Hotels in galveston tx with shuttle to cruise terminal

Galveston is a great historic city with lots to do for all cruisers – couples, families, and the kiddos – so it is worth considering adding a day or two on the island before your ship departs to extend your cruise vacation. Even if you aren’t interested in exploring the island we’d still highly recommend arriving at least a day in advance to give yourself a little cushion if you experience travel delays.

Another benefit to staying overnight before your cruise is that many of Galveston’s hotels offer free parking and a shuttle to the port, usually with only a one-night stay required. This could be a good option for you to help save some money on the costs of your cruise parking. Even if you aren’t travelling to the island by car, a free shuttle to the port can save a little money if you’ve flown in the night before your cruise.

We’ve rounded up some great options that offer ‘Park & Cruise’ packages and have done a quick comparison in the table below. As with all our tables, you can filter and sort the information to quickly find a hotel that is perfect for you. Clicking on the name of the hotel will take you to further details below, including reviews so you can find out what other travellers have to say.

Information in the table is correct as of May 2019, but as prices can vary, please ensure you confirm the price before purchasing. There is also a map showing the locations of each hotel at the bottom of the post.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here. 

Due to the continuing global travel situation, it is possible details listed in our guides will change by the time you get to take your trip. For travel in 2022, we strongly recommend you continue to verify all key information we provide, both ahead of time and while on the road.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Although Galveston is geared toward welcoming visitors and has many hotel rooms to choose from, we recommend you make your reservations in advance, especially during the busy periods for cruises (e.g. school holidays and summer) or during festivals when hotels might be booked up. This will help ensure you are able to get your preferred hotel and room type.

We also recommend you call the hotel you are interested in to check the availability of their ‘Park & Cruise’ packages as there may be a limited number of rooms available with this offer and some hotels may only offer this option if you make the reservation directly with them.

THE TREMONT HOUSE

2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-763-0300 | Hotel 1 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Located in the heart of the Strand Historic District, with many shops and restaurants nearby, the current Tremont House is a replica of the original 1839 hotel that stood nearby. Offering guests elegant European style amidst Galveston’s collection of Victorian architecture, this hotel is charm, sophistication, and luxury all in one.

Amenities include the historic “Toujouse Bar” that dates back to the 1870s, the Rooftop Bar which offers guests a retreat to watch sunsets and ships in port, and the Tremont Café that serves pastries, pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and other nibbles for meals and room service.

Photo used with permission from The Tremont House

DISTANCE TO PORT: < 5-minute walk

PARKING: Free for up to 7 days during your cruise with a one-night stay

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes – Free

BREAKFAST: Additional Charge

POOL: Off-site pool and spa privileges at the Hotel Galvez

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 12 NOON

RATES FROM $107

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

GAIDO’S SEASIDE INN

3700 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-761-5504 | Hotel 2 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico with many rooms having beach views, Gaido’s Seaside Inn is perfect for beach lovers who want to enjoy the Gulf. With plenty of creature comforts provided, including free book loans from the hotel library,  access to the Redfish pool bar for guests and easy access to the beach and the Historic Pleasure Pier, this could be the perfect place to stay before or after your cruise.

Seafood lovers can also enjoy Gaido’s restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes for over a century or guests can make use of the in-room microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators if looking to save a little money on snacks or meals.

DISTANCE TO PORT: <10-minute drive

PARKING: Duration of cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Shuttle to Moody Plaza, 300 feet from the terminal. There is no return shuttle offered

BREAKFAST: Included

POOL: Yes – Outdoor (Redfish pool bar)

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $89

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

HOTEL GALVEZ & SPA

2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-765-7721 | Hotel 3 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

For some pre-cruise pampering and relaxation, the Hotel Galvez & Spa is definitely worthy of your consideration. For over 100 years they have been welcoming guests with their elegant décor and luxurious service. Spa treatments include massages, facials, and other body treatments which are sure to make you feel wonderful. 

The hotel is located beachfront which gives you quick access to the Gulf for swimming, or you could opt for a quieter option with a dip in their saline pool with swim-up bar. If you are up for some island exploring there is a courtesy shuttle to the Strand Historic District and Pier 21 or you can use one of their complimentary bicycles for riding along the Seawall or as far as you’d like to go. There is also an electric/hybrid vehicle charging station for guest use.

Photo used with permission from The Hotel Galvez

DISTANCE TO PORT: <10-minute drive

PARKING: $18 for the duration of the cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Extra Cost

POOL: Yes – Outdoor – Heated

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 12 NOON

RATES FROM $129

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston? Check it out here!

HILTON GALVESTON ISLAND RESORT

5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-744-5000 | Hotel 4 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3.5-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Situated on the historic Seawall Boulevard, just steps away from the beach, the Hilton Galveston is within walking distance of fishing piers, shopping, and restaurants (10 of which are actually located on the 32-acre resort). For those wishing to visit Pleasure Pier, ask about their discount tickets available to guests.

This would be a great hotel to choose if you’re looking for views of the Gulf (especially if you book a room with a private balcony) and a resort with a tropical swim-up bar and poolside cabanas to just relax, treat yourself and get your vacation started early. There is also a fitness room and business center if you need to get a little work done or wish to work out before you head off on your cruise.

