The San Luis Experience

October 1st, 2019

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.

South Shore Harbour Resort celebrating 30th anniversary

August 1st, 2018

South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center is celebrating three decades of style, hospitality and memories with a special lineup of events as well as $30 dollar stays on select days this summer. From music and wine lovers to a family looking for an exciting getaway into the bay, there’s something for everyone at South Shore Harbour this season.

“Our 30th Anniversary is a special milestone for us,” said Roy Green, general manager for South Shore Harbour Resort. “With over a dozen special events ranging from our summer concert series to our Sip & Sail party boat cruises, we are excited to welcome guests to celebrate and enjoy our facilities.”

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center is the largest full-service waterside resort and conference center in Southeast Texas. With its spectacular peninsular location, the entire complex has had a definite visual impact on the Clear Lake skyline while its classical motif and post-modern design distinguishes it from typical international class hotels.

Built by the Gal-Tex Corporation of Galveston, the resort got quite a sendoff with some 200 Bay Area officials and businessmen attended the groundbreaking in 1986. Opened in September 1988, SSHR is perched on Clear Lake — the country’s third largest boating destination — moments away from Kemah Boardwalk, Space Center Houston, waterfront dining and boating galore.

The hotel features 230 redesigned guest rooms, two redesigned multilevel penthouses, 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a marina-side pool and deck, a restaurant and a lobby bar with panoramic views of the bay. SSHR is owned by Galveston-based American National Insurance.
Over the years the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom has become a gathering place for Bay Area events – chamber celebrations, award dinners, fashion show luncheons and galas, many drawing crowds of 600+.

Many come to just chill out and enjoy their weekend. Adding to the success of last year’s poolside movie screenings, this year guests can enjoy blockbuster hits like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on select Fridays on a giant 120’ screen. Music lovers can relax and unwind with South Shore Harbour’s Summer Concert series featuring some of Houston’s hottest cover bands. Concerts are free and a great way to kick off the weekend.
Adventure seekers can cruise the bay on a 2.5 hour Sip & Sail experience aboard the popular Houston Party Boat. Finally, wine lovers can partake in one of South Shore’s Wine Dinners featuring a four course meal paired with five handpicked wines from around the world.

And staying at South Shore this summer is bound to be memorable when guests book the resort’s Summer Baycation Package starting at $139 on weekdays and $159 on weekends. Information regarding the $30 dollar stays will be available on the resort’s website at sshr.com.

Bay Area Houston Magazine