One of the more important aspects of tourism for many modern cities is ensuring that their downtowns remain vibrant and attractive. Achieving this goal is not an easy one, but it is a process made much easier when there is a focus on maintaining and promoting historic structures, especially hotels.
Maintaining Galveston’s Relevance
Galveston is a history-rich part of the Houston area, and is a city that has helped shape the history of Texas. Fortunately for Galveston, tourists and the residents of the state, the city is blessed with a number of individuals and firms committed to preserving this history.
One such firm is Mitchell Historic Properties. Charged with the oversight and management of three unique structures owned by the Mitchell family, this firm also ensures the preservation of roughly 25 percent of the famous Strand District and Pier 21.
The history of Galveston includes surviving one of the nation’s worst hurricanes at the turn of the 20th century and another devastating storm just over a century later in 2009. These natural disasters destroyed many of the original homes and commercial buildings in the city, making current preservation and restoration efforts all the more important.
The leaders of Mitchell Historic Properties are proud of their role of protecting this unique heritage, and provide both residential and commercial leasing opportunities in the downtown area. Additionally, the company plays a major part in helping to plan and conduct many activities and events each year to keep this area attractive and vibrant. These include:
>Free concerts
>Movies on the Strand
>Outdoor markets
>Seasonal festivals and events
Just one such event is the very popular Dickens on the Strand celebration each Christmas holiday season.
Hotels that Speak of Elegance and History
In addition to the numerous properties on the Strand and located at Pier 21, the company proudly maintains three of Galveston’s most prominent hotels. These include:
Overlooking the beautiful Galveston beaches and famous seawall, the Hotel Galvez & Spa stands for luxury and true escapism for many residents, Houstonians, and visitors from around the globe. This majestic structure has been an anchor for Galveston tourism for more than a century, and it is constantly updated to offer the best of hospitality in a historic ambience.
The Galvez claims the title of the only historic beachfront hotel located on the Gulf Coast of Texas and management takes pride in its status as a AAA 4-Diamond property. Known as the “Queen of the Gulf” to many in the tourism industry, the Hotel Galvez won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award in 2014. While it occupies a special place in the hearts of all who live in Galveston, this is a premier hotel that ranks well with any luxury lodging on the globe.
Just as the Galvez dominates the beachfront, the Tremont House commands the downtown area of Galveston. Earning the enviable position as a Wyndham Grand Hotel, this fine structure both blends in with and distinguishes itself within the historic district. A favorite for elegant dinners, weddings and other formal events, this is also a popular destination getaway for Texans of all stripes as well as visitors from around the nation.
In addition to a rooftop bar and a top-quality onsite restaurant, the Tremont provides its guests with both swimming and spa privileges at the Hotel Galvez, also offering easy access to its many amenities. You can shop till you drop on the Strand and then take a complimentary shuttle to the Galvez for a full rejuvenation.
As a part of the triad of Mitchell Historic Hotels, the Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 is a welcome site for many visitors who come to Galveston via the many cruises and pleasure craft dockings at the city. Just a short walk from the Strand Historic District, the Harbor House has been recently renovated to offer guests the best in hospitality.
Many visitors who want to enjoy all that Galveston has to offer will use the Harbor House as a base from which they can enjoy such attractions as the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, Texas Seaport Museum, and the BayWatch Dolphin Tours.
Mitchell Historic Properties
One of the great aspects of tourism in Galveston is the ability to come again and again and never tire of what this historic, yet modern city has to offer. A large part of the credit for Galveston remaining one of the most popular tourism sites in Texas and the nation is due to the work of the team at Mitchell Historic Properties. Our mission is to ensure you enjoy the history, tradition and many current offerings of this grand old city.
