Grand Galvez

Across the street from a beach on the Gulf of Mexico, this elegant, 1911 hotel is 0.6 miles from Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and 0.9 miles from Bishop's Palace mansion. The warm rooms and suites have city or water views and feature free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs; some rooms add 42-inch TVs, fridges and rainfall showerheads. There's a posh restaurant and a lounge, a heated outdoor saltwater pool with a swim-up bar, and a poolside grill. Other amenities include a spa and an exercise room. Guests have free use of bikes and there's a complimentary local shuttle service.