I wasn’t expecting to love Galveston. I’d heard it all: Humid. Boring. Brown water. But as it turns out, the naysayers had it all wrong. The historic coastal city has a lot going for it, including a newly refurbished, ultra-glam hotel.
The Grand Galvez is exactly what its name implies: Grand.
And I’m talking everything, from the statement-making tropical pink exterior to the show-stopping Murano glass mosaic. The hotel also sports a rich, vibrant past; the original Galvez opened in 1911.
For owner Mark Wyant, it was the perfect fit. The veteran hotelier (and native Dallasite) not only has experience revamping high-end historic properties — he’s a huge Galveston aficionado. “I’ve known it my whole life. Growing up, we’d go once or twice every summer. It was an easy trip to the ocean,” he said.
The opportunity to buy one of the country’s great old hotels proved irresistible. “It was just too good to pass up.” he said. “I could see that with a little spruce up, a little more spring in her step, she could be back in the mix.”
From the start, Mark’s vision was clear. “My goal was always to restore the iconic property to its long-reigning ‘Queen of the Gulf’ reputation,” he said.
“I wanted to make it look like Jay Gatsby might be walking in; to recreate the era of the ’20s, which was a very colorful time in America.”
Renovations — which include all hotel rooms, hospitality, and public areas — reflect a refreshingly elegant design and color palette. The lobby is particularly impressive, complete with the aforementioned custom Italian mosaic (the handiwork of Mark, his wife Lorenda, and Dallas-based mosaicist Julie Richey).
Crystal chandeliers add to the allure, along with harlequin black and white marble flooring and royal burgundy carpets. Other nods to the past include the iron-detailed front desk and Peacock Alley, a resplendent walkway leading from the lobby to the ballroom and spa.
On the way, you’ll pass the Founders Bar, destined to become a Galveston hot spot (if it’s not already). Among the specialty drinks, the “Ghost Bride” — a vodka/orange liqueur concoction — pays tribute to the famous spirit which allegedly still haunts the hotel.
Other resort-worthy amenities include a heated saline pool, private cabanas, a swim-up bar, and a world-class spa. (Kudos to my masseuse, Christian).
I was also blown away by the hotel’s supremely chic boutique/gift shop, Lolo.
“From design to merchandising, it’s 100 percent my wife’s concept. She basically said get out of my way,” Mark said, laughing.
Smart move. The 500-square-foot shop is packed full of tempting merchandise including a signature lavender scent created by Dallas fragrance maven Niven Morgan.
“The inspiration for Lolo comes from many of the beach resorts and hotels we have visited around the world, including the original bathing suit and hat shop opened by Coco Chanel in the beachside resort of Deauville,” Lorenda said.
Destination weddings provide a steady stream of business.
The hotel hosts about 150 weddings a year.
Next month, a commissioned custom fountain will arrive from Italy for the front lawn. “Everything revolves around restoring the property to its grand style,” Mark said.
