Hopping Island: Revamped Hotels Among Galveston Upgrades and Additions

Hopping Island: Revamped Hotels Among Galveston Upgrades and Additions

Lobby Bar at Tremont House

FROM BEACHFRONT VACATION homes to Creole cottages, Galveston has more than its share of great places to stay. But island regulars — or even those searching for a quick last-minute stay — have probably noticed the absence of hip, modern boutique-style hotels. Enter Hotel Lucine, slated to open in the coming month or so.


Originally built in the 1960s as the Treasure Isle Motel, the 61-room hotel was most recently the ramshackle-y Pearl Inn, but has undergone a total transformation. The sexy, retro-savvy Hotel Lucine, located on the island’s East End near Stewart Beach, homages the building’s mid-century origins while incorporating tons of natural light, greenery and warm tones. Here, guests can enjoy private beachfront relaxation, or alternatively opt to lounge at the interior courtyard pool.

Until recently, Hotel Lucine — named for a pearlescent, sculptured shell — boasted Houston hospitality stars Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel as food and beverage partners. Its unclear how the duo’s exit will impact Lucine’s plans. The main restaurant, called The Fancy, is billed as American “fine-ish” dining; plans had also been ongoing for a casual rooftop bar to be call the Den.

Meanwhile, another Galveston icon has been fully remodeled. The historic Tremont House, located on The Strand, debuted its new look over the holidays, and also joined the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. The renovation features hardwood floors and exposed-brick walls in the 135 guest rooms; a group of four suites, dubbed the Mitchell Collection, is located on a private floor, with pressed-tin ceilings and expansive living areas, plus the option to join all four together.

In the refreshed lobby, find Blum & Co. “urban market” with coffee and grab-and-go items, and the bar, 1862 Toujouse, featuring live music.

Nearby, several exciting concepts provide downtown guests with fun food — and necessities. Old Oleander will open in April, in the Strand’s Hendley Building, most recently home to the Old Strand Emporium. It’ll have fresh produce, eggs, meat, alcohol — and a menu of gourmet sandwiches. A few blocks away, Sugar & Rye’s coastal cuisine draws diners who come for the jambalaya risotto and stay for the housemade ice cream. And a little farther west, on Market Street, Ophelia’s is now open, serving comfort food like boudin balls and fried chicken for lunch and dinner.

Tremount House

People + Places
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.

IN THE WARM glow of the holidays, festive frocks, elegant resort looks and baubles from Houston’s finest jewelers take on a regal new light.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

Casey Axelrod, Stacey White, Christy Robinson, Laura Lewis and Mia Oliva

PETE BELL'S COTTON Holdings company, known for never doing anything halfway when it comes to parties, celebrated the return of the of the A&M-UT football game after a 13-year hiatus with the most lavish tailgating more gridiron fans have ever seen.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style+Culture