Hotel Galvez & Galveston Beach

Hotel Galvez: A View from the Beach

Hotel Galvez celebrated its centennial birthday the weekend of June 10 - 12. When I read about it from 365 Things to Do in Houston on my Facebook newsfeed, I thought it would be a perfect family getaway for the weekend. We've never stayed at the Hotel Galvez, and I've always marveled at how pretty the building is. Of course, I love old buildings, and especially love the history and stories to be learned from such a place.

Hotel Galvez had all sorts of children's activities for the day which culminated into a fabulous fireworks show. Beatrix has always had such sensitive hearing, and at the first sound of the test firework, she was in tears, so we were forced to head back into the hotel to try and watch from there. We didn't have a great view, as it was partially blocked. Plus, we were watching from the lit halls of our floor, so there was a glare on the windows, but I could still tell it was beautiful, and Beatrix was much happier to be watching from inside. We realized later that we should have invested in some nice hearing protection earmuffs. There are many times they would have come in handy over the years. I'm happy to report that we have finally purchased a pair from Baby Banz for both girls just in time for our trip to NYC, where we will be enjoying the Fourth of July this year. 

The girls on the lawn in front of Hotel Galvez

Steven and the girls enjoying the shade in the front lawn of Hotel Galvez

Charlotte not engaged in the puppet show

Beatrix engaged in the puppet show

Beatrix enjoying the donut

Charlotte enjoying the funhouse mirror

Later in the day, prior to the fireworks' show, we took the girls down to the beach so they could play in the sand. Charlotte took over Beatrix's shovel, which Beatrix was not happy about, but Charlotte managed to get a shovel full over her shoulder before Beatrix took it away from her.

Playing on the beach in front of Hotel Galvez

Charlotte being dragged back by Steven

Charlotte, um, is a typical toddler. What can I say? Given her way, she'd be out to sea, and not just throwing a fit in the sand at Daddy's feet.

Charlotte getting ready to eat some sand

Daddy took Charlotte back to the hotel, which gave Beatrix some nice, quiet, alone time to play in the sand.

Beatrix showing me the sand and debris she collected

The next morning, we packed up our stuff, left the hotel, and headed for Stewart Beach.

Waiting for our car in front of the hotel

The girls had fun doing their thing on the beach.

Charlotte at Stewart Beach

Beatrix at Stewart Beach

Beatrix enjoyed working on a sand castle with Nathan & Bella, as well as boogie boarding in the water. We had a great weekend in Galveston despite all the sand and salt we brought back home with us.