GALVESTON – (Realty News Report) -The renovation of the historic Galvez Hotel, which has been renamed the “Grand Galvez” will be complete in 2022, according to hotelier Mark Wyant, owner of the Gulf-facing property.
The 220-room hotel, which opened in 1911, is located on Seawall Boulevard at 20tht Street across the street from the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
“We have great respect for the iconic architecture of this property,” Wyant said. “I can assure everyone that our vision for the ‘new’ Grand Galvez will honor the historic design, offering a refreshed elegance throughout the hotel.”
Wyant and his wife, interior designer Lorenda Wyant, are the creative forces behind Grand Galvez interior designs. They have collaborated on the Saint Hotels as well as other hotel properties and homes.
The renovations, already underway, include all hotel rooms, hospitality and public areas and reflect a refreshingly elegant design and color palette that is perfect for the resort ambiance of Grand Galvez and Galveston Island. The hotel and spa remain open and fully operational with guest bookings, weddings, dining, special events scheduled.
During the renovation, original moldings and ceilings were found in the walls of the hotel that are being restored for the first time since 1962. The new bar will occupy the west loggia in an area that will overlook Peacock Alley as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Breaking News: Galveston Tourism Advances
Wyant’s Seawall Hospitality LLC, purchased the property from the heirs of Galveston Island-born oilman and developer George P. Mitchell in March 2021. Mr. Mitchell, known as the petroleum pioneer that created hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – developed the 28,000-acre master planned community called The Woodlands and developed a number of historic buildings in The Strand in Galveston.
Galveston has cultivated a significant tourism industry and entertainment magnate Tilman Feritta has developed several hotels, restaurants and an amusement park there.
On Saturday, the city and the Royal Caribbean cruise ship organization broke ground on a $110 million, 170,000-SF cruise ship terminal. The new facility will allow the cruising giant to bring even larger ships to Galveston.
Galveston wharves officials are hopeful that the berths that open up will attract new cruise lines. The terminal, to be built on a 10-acre site ground-leased from the city, is a 50-50 joint venture between the Royal Caribbean Group and Macquarie’s Ceres Terminals.
The Finishing Touches at Grand Galvez
“The guest rooms at Grand Galvez offer a tranquil, casual opulence that soothes and stimulate the senses and are perfect for the guest who is looking forward to a deep and restful night’s sleep,” says the Grand Galvez’ PR materials.
“The all white-and-indigo blue rooms are sleek and modern, yet cozy. The couch at the end of the beds is upholstered in a tropical green and white palm pattern and the white lacquered and mirrored furniture is offset with light sky blue ceilings. King and queen pillow-top beds feature a custom mirrored back wall extending to the ceiling. The guest rooms at Grand Galvez allow guests to indulge in the finest amenities, including crisp Egyptian cotton linens, down duvets, complimentary in-room WiFi and luxurious Niven Morgan signature bath products and robes.”
Public areas will include the white marble flooring with black framing and crystal chandeliers.
The new owners have renewed of the original Peacock Alley, the grand walkway leading from the lobby to the spa and ballroom, a design element not seen at the hotel in over 70 years.
“The new Peacock Alley boutique will be merchandised to include a special selection of gifts, clothing and souvenirs, which will allow visitors to take with them a memory of their visit to Grand Galvez. The renovations offer a feeling of luxury and sophistication, which harkens back to the grandeur of the original hotel,” said Lorenda Wyant, interior designer and wife of Grand Galvez owner Mark Wyant.
Wyant, based in Dallas, previously owned two Holiday Inn hotels in Galveston.
The Grand Galvez will be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.
Aug 15, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
Images courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC
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File: Redo at Historic Galvez