Considered as one of the most haunted places in Galveston, Texas, Hotel Galvez & Spa is the home of “The Lovelorn Lady”. This very active spirit found on the 5th floor of the hotel is rumoured to be that of a young lady who checked into Room 500, waiting for her fiancé who was at sea. While waiting for their rendezvous, she received news that her fiancé’s ship had sunk somewhere off the coast of Florida. Men from the ship were rescued but her fiancé was not one of them. Desperate and grieving, she hung herself in her room. She is said to be trapped eternally in the hotel, still waiting for her fiancé.
The lady’s room in the downstairs lobby is also considered to be haunted by some unknown entity. Staff and guests have reported strange activity in the room. Toilets would flush by themselves, stall door would shake, faucets in the sink would turn on by themselves and voices can also be heard even when the room is empty. The strange scent of gardenias has also been reported. The gardenia seems to be the sign of whatever paranormal entity haunts the room.
History
The historic Hotel Galvez & Spa was built in 1911. It has been through a lot of restorations that cost millions of dollars in order to bring it back to its old splendor. It still maintains a lot of its original charms and some of its original features can still be seen today. There is the lovely fold leaf topped columns; mahogany ceilings and stenciling. The hotel has been given the much-coveted 4-Diamond Rating by the AAA.
About
Whether you are in Galveston for business or for pleasure, you will surely marvel at the world-class service and amenities. There are 224 guestrooms to choose from and you can sleep like the Queen of the Gulf in each of them. All rooms have nothing but mattresses, pillow, and bedding which are made of 100% cotton. All the properties are smoke-free.
Spa-inspired rooms are located on the upper floor, offering guests some of the best views of the gulf and the surroundings. CleanAir rooms use the PURE system which reduces allergens and dust. These rooms are recommended for people who suffer from a lot of allergies. The 10,000 square full-service spa will surely put your senses at ease. Those who would like to go swimming will love the beachfront umbrella and chair service which the hotel offers.
When hungry, guests can go to Bernardo’s. Bernardo’s serves healthy breakfasts, lunches, and romantic dinners. They serve food which is fresh, delicious and distinctive. The restaurant offers breezy and expansive views of the ocean. Fish Tales is a seafood restaurant that also comes with views of the Gulf of Mexico. Those who would like to try some genuine Italian fare can go to Luigi’s Ristorante for delectable Northern Italian cuisine.
Features
- Outdoor pool
- Health club
- Weight machines
- Whirlpools
- Airport shuttle
- Bellhop
- Breakfast buffet
- Hairdresser
- Garage parking
- Concierge
- Copy service
- Dry cleaning
- Wake-up calls
- Room service
- Welcome gifts
Things to Do
Those seeking recreation and relaxation will be very happy to know that the Hotel Galvez is very near all the happening places in Galveston. It is located near the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The pier offers 16 different rides including a Ferris Wheel; a swing tower and a vertical lift steel coaster.
There are numerous attractions and food vendors in the area. Those who would like to try local food can go The Tremont Cafe; Olympia The Grill on Pier 21; Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant; and The Spot. Looking for some arts and culture? The Grand 1894 Opera House is a historic venue that offers off-Broadway plays, comedy, live music and more.
For individuals who like sports, Houston Astors; Moody Gardens Galveston Island; and Houston Texans offer some of the best indoor and outdoor activities which the whole family will love. Galveston is also the place for various special events all throughout the year.
Room Tariffs
- Standard King bed non-smoking rooms start at $143
- 2 Double beds non-smoking rooms start at $170
- 1 King bed suites start at $224