By Alisa Star
Upon my arrival at the infamous San Luis Resort, my expectations were set high. The resort is known as “The Galveston Resort” for its luxury, beauty, lavish accommodations, food, beautiful and breezy gulf views and feeling pampered.
As you pull into the valet, you are greeted with smiles and helpful attendants as you walk into the lavish hotel. The lobby was breathtakingly beautiful with high rounded cathedral ceilings, beautiful lighting and windows all across both sides revealing the pool area and lounge, with seating areas on both sides. The front lobby is decorated to the T. with breathtaking floral arrangements that surround the check-in area, and make you feel like you’re where you want to be.
The front lobby has two lovely dress shops, Aqua and Style and Trends. Aqua is a one stop shop for beachwear, swimsuits, cover ups and resortwear. They have a wide variety and are reasonably priced. Style and Trends is a high end clothes and apparel shop for men and women. They carry a wide selection of clothing brands, designer sunglasses, and much more. If you need a nice outfit for an elegant dining experience, they will surely have what you need.
Meet Phydias, the resort’s resident Macaw! Take his picture and don’t forget to say “hello” and he might just say it right back!
While you are checking in, be sure to go over and say hello to PHYDIAS. He is the resort’s colorful famous Macaw parrot. I never did get a hello back, but I swear he said “see ya later” when I left. He will be sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
The San Luis offers three first class places for your eating pleasures. The Steakhouse, Grotto’s, Blake’s Bistro,and Cup+Cone for dessert. The Steakhouse offers the Island’s finest steaks, chops, and cuisine. The staff and the atmosphere was incredible. The main seating area at The Steakhouse is very intimate and quaint. The seating is white linen tables with beautiful hand blown glass chandelier lights that give a warm amber glow and welcoming feel. The staff is superb and very attentive to your complete needs. The food is five star! The steaks melt in your mouth like butter, and the Barolo Braised Short Rib Cannelloni was smooth and decadent. When you’re looking for a great dining experience and wants a steak night while visiting the San Luis, I highly recommend the Steakhouse.
Grotto’s features classic Italian food such as spaghetti and meatballs, veal, chicken, seafood, and in-house made pastas. If you’re a wine connoisseur you will be impressed by the selections they have to offer that pair perfectly with your meal. The decor has a welcoming feel with window seating on the beachfront side of the resort.
Blake’s Bistro offers all the great classic foods, burgers, oversized sandwiches, chicken fried steaks, all the comfort foods you can imagine, Blake’s is sure to have. The Sunday brunch is amazing. The huge eye pleasing buffet will not disappoint you – come hungry!!
Cup+Cone is one for the adults and the kids. You can enjoy the famous Starbuck’s coffee, while the kids get their ice cream cone of choice.
The San Luis Resort has one of the best spas around the Galveston area. So while visiting, pamper yourself to a relaxing massage, body scrub, or a hydrotherapy bath. I personally, was in need of a massage, and was in heaven the whole 80 minutes. They also feature a full workout fitness center.
The Cove is the spectacular pool side area at the resort. The pool is spacious, with a swim up bar, surrounded with flatscreen TVs. The staff are very friendly and the service is prompt. The Cove offers private cabanas to rent for the day, for more privacy and comfort. The hot tub area also has incredible views of the beach.
The rooms are extremely spacious and decorated lavishly, with views of the scenic Galveston beaches that you will never forget.
The San Luis resort can accommodate many other needs as well, such as meetings, business conferences, special occasions, and weddings.
I personally can not say enough about the people at the San Luis Hotel and the way I was treated, like family not just a guest. They went beyond my expectations. When you’re looking for a five star resort with elegance and class for a family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, be sure to put your vacation in the hands of the incredible staff. The San Luis resort will accommodate your needs accordingly, graciously, and completely. Look no further – The San Luis Resort is your final destination.
Casa del Mar is located beachfront and central on Seawall Blvd. right across from the island’s biggest and most popular Babe’s Beach. The Galveston trolley stops right at the entrance to the property and will take you all over the island for $1/ day per person – it’s a great way to get around, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all summer. Kids with adults ride free.
