18 Galveston Hotels on Seawall for Cruise Passengers

If you’re sailing out of Galveston cruise port, you’ll probably need a hotel before or after your cruise. Galveston is a beautiful vacation destination with numerous restaurants and waterfront hotels on Galveston Seawall. 

Galveston hotels on the Seawall put you conveniently close to Galveston cruise port. Even the furthest hotels on Seawall Blvd are only 7 miles from the cruise terminals and you’ll be close to attractions, restaurants, beaches, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Moody Gardens and Galveston Pier. Of course, many of these hotels have ocean view rooms and amazing Gulf views. 

Check out our comprehensive list of Galveston hotels on Seawall Blvd to find the perfect place to stay before or after your luxury cruise. We include the address, distance to the cruise port, shuttle details, cruise parking details and prices (for comparison purposes only).

History of Galveston Seawall

Galveston Island is 27 miles long and just 3 miles wide. After years of being bombarded by devastating hurricanes along the Texas Gulf Coast in the early 1900s, the Galveston Seawall was finally commissioned.

Destined to be the “bulwark against the sea,” construction on the barrier island began in 1902. The first section was completed in 1904. Galveston engineers spent the next decades adding to it on either side, further increasing the island’s protection from storms.

Read Also: Things to Do in Galveston, TX for Cruise Visitors

The original seawall was 3.3 miles long but has since been extended to 10 miles, much of it now decorated with colorful murals. The oldest part of Galveston is known as The Strand Historic District. It’s highly recommended as the place to find the best shopping, dining and nightlife.

Why Stay at Hotels on Galveston Seawall

Lined with hotels, Galveston Seawall stands 17 feet above sea level and the defense has a massive 16-foot-wide base. It quickly became a tourist attraction for vacationers and cruise passengers with many restaurants and businesses springing up along its length.

Hwy 3005 is known as Seawall Boulevard, where it runs beside the defensive wall. The sidewalk promenade is on top of the seawall and claims to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, running for 10.3 miles in length.

Hotels on Galveston Seawall Blvd are always popular, being close to beaches and convenient for Galveston cruise port. With so many hotels to choose from, we help you narrow down the options. We have listed below the best Galveston hotels on Seawall Blvd with cruise parking packages, hotels with complimentary cruise shuttle to and from the port, and which hotels on Seawall Blvd are closest to Galveston cruise port.

If you need cruise parking near Galveston Port, we have that covered too!

Getting to Hotels on Galveston Island, Texas

There are no airports on Galveston Island so you’ll probably be flying into Houston, TX. The William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston is about 40 minutes from Galveston. 

If you’re driving, head south from Houston on Interstate 45 (I-45) following signs for Galveston.

Once you are on Galveston Island, I-45 becomes Broadway Avenue, leading you directly to Galveston Seawall. You’ll see the beach, hotels and the Seawall itself overlooking the shimmering Gulf of Mexico.

Galveston Seawall Hotels Closest to Cruise Port

Galveston cruise port is located at 2502 Harborside Drive on the sheltered inner waters of Galveston Bay. Facing north, it overlooks Pelican Island. If you’re staying at one of the Galveston hotels on Seawall Blvd, you need to travel along 25th St to reach the cruise terminals.

Wyndham Grand Galvez Hotel and Spa

Set in a resplendent building, the Grand Galvez is the only historic Galveston hotel on Seawall Blvd that has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. This AAA 4-diamond property in the renowned Strand Historic District offers luxury rooms and suites along with modern amenities and attentive service.

Half a mile from the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the Grand Galvez offers elegant rooms with views of garden surroundings and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place to relax and experience Galveston with elegant dining, a pampering spa, an onsite fitness center and stylish rooms to get your cruise off to a flying start. Cruise parking is available for a fee, and there’s a shuttle to the Port of Galveston cruise terminal.

• · Address: 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 1.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes (fee)
• · Price per night: $$$

The Pearl Inn

The Pearl Inn is a mid-priced inn with a superb location close to both the cruise port and beach. This is an added convenience if you do not have a car. The Pearl Inn has an outdoor pool, garden, parking and free WIFI in public areas. It is within walking distance of the Strand Historic District and is just one mile from the Pleasure Pier attractions.

