Galveston Harbor House or Hilton

[nealstuber]

I've had the Hilton booked for a pre-cruise stay in October, found that the Harbor house prices have dropped to match.

 

We (ME, DW DD(8) DS (10) we can never wait for the shuttle to get us to the ship - so the walk to the ship concept really appeals to me. Equally appealing is the no shuttle, quick get away quick concept as we're looking at a 12 hr ride home and school the next day.

 

Worried Kids will be borded with Harbor house. The Hilton seems to be more of a resort - and we like being on the beach.

 

So I thought I'd throw up a poll to help us make up our mind.

[brn2crz]

Huummmm tuff choice.

I will add that I would in no way walk from the Harbour House to the terminal...Not in Galveston...And not in Oct...I know others have done it...

But with wife and kids...I don't think I would ...Its not that its far ...Not far at all...I just don't see how it would be very easy to haul that much luggage over...And theres not really any sidewalk until you reach Carnivals part of the terminal...

 

On the other hand...Its a great place to stay..And watching the ships come in at 6 in the AM..if you so desire is great..

Also...you can easily drive,or take a little shuttle to either Palm Beach,at Moody Gardens http://moodygardens.com/palm-beach-tx.html

..Schlitterbahn,which is a great water park that can convert to indoor

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/gal/

...or Stewart beach which is a great clean family beach area with chairs and facilities...

http://www.galveston.com/stewartbeach/

 

 

On the other hand..the Hilton resort is a lot of fun.Adjacent to the fabulous San Luis property,and are with in lots of fun things to do on the Seawall..And a great Ocean view..Walking distance over to the Rainforest Cafe..

http://www.galveston.com/rainforestcafe/

 

 

On the other hand...Lots of fun things to do on the Stand...:D

http://www.thestrand.com/

 

Have fun making up your mind.

[nealstuber]

Huummmm tuff choice.

I will add that I would in no way walk from the Harbour House to the terminal...Not in Galveston...And not in Oct...I know others have done it...

But with wife and kids...I don't think I would ...Its not that its far ...Not far at all...I just don't see how it would be very easy to haul that much luggage over...And theres not really any sidewalk until you reach Carnivals part of the terminal...

 

On the other hand...Its a great place to stay..And watching the ships come in at 6 in the AM..if you so desire is great..

Also...you can easily drive,or take a little shuttle to either Palm Beach,at Moody Gardens http://moodygardens.com/palm-beach-tx.html

..Schlitterbahn,which is a great water park that can convert to indoor

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/gal/

...or Stewart beach which is a great clean family beach area with chairs and facilities...

http://www.galveston.com/stewartbeach/

 

 

On the other hand..the Hilton resort is a lot of fun.Adjacent to the fabulous San Luis property,and are with in lots of fun things to do on the Seawall..And a great Ocean view..Walking distance over to the Rainforest Cafe..

http://www.galveston.com/rainforestcafe/

 

 

On the other hand...Lots of fun things to do on the Stand...:D

http://www.thestrand.com/

 

Have fun making up your mind.

 

Thank you for your kind reply and for confusing me further! Was thinking I could make one or two trips to drop the bags and walk over when the crowds looked right.

[brn2crz]

Well....Don't go by me on luggage deal...Probably not that big a deal to a able bodied young man willing to make a couple of trips...

Its really I guess one of only 2 options if you are staying at the HH without a car,as they don't offer a shuttle..So I guess you would have to get a cab other wise???

 

Seriously...You should have a great time at either place...

 

I noticed you were on Mariner West Route during Ivan...We were on Rhapsody the same week I think Sept 12 or 14th....

We docked next to you guys in Coz....

[nealstuber]

Well....Don't go by me on luggage deal...Probably not that big a deal to a able bodied young man willing to make a couple of trips...

Its really I guess one of only 2 options if you are staying at the HH without a car,as they don't offer a shuttle..So I guess you would have to get a cab other wise???

 

Seriously...You should have a great time at either place...

 

I noticed you were on Mariner West Route during Ivan...We were on Rhapsody the same week I think Sept 12 or 14th....

We docked next to you guys in Coz....

