Best Family Hotels in Galveston

Vying for attention with nearby Moody Gardens, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center in Galveston boasts twice as much meeting space as its primary competitor, as well as a variety of on-site amenities. Sure, it may not neighbor a water park, but The San Luis does cater to the kiddos with a waterslide and a plunge pool (and to adults with a swim-up bar). The property also houses a full-service spa, just in case lounging poolside doesn't quite get you to your R&R quota. Younger travelers will also love Blake's Bistro, but if older visitors prefer a more elegant atmosphere, there are serveral other on-site restaurants to choose from. Yet despite all of its offerings, recent guests expressed mixed feelings about The San Luis: Some praise the guest rooms for their comfortable beds and contemporary decor, while others complain about disorganized customer service staff.

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.