Hotel Galvez, Galveston

The Grand Galvez, formerly known as Hotel Galvez, stands as a proud sentinel of Galveston’s coast, welcoming guests since 1911. Known as the "Queen of the Gulf," this AAA Four-Diamond hotel is the only historic beachfront property on the Texas Gulf Coast. Built for a then-staggering $1 million, it was conceived as a symbol of resilience and elegance after the devastating 1900 hurricane. With over a century of hospitality under its belt, the hotel has hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities, and generations of travelers drawn to its storied past and refined charm.

Architecturally grand and historically rich, the Galvez has worn many hats-serving as a wartime Coast Guard facility during WWII and later transforming into a hotspot for Galveston’s booming gambling scene in the mid-20th century. The hotel’s opulent lobby bar, a relic from the prohibition-era Old Galveston Club, adds an extra splash of intrigue. It’s even credited to Santos Cruz, who is believed to have mixed the first-ever margarita at the Balinese Room. While its walls echo with laughter from lavish events and whispers from dignitaries past, the Galvez is also known for its more... eternal residents.

Yes, the Grand Galvez is famously haunted. Its ghostly reputation includes Room 501’s “Love Lorn Lady,” a bride-to-be who died tragically, and Sister Katherine, who perished in the 1900 storm while tethered to orphans in her care. Paranormal sightings have become part of the hotel’s mystique, drawing curious guests as much as its luxury and legacy.