Caution! Avoid the Beachcomber Inn of Galveston, Texas!

First off, I love Galveston! There has never been a problem staying at any of the known chain hotels. This, however is a heads up regarding a local Inn on 61^st Street.

The Beachcomber Inn of Galveston, Texas is on my list of places to avoid, and should be on yours! This hotel is located at 2825 61^st Street and from the outside looks like an "OK" place to stay. Having thought that "off-season" would mean easy lodging, we neglected to make advance reservations at any well known hotels, therefore we ended up at the Beachcomber.

The staff was unconnected. There was no emotional or verbal response to my greeting. Upon asking about room availability I was told there were no rooms clean, and there would be none clean until at least 2 p.m. (Ten more minutes.) I decided to make a reservation as there was nothing else available at surrounding hotels, was given my key and then waited at the front desk.

At 2 p.m. the room was ready, by their standards, but not mine. Hair in the bathtub, half rolls of toilet paper, and no soap gave me an inkling of what was to come. The television did not work very well and in looking back, it actually seemed tired! The room smelled of smoke, (not strong, but it was still there), and this was supposed to be a non-smoking room.

Bugs. Now, if I can see bugs on the floor, what can't I see on the bed? My 'pack-and-go' reflex kicked into gear and in record breaking time I was back at the front desk, key in hand, and bags in tow.

After explaining the situation in the room I was told that a deposit would be kept because I was not fulfilling my reservation. What?? First off, my reservation was for about 7 minutes prior to my receiving my key. Next, I was told housekeeping was apparently not done with the room. They had not vacuumed, nor had they emptied the trash baskets, or cleaned the tub. Ooookay! I had previously been told the room was ready, but it clearly was not. (Can you imagine having breakfast at this place?)

I doubted it would get any better and I demanded my money back. My getting a little loud and asking for a manager finally got results. The manager on duty apologized to me and returned my money in full stating that housekeeping was short handed that day. Hmmm, sure.

Galveston is a fun place to visit with lots to see and do. This writer recommends taking a moment in advance to search for a reputable hotel, make a reservation, and enjoy your trip. If you can't get right in Galveston, try surrounding areas.

Places can change, upgrade, improve, remodel, repaint, rehire, rebuild. However, at this time and under no circumstance would I recommend that you stay at the Beachcomber on 61^st!