Once we got on the Mariner (in MIAMI) it was the smoothest sailing we've ever had.

[brn2crz]

Once we got on the Mariner (in MIAMI) it was the smoothest sailing we've ever had.

 

Was the Mariner sailing from Miami then...Or was that when POC was closed?

 

I wish we could say the same about smooth.

We left Galveston 5 pm Sunday.All was good until about 2 pm Monday...And got worse and worse...We passed Ivan in the Yucatan,150 miles from center..30 ft waves...Pretty bad until Tuesday evening..But overall...It was a great cruise...

Here we are

 

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/190782968/1190835287059705010ePACAm

[nealstuber]

Was the Mariner sailing from Miami then...Or was that when POC was closed?

 

I wish we could say the same about smooth.

We left Galveston 5 pm Sunday.All was good until about 2 pm Monday...And got worse and worse...We passed Ivan in the Yucatan,150 miles from center..30 ft waves...Pretty bad until Tuesday evening..But overall...It was a great cruise...

Here we are

 

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/190782968/1190835287059705010ePACAm

 

Francie Wahsed out POC the week before so I had to call Delta and change my flights. Oddly they didn't asses a change fee I'm not sure if it was because I was flying out of Boston Logan on Sept 11 around 8:30 or because I asked to fly in to a place that was under evacuation orders. Ended up great.

[dforeigner]

I just called the Harbour House and they require a two night minimum stay. Bomer! Oh well, I was trying to find something special since I am taking my wife to be on a cruise for our honeymoon.

[nealstuber]

I just called the Harbour House and they require a two night minimum stay. Bomer! Oh well, I was trying to find something special since I am taking my wife to be on a cruise for our honeymoon.

Congrats on your wedding!

We have that Friday off as well so we were thinking about getting to Galveston an extra-extra-day early - that's when I saw the Harbor House Deal.

 

I think it might be a bit stuffy for my kids over two days.

[dforeigner]

Congrats on your wedding!

We have that Friday off as well so we were thinking about getting to Galveston an extra-extra-day early - that's when I saw the Harbor House Deal.

 

I think it might be a bit stuffy for my kids over two days.

 

If you get a chance, towards one end of the Island (I am guessing the northeast end) there is a free ferry (it was about 6-7 years ago). You can drive onto the ferry and the ferry will take you across. Then you can take it back (also free). By doing so, maybe your kids will get lucky and see some dolphins playing around the ferry. A cheap thrill but priceless memories.

[nealstuber]

If you get a chance, towards one end of the Island (I am guessing the northeast end) there is a free ferry (it was about 6-7 years ago). You can drive onto the ferry and the ferry will take you across. Then you can take it back (also free). By doing so, maybe your kids will get lucky and see some dolphins playing around the ferry. A cheap thrill but priceless memories.

 

Thanks for the Tip, We're planning to take the Bolivar Ferry on our way down from Memphis.

[brn2crz]

Great idea..But just park your car at the landing and walk on...Much less hassel.

Especially look for the Dolphins on the Boliver side..Off to your left as you are facing back towards Galveston.We last rode across in late Aug.And there were 5 different pods of 2 or 3 dolphins in each one..They were actually jumping in the air etc..This is the most active we have ever seen them...

 

On another note..Just wondering why you are taking that route when coming down?...I am not saying its a bad choice...Just letting you know its not the only choice..And certainly not the quickest...

Just curious...Don't take it the wrong way :)

[nealstuber]

Great idea..But just park your car at the landing and walk on...Much less hassel.

Especially look for the Dolphins on the Boliver side..Off to your left as you are facing back towards Galveston.We last rode across in late Aug.And there were 5 different pods of 2 or 3 dolphins in each one..They were actually jumping in the air etc..This is the most active we have ever seen them...

 

On another note..Just wondering why you are taking that route when coming down?...I am not saying its a bad choice...Just letting you know its not the only choice..And certainly not the quickest...

Just curious...Don't take it the wrong way :)

Wanted to do the ferry, it hadn't occured to just get on for a round trip. I had posted an inquiry on my roll call when I first booked and was told it would not be far out of the way and a good chance to unwind before getting to the Hotel.

