Have any of you been to Galveston for a family vacation? We're looking for a family friendly condo, 2 bedroom with pullout bed (3 adults, 2 children) on the beach, but with a pool, and close to attractions, restaurants, etc.. and would love to have your recommendations (or stay away from) advice. Medium price range. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your replies. We know it won't be as nice as the Florida panhandle, but with two little kids, we don't want to make that long a drive. Now...back to Galveston...we have looked at a few places on VBRO, but hesitate to deal with an individual and take a chance on the property not being as advertised with no recourse to get deposit refunded. Anyone know of a nice, reasonably priced condo in addition to the one already suggested? We would prefer to deal with a management company or such rather than an individual. Thanks again for your help.
You can look into VRBO, like someone else suggested. We have had wonderful experiences. I do suggest getting something with a pool, for you to swim. Galveston water is disgusting, and the beaches aren't very nice. A pool would be non negotiable, for me. There are some really nice beach side condos on VRBO.
sorry, hate to burst your bubble, but Galveston is yuck, yuck, yuck! If you have even stepped close to a gulf beach in Florida, you will be sadly disappointed that the same gulf beach in TX is well, not even remotely in the same class. But, if your expectations are low, really low, then you can still have a decent time. We had a decently nice weekend in Galveston, stayed at a hotel, risked life and limb to cross the street to the beach, and played a little in the water. Ok for a weekend, but honestly, I wouldn't (and probably couldn't) spend a hard earned week's vacation there. Gosh, I feel like Debbie Downer, but again, compared to the beaches in FL, Galvaston was very disappointing!
Hi K.,
We went to Galveston just last summer and had a great time. We stayed at Point West. It is on the beach and has two beautiful resort-style pools. Our unit was outstanding! We did go through VRBO and we were very, very happy with our condo. You might want to give it a look - it is listing #418331. I think VRBO offers insurance to protect you against certain situations such as ones in the event a unit is not as advertised.
I do think that you can go through mgmt companies for units at Pointe West. It is the "quiet" end of the island. The beaches are cleaned daily there and it is not crowded with millions of people like the other end of the island. It is much, much cleaner and we felt safe there.
Moody Gardens it a must-do! We also went to Schliterbahn and had a blast! Hope that helps - have fun!!
Good cheap vaca spot. They even now have a Six Flags type area.
We rented a house this past summer from VBRO. It was wonderful! Galveston isn't as yucky as before. I found it to be very nice. Is it Florida? No. But it isn't hell either. There are things to do. Pleasant Pier, Segway tours, shopping, swimming, jet ski, eating!! Very good food on Galveston Island! Yummmmmm!!!!!
We always get a condo at the San Luis resort. I've never priced a 2 bdrm, but the condo is attached to the hotel and is very, very nice. They have a great resort pool area, it is next door to the Rainforest Cafe, across the seawall from the beach and very close to everything else you want to do or see in Galveston.
Look at ABsearesorts.com, they have lots of condos available for reasonable prices. We like Galveston a lot. No, it's beaches are not picturesque, but they are clean, and downtown is really cool. The moody gardens are awesome, and there is plenty to do - even Shlitterbahn is open in the winter!
I'd check out Vacation Rental by Owner. vrbo.com. There would have to be tons of options in Galveston. Hope that helps...