DISTANCE TO PORT: <15-minute drive

PARKING: Up to 7 days

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Extra Cost

POOL: Yes – Outdoor – Heated

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $104

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

INN AT THE WATERPARK

2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-740-1155 | Hotel 5 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 2-Star Hotel | Back to Table

For a casual family-friendly hotel on the island, the Inn at the Waterpark is a great option. Located right next door to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens, with a pool and mini-golf course of its own, this hotel will be a kid-pleaser for sure!

The inn offers a comfortable, casual atmosphere with affordable rates to fit into your cruise vacation budget with a complimentary shuttle to get you to your ship on time to continue the fun. We have stayed at this hotel and found the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with a hearty breakfast that provided a great start to our day of sightseeing around the island. 

DISTANCE TO PORT: <15-minute drive

PARKING: Duration of cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Included – Continental

POOL: Yes – Outdoor

CHECK-IN/OUT: 3 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $63

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

HARBOR HOUSE HOTEL & MARINA

No 28 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | 409-763-3321 | Hotel 6 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Start your nautical adventures a little early with a pre-cruise stay in one of the stylishly decorated rooms or suites on the waterfront at Harbor House Hotel. Located on Pier 21 this hotel is just a few minutes walk to the cruise terminal and offers views of the harbour. If you’re up early the morning of your cruise you may even catch your ship coming back to port to get ready to welcome you.

Before boarding your ship you can make the most of your stay by visiting several attractions, like the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and Seaport Museum, or the many shops and restaurants just a few minutes walk away in the Strand Historic District.

Photo used with permission from The Harbor House Hotel

DISTANCE TO PORT: 5-minute walk

PARKING: $10 per day

SHUTTLE TO PORT: No

BREAKFAST: Included – Continental

POOL: No – Access to Hotel Galvez pool for guests

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 12 NOON

RATES FROM $71

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston? Check it out here!

SAN LUIS HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | 800-392-5937 | Hotel 7 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Discover unparalleled luxury at the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, a 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort on beautiful Galveston Island. Recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1999, the San Luis Resort offers the perfect Galveston hotel and resort experience with lavish accommodations and personalized service.

Some of the amenities included in your stay include Molton Brown toiletries, a Keurig coffee maker in your room, fitness centre access, and a private balcony with outdoor seating for breathtaking Gulf views.

DISTANCE TO PORT: <10-minute drive

PARKING: Duration of cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Included

POOL: Yes – Outdoor

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $179

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

MOODY GARDENS HOTEL

7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77554 | 888-388-8484 | Hotel 8 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 4-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Moody Gardens Hotel boasts 418 luxurious accommodations in a beautiful, botanic setting on 242 acres of natural Gulf scenery. In addition, as one of the top hotels near Moody Gardens, the property showcases magnificent glass pyramids that house both a living rainforest, a massive aquarium, and a Discovery pyramid. And that’s not to mention that the Schlitterbahn Waterpark is right next door!

Other amenities included with your stay include a full-service fitness centre and deluxe bathrobes and upscale bathroom accessories to start your day off with a little pampering.

DISTANCE TO PORT: <20-minute drive

PARKING: Duration of cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Optional

POOL: Yes – Outdoor

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 12 NOON

RATES FROM $159

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

HOLIDAY INN RESORT

5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX,77551 | 409-740-5300 | Hotel 9 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3.5-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Part of the San Luis Resort Spa, this hotel offers beachfront accommodation at a cheaper price, whilst still providing access to the Resort Spa facilities next door. It is also a more child-friendly property with a playground and arcade available and of course, the beach just steps away from the property.

Rooms include complimentary coffee, tea, and water and microwaves are available to rent. If you have a little bit of work to finish up you can make use of the business centre and then perhaps get a game of tennis in on their courts before you set sail.

DISTANCE TO PORT: <15-minute drive

PARKING: Duration of cruise

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Optional

POOL: Yes – Outdoor

CHECK-IN/OUT: 4 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $75

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

AVENUE O BED & BREAKFAST

2323 Avenue O, Galveston, TX, 77550 | 409-789-3070 | Hotel 10 on Map Below |  Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table

Located towards the south side of Galveston, Avenue O Bed & Breakfast offers a more personal stay than you might find in the big chain hotels. Just ten minutes walk from Galveston Pleasure Pier, this boutique hotel with just three individually styled rooms even offers its guests complimentary snacks in the afternoon!

Amenities, depending on which room you book, include spa robes, over-size showers, a view of the tropical gardens or a private balcony. Could be the perfect way to start your Caribbean cruise…

DISTANCE TO PORT: <10-minute drive

PARKING: 7 days

SHUTTLE TO PORT: Yes

BREAKFAST: Included

POOL: No

CHECK-IN/OUT: 3 PM / 11 AM

RATES FROM $171

Book direct with the hotel

Or book through Hotels.com to earn rewards

MAP

The map below shows all the above hotels in Galveston in relation to the cruise terminal.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our full disclosure policy here. 

Which airport in Houston is closest to Galveston cruise port?

What terminal does Royal Caribbean go out of in Galveston?

Does Moody Gardens offer cruise parking?

How do I get from Houston to Galveston without a car?