Had a great trip. I think this hotel will look great when the reno is done. My teens were not impressed with the 90's decor. Our room was clean and spacious, and didn't feel like your typical beach hotel. There are so many beautiful botanical areas. The pool area is pretty great too. I believe they have a kids camp, but my kids are too old.
The very best thing about this hotel is the staff. Everyone was attentive and helpful. I appreciate having great customer service, these guys did a wonderful job!

Stayed here on business in Feb 2013. Nice facilities for small conventions, meetings, or family gatherings. Relativly close to some major attractions. It appears as though the rooms may be starting to have some upgrading. The property appears to be well maintained.

We had a convention there and booked most of the hotel for rooms. The convention space is outstanding and very nicely accommodates a large group (1,000+). We went to check in early and the manager got us a room that was ready to go. There are a few small things that could be attended to for maintenance purposes, but the room was very clean and presentable overall.

This is no where near the beach, so stay elsewhere if that is what you are looking for. However, it is right next to the Moody Gardens (obviously) and is in a good location otherwise.

Cost wise, this is not a cheap place. However, it has a nice pool, some nice restaurants (highly recommend The Viewfinder Restaurant) for its panoramic views of the Gulf and the bay.

Well, where to begin....Ok, so we went to Galveston during Mardi Gras, and also Educator Appreciation at Moody Gardens. We traveled all the way from Fort Worth, TX, and arrived at Moody Gardens around 10am. We went to the aquariums and museums, and around 2pm, were ready to go check in to the hotel. Well, upon arriving, we were told we would not be allowed to check in because check-in was at 4pm. We told the front desk people that my mother in law, a diabetic, needed to lay down because she wasnt feeling well, and she needed her meds. Their excuse this time was "our system is down, we can't check you in". Ok..... So after my husband tracked down the manager and explained what was going on, we were checked in right away. So we look for our room (the hallways are very confusing, and no one in sight to ask for help) and attempt to get inside, when we discover our key cards don't work. So we trek downstairs, and get new key cards programmed. So we finally make it inside our rooms, and the TV and phones dont work (neither does my in-laws, 2 rooms down from us). After flaggind down a cleaning lady, who calls a maintenance man, he changes the batteries and POOF, its fixed. The rooms are in severe need of an uplift, it looks like 90s greatness in there, with aqua and pinks and the bedspread was scary! The beds itself were comfy, and the room fairly clean (i wouldn't say that about the carpets, tho) We did like that they provided a shuttle to The Strand, so we wouldn't have to drive. Parking is either valet, or in the boondocks around back. Our room didnt have a great view (of the Bay and of parking lots) and there is not breakfast included. There is, however, a $12 breakfast buffet, which was alright. (again, good but not for the price, would have enjoyed IHOP better) Also, none of the Galveston attractions (except for Schlitterbahn, which is on site) are nearby, so you have to drive everywhere, even to the beach. For around $169 a night, I expect fancy, not shmancy.