Are you cruising out of Galveston? If so, you might be looking for a hotel for at least one overnight stay before departing for your cruise vacation. We typically cruise from Galveston because we live nearby, but we recently needed a pre-cruise hotel in a different city.
We are leaving on a cruise soon from Fort Lauderdale, and we found ourselves in the position of finding a hotel in an unfamiliar place. I didn’t know where to stay, what was close to the Port, or which hotels might provide shuttle service.
For this reason, I thought it would be helpful to those of you that drive to your cruise ports to provide information about hotels for cruisers from Galveston, Texas, specifically concerning parking and shuttle service.
I have included hotels I am familiar with, and most are name-brand chains you will also be familiar with. Some hotels offer a terrific perk in cruise port cities: free parking while you are away on your cruise and a shuttle ride to the cruise port on departure day.
If you are driving to Galveston for your cruise and choose to stay overnight on the island before your cruise departure, free or discounted parking and shuttle service at your hotel make good sense.
Be aware that parking packages may only be available if you book directly with the hotel. Offers and perks are always subject to change, so always confirm your reservation and benefits with the hotel.
The following list does not include even close to all of the hotels available in Galveston, but I am familiar with these. Galveston has so many choices not listed here.
Comfort Suites Galveston
3606 89th Street
409-741-9977
Comfort Suites is across the street from the beach and is close to Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Six miles from the Port, this hotel provides parking at no charge when you stay one night here as a guest. Twenty dollars is the fee for a roundtrip shuttle to and from the Port.
Inn at the Waterpark
2525 Jones Drive
409-740-1155
This hotel is adjacent to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and is a great family option. You may even decide to extend your stay a few days to take full advantage of the Waterpark. Free parking is available to overnight guests, although they do not provide a shuttle to the cruise Port.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Galveston
2901 63rd Street
409-497-2950
This La Quinta is near the beach. Wal-Mart is also nearby, making it convenient to pick up almost anything you need! Cruise parking is free, but the Port shuttle service is not available.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston Island North
1002 63rd St.
800-753-3757
This La Quinta is a new property near Interstate 45 in a great location near the freeway and
between the downtown historic district and only two miles to the beach. This hotel does provide complimentary cruise parking but no shuttle.
Gaido’s Seaside Inn
3700 Seawall Blvd.
409-761-5504
Gaido’s is a well-known restaurant in Galveston and is next door to the Seaside Inn. If you book directly with the hotel, you can request free parking during your cruise. There is no shuttle, but the cruise terminal is only 10-15 minutes away by taxi or Lyft.
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On the Beach
5002 Seawall Boulevard
409-740-5300
This Holiday Inn is across the street from the beach and has beautiful beach views. I learned that this hotel offers a package rate that includes parking for eight days. Shuttle service to and from the Port is also available here.
TownePlace Suites Galveston Island
9540 Seawall Boulevard
409-497-2840
TownePlace Suites is a reasonably new hotel near the beach. An $80 fee is charged for seven days of parking while you cruise—the rate increases to $120 after seven days. Note, however, that cruise parking is not available from May through September. Shuttle service is not available here.
Courtyard Mariott Galveston Island
9550 Seawall Boulevard
409-497-2850
This Courtyard shared a parking lot with TownePlace Suites mentioned above and provided the same parking amenity during the same period. Again though, no shuttle service.
Beachfront Palms
5914 Seawall Blvd
409-740-1261
Beachfront Palms is across the street from the beach, as many of these hotels are. It provides free parking for your vehicle while you are cruising. Beachfront Palms does not have a shuttle service but can offer recommendations for a shuttle service.
Country Inn & Suites Galveston
2818 Avenue R ½
409-763-5000
You can walk to Galveston’s Pleasure Pier from this hotel. Country Inn & Suites offers a cruise package on 5-7 day cruises, including a round trip shuttle to the Port. Their cost is $75 for four people and $10 for each person after the first four.
The San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
The San Luis is undoubtedly in the resort class and one of Galveston’s finest. Cruise parking is available here in the open rear parking lot for $50. The hotel does provide a free shuttle. Don’t forget to book parking and a shuttle when you make your reservation.
Grand Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7721
The Galvez is my all-time favorite historic hotel. It is also one of the island’s grandest hotels, a magnificent pre-cruise choice. Unfortunately, the Galvez no longer offers parking for cruise guests. You also will not find a shuttle here.
The Tremont House
2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row
409-763-0300
The Tremont is another of my very favorite hotels in Galveston. It is, however, in the historic Strand area, not near the beach. You will find a cruise parking package that includes seven days of parking and a roundtrip port shuttle service. However, parking costs $100, and the shuttle costs $50.
Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21
No. 28 Pier 21
409-763-3321
The Harbor House is just about as close as you can get to the cruise terminals. It’s a beautiful property on the opposite side of the island from the beach. This hotel provides parking for cruisers at $15 per day and a complimentary shuttle to cruise terminals.
If you’re looking for Galveston attractions before or after your cruise, take a look at these earlier Galveston posts.
- Where to stop on your way to Galveston
- Day trip to Galveston
- Surprises in Galveston
- Galveston, TX – one day cruise
We are in a cruise frenzy these days, playing catch up after having so many cruise cancellations in the last few years. However, we have not abandoned our RV travels and have plans for wonderful RV trips later this year. Subscribe to read about our adventures on the road and the water.
