chances are you’ll land in either the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston. However, Galveston Island is about an hour away from Houston on the Gulf coast of Texas. So, what’s the best way to get there?
This guide breaks down six different transport options between the two locations and compares prices to help travelers find the best deals. Between taxis, ridesharing apps, private cars, cruise shuttles, independent shuttle companies, and car rental services, the article concludes that “If traveling solo, then taking an independent shuttle that charges per person will be the least expensive way between the airport and cruise port.” But, if you’re in a larger group, “Uber or Lyft will offer the lowest rates as they charge by the car, not by the person.”
Port of Galveston Travel Tips
If you plan to drive to Galveston Island for your cruise or rent a car at the airport for the duration of your trip parking is readily available at the Port of Galveston. Rates start at $55 for a four-day cruise and go up from there, but you can get a $5 discount when you book online and pre-pay for the space.
The cost of car rentals and parking prices can add up quickly, but luckily there are other ways to get to the port. Many hotels on Galveston Island offer paid or complimentary shuttle services to Port Galveston to their guests. Use this list to book a hotel with one or call your accommodation to ask about their shuttle services. If none are available, download the Uber or Lyft apps to request a car to the port when you’re ready to go.
Bonus: What to See and Do on Galveston Island
Heading to your departure port a day or two before your cruise is a great way to eliminate stress from your travel plans and add a few extra days to your vacation as well. After you settle down at your hotel, check these four things off of your Galveston Island bucket list!
Moody Gardens
Even if you choose not to stay in the Moody Gardens Hotel, the theme park still has aquariums, a golf course, educational attractions, and more for every visitor on the island to enjoy.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
This pier is a great place to wind down at after a day under the sun at the surrounding beaches because it has food and drinks, carnival games, and amusement park rides for the whole family.
Beaches in Galveston
Plenty of beaches dot the shores of Galveston Island, but some of the most popular are Galveston Beach, Sunny Beach, the Beach Pocket Park, and the R.A. Apffel East Beach Park.
Galveston Island State Park
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try your hand at the active travel experiences at Galveston Island State Park before you set off on your cruise. Here, visitors can enjoy fishing, birding, hiking, mountain biking, and more!
Book Your Hotel Near Port Galveston With This Guide!
Your cruise plans may be all set, but don’t forget to book your hotel near Port Galveston before you travel. Use this guide to discover the closest hotels to Port Galveston, explore luxury options, save money with budget accommodation, and browse furnished Airbnb apartments on the island to find the perfect fit for your family and travel plans. Then, it’s time to book your stay, pack your bags, and enjoy your cruise from Port Galveston!
-Di Minardi (that’s me!), travel blogger at Slight North