Hi Everyone!

For the first time, we are going to drive down to Galveston the day before our cruise and stay in a hotel.  We found a Motel 6 Room for $50 and then would have to park at the port (another $35 if done online)=total of $85.  We found a room deal at Hilton for $80, and we can leave the car parked there during the cruise for free.  I was thinking to stay in the nicer hotel and just take a cab or shuttle or something to the port.  My husband is concerned with the safety of leaving the car at the hotel.  He thinks the cruise parking lots are safer.  Has anyone ever left their car at the hotel?  Is it as safe as the lots?  Thanks for your input!

we stayed in mobile al for two nights at the battleship inn.  parked our vehicle there and took their shuttle to the terminal.  This was our first cruise so we could have done it either way.  Technically our truck would have been MORE secure at the terminal because the Mobile one was enfenced.  Yet there really wasn't anything of worth in the truck to take.  So...I guess it would just be a personal decision on your part.  But I still say it would have been safer at the terminal.

I know of lots of people who have left their cars at various hotels while they cruised and I haven't heard any of them complain they experienced any problems.  I personally wouldn't want to do that.  The port lot and the EZ Cruise and Lighthouse lots are fenced and secure.  The hotel lots are not controlled and not only are they not watching your car, remember, they make you sign a waiver that they are not responsible if anything happens to your car.  Now...so do the aforementioned cruise lots, but again, they are fenced and locked, so I feel like there is more security.  (Although I suppose at the hotel, there are more people coming and going every day, so you could make a case for a different kind of security there.)

I've not heard anyone say they had problems leaving their vehicles in hotel lots, but personally, I wouldn't do it. The security at EZ and Lighthouse is worth the money to me. I also wouldn't use the port lot. it's a good bit more expensive than EZ or Lighthouse and they do not offer embarkation shuttle service for luggage. This is a major downer for me.

Last year we left our car in the hotel (Ramada) parking lot and had no problems.  They have 24 video survellance (sp?).  Next time we're going to try either Lighthouse or EZ (waiting for Jerry's report when he returns :) ) simply because of the taxi situation.  We waited for what seemed like an eternity for a taxi to take us to the pier.  So for us, it will be worth the extra money to just drive ourselves down, park the car, and be there when we want to.    

We left our ruck at the Beachcomber in May without any problems.  They do not offer a shuttle service so we just called the night before for a taxi and it was right on time the next morning.  Hotel personnel told us to call the night before because it is hard to get a cab on the morning of the cruise.

CruisinTruckher:

We left our ruck at the Beachcomber in May without any problems.  They do not offer a shuttle service so we just called the night before for a taxi and it was right on time the next morning.  Hotel personnel told us to call the night before because it is hard to get a cab on the morning of the cruise.

Yes it is...Oh, and after the cruise, we stood in line for over an hour waiting for a taxi to take us back to the hotel to get our car.   Which is why we are going to try it this way next time.  

This will be the second time we have left our vehicle at the hotel. We are paying 104.00 to stay at Holiday Inn Express before the cruise and they will take us to the port as well as pick us up after the cruise at no cost to us at all, we did not have any problems at all and you sure can't beat free......We are sailing on the Oct. 4th cruise. Good luck in what ever you choose........................ 

OKC Nanny:

This will be the second time we have left our vehicle at the hotel. We are paying 104.00 to stay at Holiday Inn Express before the cruise and they will take us to the port as well as pick us up after the cruise at no cost to us at all, we did not have any problems at all and you sure can't beat free......We are sailing on the Oct. 4th cruise. Good luck in what ever you choose........................ 

Good to know for next time.  I wanted to try to find a hotel that offered shuttle service.  We already have our rooms booked and there are way to many of us to switch now.  Is that the Holiday Inn Express in SeaWall? 

Hi - I would not leave my car at the hotel either, its all open to the public, plus, most hotels have you call a cab to get to the port.  Most cabs charge $20 per person, each way.  If you park in a secure lot IE: Lighthouse, which is 2 blocks from the cruise line and you reserver your spot with them (goggle them for their on-line reservations) or call409-762-1875, it only costs $35.oo plus they shuttle you to & from the dock.  I just spoke with Mike, the owner and he said they have 3 shuttles (holds 40 people each) working daily-very early each day and continue with the 3 shuttles  til the end of the day.  Along with secure fences & cameras, the LIghthouse has someone living on the premisest that does rounds for additional safety at night...not sure the other lots do that.  My cruise leaves on 31 Aug...we can't wait!

Debbi:

most hotels have you call a cab to get to the port

We left our truck at our hotel and it was very safe.  Our cab ride was only $16 each way for the 2 of us plus tip.  We had no problems whatsoever and will do the same thing on our next trip out of Galveston.  Everyone has their own preferences and if you feel safer leaving your car in one of the secure lots, then by all means, do it.   

BrandyB,

We have stayed at the Hilton and left our car there the last two cruises.  Will do it again in April, 2010.  No problem at all.  They have a shuttle that picks up everyone in your party and their bags.  You then follow the shuttle in your car over to their fenced lot. After parking the driver joins the others on the shuttle, dropped off right at the port terminal.  Pickup on return is the same.  The will pick you up at a designated spot at the terminal and take you straight to the lot, behind the hotel, to pick up your car.  Very easy, included with the room price.  We like the ease of it, no complaints.  Enjoy your cruise!

Nanny

 Nanny,

 My wife and I are booked for the week after you on 4/25/10 and we are staying at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort on 4/24/10. Is this the Hilton you refer to? Do you have to call them when you return for a pick-up? If so, how long do you have to wait?

 Thanks for the advice.