 

Decided to stay in the Hilton for two nights as their rate had dropped as well. If it looks like we won't hit the ferry in daylight, we'll probably do exactly as you suggest, hoping to time it for the sunset ferry (will take some doing 12 hrs out).

[brn2crz]

I am sure that would be fun...

 

But since all the storms,that route is not the easiest .

Its pretty rural route,once you leave 1-10 in Winnie..Which I assume you are doing as the road from Sabine Pass to Winnie is washed out.:eek:

But 87 on through Crystal Beach and to the very can be very backed up.Its only one lane (each way of course)...And a little dangerous at times..

I don't recall when you guys are actually going..If its not prime beach season..Then it will proably be an easy trip...

Just wanted to warn you of possible traffic delays...

 

I love that route..Its a very "quaint" gulf coast view and atmoshere..You should have a ball.

[nealstuber]

This is so helpful. Hope to get to the Winne exit by 6pm on Oct 5 (a Friday) will I be subjecting my family to a crazy Rush hour at the end of an 11 hr drive? Will it be dark anyway by the time we get on the ferry.

[Host Kat]

Per www.timeanddate.com sunset for Galveston Island will be 7:00PM on Thursday 10/05/06, 6:59PM on Friday 10/06/06 and 6:57PM on your sail date Sunday 10/08/06. Hope this link works for you!

 

Click here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=494&obj=sun&month=10&year=2006&day=1

 

Kat

[brn2crz]

This is so helpful. Hope to get to the Winne exit by 6pm on Oct 5 (a Friday) will I be subjecting my family to a crazy Rush hour at the end of an 11 hr drive? Will it be dark anyway by the time we get on the ferry.

 

 

Well..at that time of day...You may very well be better off going through Winnie...Traffic on 1-10 though Houston may be a bugger as well.:)

That would be a pretty easy time to take that route to the ferry...But yeah,it would be dark by then...Not to say the Ferrys not fun at night...And the traffic trying to go over to Galveston from the Bolivar side would be minimal at that time... (unless there is some sort of weird Galveston event I don't know about !!)

 

I know I have probably confused you at this time...Let me just recap by saying this...

 

Don't think I was ever trying to discourage you from taking the "beach/ferry route" I spent the first 25 years of my life in the Beaumont area,and thats how we always went to Galveston...I love the drive and the Ferry...Some folks however think its the only/best route to Galveston,and all things considered...Its about the same as going on around.

Given the time of day you are going...Either way is probably fine...If you hit Winnie at 6...That puts you in Houston around 7 if you go that way...Depending on traffic,you could be on the Island by 8 or 830...

And you never know what the heck is gonna be going on with traffic..

Taking the Ferry route at that time of day should put you there about the same time..Maybe a tad earlier...But yeah,I am afraid it would be dark.

 

I feel like I have really talked out of both sides of my mouth...and tried to change your plans...I did not mean to...Just letting you know the ups and downs of that route...

 

Have fun and let me know how it goes...:D

 

Host Kat...Any othe input??

[Host Kat]

This may help the situation.

 

For ferry schedule, click here: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/maintenance/ferries/ferry_schedule.htm

 

Kat

[nealstuber]

This may help the situation.

 

For ferry schedule' date=' click here: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/maintenance/ferries/ferry_schedule.htm

 

Kat

 

Thank you both. Sounds like I need to get Winnie by 5 if I want a shot at a sunset ferry ride.

[Host Kat]

You are most welcome!

 

, have you checked out the Galveston web cams yet? Click here: http://www.galveston.com/webcams/

 

The Seawolf Park web cam is located on Pelican Island across from the ferry landing on Galveston Island. You can watch toward the left on the far shore for the ferries to come and go.

 

The Harbor Cam is located on top of the Harbor House at Pier 21. You can watch your ship on sail days. The masts you see are the 1877 tall ship Elissa at the Seaport Museum.

 

Also, about 10 minutes or so after your ship leaves the cruise pier on the Harbor Cam, you will see her again on the Seawolf Cam as she sails by.

 

Enjoy!

 

Happy trails to you...

