Best Hotels near University of Texas Medical Branch--Galveston

This historic hotel in central Galveston (52 miles southeast of Houston) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001, yet it's hardly showing its age. Though they are fairly small, Hotel Galvez's guest rooms all feature contemporary luxuries like iPod docking stations and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi. And on-site amenities – like the spa and the heated outdoor pool (which the Hotel Galvez shares with its sister Wyndham property, The Tremont House) – are as modern as they come. Recent guests were impressed by the Galvez Bar & Grill, which serves traditional southern Texas food with ingredients like cilantro and roasted corn. And the restaurant's Sunday Champagne brunch is a hit. But according to previous travelers, the real star of the hotel is the staff, who provide friendly and accommodating Southern hospitality. Some visitors, though, do warn to drive or opt for a cab because the area around the hotel can get sketchy after dark. And for those who are Wyndham Rewards members, you can earn and redeem rewards points during your stay thanks to the property's Wyndham affiliation.

According to its website, this central Galveston hotel "blends elements of timeless charm, sophistication and comfort." Guests seem to agree, saying that The Tremont House's modernized decor meshes well with the building's original Edwardian architecture. Recent visitors appreciated The Tremont House's boutique vibe, saying that although room sizes can run small, the high ceilings make up for it. Many attribute the Old World charm to the hotel's facilites, which include a relaxed piano bar and the casual Tremont Café, which serves up steaming plates of American fare. Homey touches – like Wolfgang Puck coffee and Numi tea in the guest rooms –also earn praise. However, if you're looking to truly kick back and relax, you'll have to leave the premises: The Tremont House does advertise a pool and a full-service spa, but those are located at the hotel's sister property, Hotel Galvez & Spa. However, both properties accept and offer Wyndham Rewards points thanks to their affiliation with the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand.

Located on Galveston Island in Texas, Four Points by Sheraton Galveston provides stellar views of the Gulf of Mexico. Although many guests appreciate the hotel’s location, many of them also say that the property needs to be updated. Guest rooms include modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, free bottled water and coffee makers. After leaving their accommodations, visitors make use of the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and 24-hour business center. After working up an appetite, guests can get dinner or drinks at the Oasis, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Nearby attractions include Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Moody Gardens and the NASA Space Center. This Four Points by Sheraton hotel is part of the Marriott Rewards program, which means that members of the program can earn and redeem points here.