For most of us, the term ‘bed and breakfast’ evokes images of four-poster beds and decadent, homemade morning meals. Cozier than large resorts, these properties are sometimes referred to as B&Bs or boutique hotels. They offer a distinctly intimate environment where innkeepers often live on premises, or nearby, and offer personal service to every guest. 

 B&Bs are often family owned and run, with fewer than 10 rooms. Some are of cultural and historic value, and some are centered around fun themes. The really good ones focus on finer details and service. 

 B&Bs can be a great honeymoon or anniversary destination. Most foster a romantic atmosphere by providing intimate settings within shared spaces. For example, breakfasts are served buffet style and guests are encouraged to socialize, or not, depending on their preference. You can spend time in a shared garden respite or a private balcony outside your room. 

 

 There are many reasons why staycationing in your home city is a good idea. Maybe you’re attending a special event on the east end of the island and don’t want to make the long drive out west. Perhaps you’d like to tour a historic home or take a sunset cruise the following day. 

 The best reason is that they are near enough to home, so travel is not an issue but far enough away that it feels like a getaway. 

 There are many reasons why a B&B can be the consummate place to stay. Having multiple rooms in the same house can be ideal for family reunions, offering a space for group gatherings while maintaining a private respite for all. Also, some families like to stay together in the same space for the holidays but don’t have room for everyone in their private residences. 

 Galveston is uniquely qualified as a historic, urban, and coastal community at the same time. Whether you are on vacation or enjoying a staycation in your home city, Galveston has a variety of unique options from seaside retreats to stately historic mansions. 

 THE 1874 GUEST HOUSE Galvestonians love it when something old also becomes something new. The 1874 Guest House is a grand old beauty that received major restoration by the mother-and-daughter design team of Mary Louise Stonecipher and Jordan Vaughn. 

 Situated within Galveston’s East End Historical District, The 1874 Guest House provides a luxurious retreat for travelers. The property is thoughtfully designed with antiques and art from travels stateside and abroad by Jordan and her mom. 

 “Every room in the house has meaning for us,” Jordan said. “I can look at any piece and remember where and when we acquired it.” 

 The 1874 Guest House has five luxury suites, four in the main home and one in the carriage house adjacent to the inn. The Greenhouse is a retail space on the premises, selling a collection of fine art, antiques, vintage items, and Sarah Bray West hats. “We are a place for reverie, surrounded by the richness of the past,” Jordan said about the property. “A respite with southern swoon.” A complimentary, high-style European breakfast is included with the cost of your stay. There is a lovely courtyard and pool for guests’ enjoyment. 

 

 The 1874 Guest House is an adult-only facility that caters to guests who are 25 years or older. Due to the sensitivity and allergies of some guests, pets are not allowed on the premises. 

 Arrangements can be made for drinks or picnic lunches poolside. Innkeeper and Guest Concierge Cookie Bussey lives on the property, with her husband Rusty, and can take care of details for you. Head of Facilities Michelle Kimbriel rounds out the all-female staff at The 1874. 

 Early-morning workouts, private dinners, and other activities or tours can easily be arranged. 

 “If you can dream it, we can do it,” Jordan said. The 1874 Guest House is accepting reservations for Wednesday through Sunday nights and operates at a two-night minimum. 

 GIRLIE GROUNDS If the girls just want to have fun, round them up and book a stay at Girlie Grounds B&B. This fun and quirky girl-themed property was created with all things pink in mind. 

 Girlie Grounds is a glamorous Galveston home that is perfect for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, girls’ trips, or for social media content creators. 

 Girlie Grounds sleeps 10 and has a fully equipped kitchen and bar area, a backyard pool with a tanning deck, hammock, pergola, and fire pit. There are a lot of photo ops, so get your cameras ready. There’s even a glam room with more than 25 mirrors. 

 Owners Laura and Jeremy Garcia grew up within 30 miles of the island and share a life-long affection for the Texas coast. They also recognized the need for something different in the rental market. 

 “We wanted to steer away from the basic model of the B&B and introduce something with a bit of character and liveliness to the market.” The Garcia’s opened the property to guests early in 2024. 

