1Texansgo

If a balcony doesn't fit into your budget consider an ocean view room on Deck 2 or 3. We had one on Deck 2 and never missed not having a balcony. Although we were skeptical the easy access to MDR, Promenade and Schooners etc. made for a great location. We even burned some calories taking the stairs and not waiting for the elevators.Also, easy disembarkation on port days. We are returning on LOS in October with another oceanview. Not much more than an inside cabin.

Not sure exactly where Days Inn is located; if you can give me address I can be more specific. On the Seawall there is The Spot (Hamburgers, sandwiches, salads etc), Fishtales (seafood) and Bennos (Cajun seafood) which are all pretty good. The Cajun Greek is on 61st but close the Seawall and serves up good food. More upscale there is Gaidos, Shearns (at Moody Gardens Hotel) and Rudy and Paco's (downtown). The best news is the Texas Legislature passed a law favorable to ride sharing companies so Uber is returning to the Island. Don't know exactly when they will return.

Commander's Palace in the Garden District has a world famous brunch if you want to get dressed up and see the best of NO on a weekend morning. Most restaurants will have a brunch menu on the weekends so you could probably decide after your NO arrival as to whether to stay close to your hotel or not. I love NO-great food!!!

I am sure The Galvez Hotel will have a fabulous Easter brunch but you probably don't want to do that prior to boarding. I 45 from Houston to Galveston can still get backed up around Bay Area/Nasa 1 Blvd. on the way to the Island so give yourself plenty of time. If you have kids staying in Kemah/Seabrook and then taking Hwy 146 to I 45 should be an easy route to Galveston. Your kids will enjoy the Kemah boardwalk and there are plenty of hotels in the Clear Lake/Kemah area.

Good suggestions from all posters and it depends on whether you are looking for lunch or dinner and what amount you want to spend. For moderate lunch and/or dinner we like Benno's on the Seawall which has Cajun inspired seafood. You wait in line to place your order and the servers bring it to you. More fried seafood but their Cajun grilled entrees are excellent in my opinion. Blvd Seafood on the seawall is another good venue for lunch or dinner. Chef formerly worked at Gaido's I believe. Tiki Tiki Hut on 19th has good bar food (Burgers, wings, nachos etc) but also has good fried and grilled flounder and shrimp. As others have mentioned The Spot, Fish Tales, Millers and The Gumbo Diner are good. Cajun Greek on 61st reopened a couple of years ago after being closed several years after Ike. I really like Cajun Greek. Most folks would say overall Rudy and Paco is the best Island restaurant day in and day out if you want a good meal, good atmosphere and a good wine list.

Great replies which have all been informative and educational.

I have seen some comments about spa cabins. Are the cabins any larger than others? Do those who have stayed in them believe they are worth the additional cost? If so, did you stay in the spas for several hours daily? I am trying to determine the pros and cons. Also, cove balconies seem to get much conversation which I assume are balconies on the second and third decks. Again, what are the reasons that you enjoy these cabins as opposed to those on higher decks?