Sweeping archways and stylish decor lend an elegant feel to 231 renovated guest rooms, many with vats ocean views. What awaits outside each room? Bernardos Restaurant is a popular attraction, serving Northern Italian and Gulf Coast cuisine. The shops of The Strand District are a quick trolley ride up the street. And an endless horizon of beachfront whispers promises of escape.

Is a trip to Texas is in your future, consider a stay in the Gulf's storied past. Hotel Galvez. Its Galveston done The Right Way.

Dining and Entertainment
Bernardo's Italian Restaurant, accented with Gulf Coast Fare.
Sumptuous Champagne Brunch each Sunday
Room Service
The Historic Strand District is just a short Trolley ride away

Meeting Room Features
More than 14,000 sq. ft. of Flexible
Meeting Space
Fully Restored Music Hall

One million dollars was raised to build the hotel which was developed by the architectural firm, Mauna and Russell of St. Louis, and interior designer Daniel P. Richey. Local firms involved in the initial ownership include H Kemper, and Adoue & Lobit bank, Hutchings-Sealy and Company and the Galveston Electric Company. Many Hotel names were suggested, such as the Dixie, and the Galveston Beach Hotel. Named after an 18th century governor of the Louisiana Territory, Count Bernardo de Galvez, Hotel Galvez was the victor.


Newspapers excitingly reported. "At a cost of more than a million dollars the best hotel architects, builders, interior designers and innkeepers were brought form all over the nation, to establish a first-class hotel unsurpassed by any other Gulf resort." Hotel Galvez was a resounding success and Galveston was on the road to an economic boom. During the 1918 season, the hotel held more than 400 guests a day, with room rates starting at $2.00 per day, and approximately 40,000 guests throughout the summer. The public areas featured a barber shop, candy shop, drug store, soda fountain, and Gentleman's Bar & Grill. Roller chairs line the front of the hotel for those wanting to take trips along the famous Seawall Boulevard.

On October 3, 1940, Hotel Galvez was acquired by W. L. Moody, Jr. During World War II, Hotel Galvez served as a living and working facility of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1950, The National Affiliated Hotels, Mr. Moody's hotel chain, joined the main building on the east side, developed the lavish swimming pool and Galvez Club. In 1965, the owners spent more than the original cost of the structure to refurbish it. Six years later, Hotel Galvez was acquired by Harvey O. McCarthey and Dr. Leon Bromberg.

In 1979, another major renovation to the hotel was initiated by Dr. Denton Cooley, who purchased the hotel in 1978. Soon after Dr. Cooley bought the hotel, he sold half his interest to Archie Bennett Jr. of the Mariner Corporation and they decided to obtain a Marriott franchise contract in June of 1989.

In April of 1995, Hotel Galvez was purchased by George and Cynthia Mitchell, Galveston preservationists and developers, who have long been committed to restoring Galveston to a bustling year-round tourist destination. In the Fall of 1996, the Mitchells entered into a management agreement with Wyndham Grand Heritage Hotels to handle the operation and management of Hotel Galvez. The Mitchells have retained ownership of the property. Today, Hotel Galvez has been completely restored to its original splendor as Galveston's only truly historical hotel.