 

Kat

[Michael Kays]

If you are looking for something special for your honeymoon..try either the Hotel Galvez or Tremont. both Wyndham pproperties, both very elegant, and both will take a one night stay pre-cruise and provide shuttle service. Galvez in on the Seawall (south) side of th eisland while Tremont is on the Wharf (north) side of the island. Tremont has a wonderful rooftop terrace where you can watch the cruise ships come into port. Galvez has an incredible pool, that Tremont guest can use as well..

Enjoy your cruise~

[dforeigner]

If you are looking for something special for your honeymoon..try either the Hotel Galvez or Tremont. both Wyndham pproperties, both very elegant, and both will take a one night stay pre-cruise and provide shuttle service.

Enjoy your cruise~

 

I depends on what date you are cruising. I am cruising 04/14/07 and Galvez told me it is Beach Weekend; therefore, they require a two night stay. I even advised them that we were cruising with Princess (Princess uses that hotel) and that I have a membership with Windham hotels. I was told that no rooms for only one night.

I am taking my fiancé (we will be married by then) on this cruise for our honeymoon and the choices of an elegant hotel are looking slimmer as we speak. The Harbor House is also a two night stay type deal. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks

[brn2crz]

huummm...Beach weekend huh?Not as bad as it used to be ...But not exactly the perfect setting for a Romantic weekend...Unless of course you are a young college couple...With interest or affiliation with this frat "Kappa Alpha Psi" ..In all fairness to them...They have separated ties to this event..But this is more about the event http://www.blackgreeknetwork.com/blog/KappaAlphaPsi/_archives/2006/4/23/1905746.html

 

It is going to be a little hard to find a good quite place to stay this weekend.. You could try calling all of my fab 5 (Galvez,Tremont,San Luis,Harbor House or Moody Gardens) personally and explaining it is a honey moon trip..And a pre-cruise event...Sometimes they will work with you..

The Beach Weekend goes tend to flock more toward the medium priced hotels on the seawall..

I can highly suggest this place however..A very very romantic B&B with Private Jacuzzi Tubs in every room (or terrace)...

http://www.mermaidanddolphin.com/ very reasonable priced,and some nice romance packages..

 

Also..a wee bit pricey ..But may afford you the privacy you are looking for are these 2 actual beach front properties...These are privately owned condo's that are rented out...Again..Call these properties directly...As I do not think they would even rent out to Beach Weekenders..So you might not find them "available" on line.But if you call them,they may be willing to do something.

 

And they are http://www.islandereast.com/ ( a great friendly staff) ..a beautiful balcony views right on the beach...

 

And this http://www.galvestonian.com/

The Galvestonian has a little better lobby area,and better pool area...

But they are a bit more pretentious there...Either place would be nice...

Great little 1/1's that would do you well...Or even a 2/1 for a little more space...

 

I hope this works for you..If not..I can recommend the Honeymoon suite here http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/flash_content/flash_content.html

(click on the hotel tab) Pretty pricey..And very hard to come by...And you would be best served to have your own transportation,as its about 30 miles from the port...

 

Good luck..

[brn2crz]

If you do stay on the Island..Keep in mind.Most public places along the Seawall will be very crowded..Restaurants,the beach etc...The strand will be a little lesser crowds.But some non the less.

 

This used to be a veeeeery bad and wild weekend for Galveston..Restaurants (Mcdonalds etc) used to close for the whole weekend..As did Wal-mart..many other business as well as 99% of the Strand.

They have really changed this event from a free for all,to an organized event,handled by a promoter..They have quadroned of special routes (its all about cruizin during this) and set up barricades for special events,and began charging entrance fees...There were years that the whole Island would pack up and leave this weekend..And police and security could earn 200 per hour...And it could take 4 hours to get on the Island from Houston.

So...You will hear some scarey comments...But its not nearly as bad (wild) as it used to be.

[Host Kat]

In addition to Beach Weekend in 2007, another big weekend for Galveston Island will be Thursday through Sunday November 2 - 5, 2006. It may cause some difficulties for cruisers on Carnival Conquest and Ecstasy as well as RCI's Rhapsody of The Seas during that time.

 

Click here for info on the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally: http://www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/event264/

 

Kat