 Galveston’s own Gabriel Prusmack painted a one-of-a-kind mural on the home that was originally built in 1960. Another hand-painted mural in the Groovy Room reads, “Galveston is Calling,” and is the perfect backdrop for your snapshots. 

 Special add-ons are available for an extra charge, just ask your host. Examples of these services include fully stocked refrigerators, charcuterie boards, vintage cakes, permanent jewelry or paint-and-sip parties. 

 As an additional perk, the owners of Girlie Grounds are offering free weekday golf cart rentals for July and August when you mention Galveston Monthly Magazine at the time of booking. 

 THE LASKER INN Style and grace are words often used to describe The Lasker Inn Bed & Breakfast and Event Venue. This grand old gal was built in 1870 as a personal residence for the McLemore family. 

 The building eventually progressed into the Home for Homeless Children after the Great 1900 Storm when Morris Lasker donated the property. Children continued to occupy the residence for the next 90 years.

 The current owner bought the property in 2010, brought the building back to its original grandeur, and reopened as a B&B in 2012. 

 “Renovating a historic structure in Galveston was an exciting endeavor; blending preservation with modern amenities presented its challenges,” General Manager Richard Conner said.

 “We were able to incorporate special touches and historical elements into the renovation. Galveston has a rich history. Its prominence as a port city and its survival of devastating hurricanes [was important to us]. Incorporating elements of this history into our design, while restoring original architectural features, adds elements of charm and authenticity at The Lasker,” he said.

 The furnishings at the inn are period-appropriate and the décor evokes an atmosphere of the past. 

 “It was important that we preserve the historic charm of the building while ensuring that it offers amenities that meet the expectations of today’s guests,” Conner said. 

 The Lasker offers beautiful outdoor gardens and landscaped seating areas. The head chef creates a gourmet breakfast daily from locally sourced ingredients. 

Complimentary drinks are offered to guests each evening from the stunning, antique bar. The Lasker is centrally located, allowing easy access to all of Galveston’s attractions including the beach and Historic Downtown Galveston.

 With award-winning hospitality, The Lasker Inn is uniquely qualified to host events. The Lasker has earned top honors as Best Wedding Venue in Galveston.com’s Best of Island Awards from 2018-2022. Additionally, Conner earned Best Wedding Planner awards for three consecutive years. 

 SUGARS INN When owners Emily and Brian Root developed the property above their restaurant Sugar & Rye as a bed and breakfast, they named it Sugars Inn, after Emily’s dad and long-time Galvestonian Sugar Hanson. 

 This historic gem dates back to 1880 and once housed a bustling dry goods store with a family residence above. In the 60s, it was transformed into the iconic M&M Steakhouse with meeting rooms upstairs. 

 This storied building now houses six boutique rooms upstairs, each decorated with its own chic flair and modern amenities. The décor of the B&B was fashioned by co-owner Emily Root of Emily’s Interior Design Center and Boutique in Downtown Galveston.

 Each lavish suite is complete with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area, and a picturesque walkout porch. The front deck offers panoramic views of Galveston, including the majestic cruise ships sailing in and out of port. 

 Being nestled in a quaint, private corner of downtown Galveston above a full-service restaurant has its many perks. Guests can enjoy coffee, cocktails, brunch, or dinner downstairs in Sugar & Rye, where the building exudes a charming New Orleans vibe. 

 “Living and serving in Galveston is a dream for our family and we look forward to growing as the island thrives,” Emily said. The Roots live on the island with their five children and feel very lucky “to call this paradise home.”

 Conveniently located just four blocks away from the Galveston Cruise terminals, this B&B hosts a diverse array of visitors to the island. Reservations are taken between 7am and 10pm daily. 

 They embrace a self-check-in system that prioritizes ease, privacy, and modern convenience. While Sugars Inn operates primarily as a self-check-in establishment, Root says a dedicated team member is just minutes away around the clock. 

 Whether you are a visitor to our community or just want to act like one, Galveston has dozens of B&Bs to choose from. 

 Prices and accommodations can vary greatly so it’s important to do a little homework in advance of booking. Also, consider making reservations early during busy seasonal months.

 Innkeepers are intimately knowledgeable about their host city and travelers would be smart to take advantage of any concierge services in booking tours or excursions. 

 For pricing and availability, please check local websites and social media.