• · Address: 1002 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 1.9 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $

Budget Hotels on Galveston Seawall

Best Western Plus Seawall Inn

This Best Western Plus offers comfortable rooms at affordable rates in a great location. It is right across the street from family-friendly Stewart Beach and close to the university, Strand Historic District and the all-important cruise port.

All rooms have Wi-Fi, refrigerators and microwaves, and the hotel has a fitness room and a business center. Tuck into the free hot breakfast of waffles, pastries, cereals and bottomless coffee, and you’re all set for a great pre-cruise stay.

• · Address: 102 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 2.0 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $

Galveston Beach Hotel

The 3-star Galveston Beach Hotel offers basic rooms with refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers close to the beach and local attractions. Enjoy the outdoor pool (seasonal), hot tub, fitness room, free breakfast and parking. It’s the ideal budget Galveston hotel on the Seawall for staying before or after your cruise, but you need to consider the additional cost of taxi transfers or parking at the port.

• · Address: 8710 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.0 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $$

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Galveston West-Seawall

This Holiday Inn Express & Suites is an IHG hotel with free parking, pool and free breakfast for guests. You’ll feel thoroughly spoiled without having to pay out top prices. Cruisers and families will appreciate the convenient location and modern amenities at this budget Galveston hotel. 

• · Address: 8628 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.0 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $$

Best Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd with Stay and Cruise Packages

Double Tree by Hilton

Located right on Seawall, the Double Tree by Hilton is a luxury hotel with a resort-style pool and lively bar. Their Cruise and Park Package removes the stress of finding cruise parking, and it includes shuttle transportation to and from the cruise terminal. Most rooms have private balconies with Gulf views and excellent in-room conveniences close to the pier.

• · Address: 1702 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 1.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes
• · Price per night: $$$

Holiday Inn Galveston on the Beach

Stay at the 4-star Holiday Inn Galveston on the Beach and enjoy a modern 32-acre resort that is part of the San Luis Spa and Conference Center. Enjoy tennis, live entertainment and the outdoor pool at this Galveston Hotel just steps from the sandy beach.

Book a Park, Stay, and Go package and get one night’s accommodation, cruise parking, free Express Start breakfast for two and a complimentary shuttle to and from the cruise terminal.

• · Address: 5002 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 3.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes
• · Price per night: $$

Cruise Hotels Near Moody Gardens in Galveston

Hilton Galveston Beach Resort

Relax by the pool in a shady cabana at Hilton Galveston Beach Resort before or after your cruise. The Park and Go package for cruises from Galveston includes seven nights of parking and a shuttle to and from the cruise terminals.

Enjoy a luxury stay in this high-end resort just a couple of miles from Moody Gardens, the Rainforest Café, and the popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

• · Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 4.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes (free with package)
• · Price per night: $$

Days Inn Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

Well located close to Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the Aquarium and other attractions, Days Inn Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall is one of the newer hotels on Galveston Seawall. It offers spacious guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and extras, including a microwave and refrigerator. If location is important to you, this is a good choice.  

•    Address: 8712 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.4 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $$

Galveston Hotels Near Pleasure Pier

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Galveston, TX

Located just steps from the beach, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson makes a great starting point for your cruise vacation. Take on the thrilling rides at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier before or after your cruise. To tour museums and browse shops housed in Victorian buildings, spend the day at The Strand Historic District. It has something for all ages.

• · Address: 2818 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 2.1 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes (free with package)
• · Price per night: $$

Galveston Hotels on Seawall with Free Cruise Parking

Why pay for cruise parking when many hotels on Galveston Seawall include free parking in your room rate for up to 7 days?

However, you may have to arrange transport to and from the port as these hotels do not offer a cruise package as such. Here are some of the best…

Beachfront Palms

Beachfront Palms is a mid-priced hotel steps from the beach and Convention Center. The reasonable room rate includes free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. Rooms were remodeled in 2019 with upgraded bathrooms, microwave, refrigerator, and 50” TVs, including HBO.

As well as a business center, this well-located hotel offers free cruise parking for guests staying one or more nights. They do not offer cruise port transfers, but will arrange a ride with a local company, which costs about $10 per person.

• · Address: 5914 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 4.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes (third party, fee)
• · Price per night: $$

Comfort Inn and Suites Galveston Beach

Comfort Inn and Suites Beachfront is hard to beat with its beachfront location and free cruise parking for guests. This Galveston hotel on Seawall Blvd has comfortable suites with sea views, a sitting area, a coffee maker, and a refrigerator.

Amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness pool and free hot breakfast. For cruise passengers, it offers free parking for the duration of your cruise, although you have to arrange transport to and from the port yourself.

• · Address: 6302 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 4.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $

Best Hotels on Galveston Seawall for a Pre-Cruise Getaway

San Luis Resort Spa and Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center offers a luxury stay at their 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort on beautiful Galveston Island, Texas. Most of the 250 bedrooms have a private balcony with outdoor seating for relaxing and enjoying stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re cruising, take advantage of their free shuttle service too.

• · Address: 5222 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 3.8 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes free
• · Price per night: $$$

Clarion Pointe

The Clarion Pointe is located on the Historic Galveston Seawall, overlooking uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico. The sandy beach is right across the street. It gets full marks for its prime location, excellent service and huge rooms. 

• · Address: 2300 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 1.9 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes 
• · Price per night: $$

Family-Friendly Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port

Gaido’s Seaside Inn

Cruisers booking a stay at Gaido’s Seaside Inn will find this hotel is a great value place to stay, park and cruise. Family rooms sleep up to 7 and there’s a gorgeous outdoor pool with beach views for a morning dip. It’s just a short distance from Schlitterbahn Waterpark, so your kids will love it!

Arrange free parking for the duration of your cruise and you’ll get complimentary transfers to the port as well.

Gaido’s does a delicious hot breakfast with muffins, pancakes, waffles and eggs made from scratch to family recipes. Help yourself to coffee and popcorn in the lobby 24/7. It’s so pleasant you’ll probably want to stay before AND after your cruise!

• · Address: 3828 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 2.5 miles
• · Shuttle service? Yes free
• · Price per night: $$

Courtyard by Marriott

A little further from the cruise port, Courtyard by Marriott offers the assurance of a trusted hotel brand with modern rooms and plush bedding. It has an on-site restaurant, resort pool with cabanas and more. It’s the ideal Galveston hotel on the Seawall for cruisers with children.

• · Address: 9550 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.7 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night $$

Maravilla Resort Condos

Maravilla Resort Condos has the best pools in Galveston, according to past guests. Accommodation is in condo suites and amenities include cabanas, hot tubs, waterfall cascades and fitness facilities. Balconies have gulf views and the beach is a short walk away making this the ideal choice for family-friendly getaways before or after your cruise.

• · Address: 8610 Seawall Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.7 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night from: $$

What’s the Best Golf Hotel Near Galveston Seawall?

Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center

The best golf course on Galveston Island is Moody Gardens public golf course. If you want to enjoy a round of golf while staying nearby, consider staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center.

This four-star hotel has unique theme-decorated suites and offers panoramic views of Galveston Bay, marina and Galveston itself from the well-appointed guest rooms. Each 500-square-foot room has a choice of one king-size or two queen-size beds.

Amenities include bathrobes, lighted vanities, full-length mirrors, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes and a nightly turn-down service upon request.

• · Address: 7 Hope Blvd
• · Distance from cruise terminal: 6.1 miles
• · Shuttle service? No
• · Price per night: $$$

Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd FAQ

What’s the best hotel on Seawall for families?

Gaido’s Seaside Inn is the best Galveston hotel on Seawall for families. This resort-style hotel has beautiful rooms for families that can sleep up to 7 guests. There’s a gorgeous outdoor pool for a morning dip and the beach is just across the road. Gaido’s breakfasts are legendary and kids will love the popcorn available 24/7 in the lobby.

Can I walk from the hotel to the Galveston cruise terminal?

Yes! If you stay at Tremont House on Ship Mechanic Row Street or Harbor House Hotel at Pier 21 you will be 5 minutes’ walk (0.2 miles) from the Galveston cruise terminal. Harbor House Hotel is another historic luxury hotel right on the waterfront with excellent views of the port and cruise ships.

Which hotel on Galveston Seawall is the closest to the cruise port?

The closest Seawall hotel to Galveston cruise port is The Pearl Inn, a modest motel with an outdoor pool and Wi-Fi. Located at 1002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston is steps from the beach and close to restaurants and attractions, including the Bishop’s Palace and Seaport Museum.