#325 - Hotel Lucine in Galveston, TX

Newish Hotel on the Island

This is a brand new name for an old hotel, on Galveston Island.

When I read about this newly opened hotel (just over an hour from our home) I told Don, "We need to get there fast, before prices skyrocket!"

Windows and Doors

We booked 2 nights in mid May and arrived on a Monday afternoon. 

We parked in front of a set of round windows and headed for the double doors, with fancy door handles. (not an H, but 2 squiggly Ls... one backwards)

Looking In Looking Out

As we approached the doors I snapped a photo, just as one magically opened. Well sort of like magic. A tall and gracious young man named Luis, held the door for us.

After entering, I dashed over to look out one of the "porthole" windows. A storm was brewing over the Gulf of Mexico!

1963 Motel

Hotel Lucine is a super fresh boutique hotel that opened just a half year ago.

It began as Treasure Isle Motel, over 60 years ago. This matchbook cover shows the the only image I could find, of the original motel on Seawall Boulevard.

Before and After

The project to reinvent this 1960s motel, began a few years ago with a trio of new owners. When they took on the worn out motel, the Pearl Inn. You can see the same signature zigzag roofline on the left. And the  square "arch" on the right.

Hotel Lucine opened in November of 2023, with a fresh white brick face. At a glance it still looks like a vintage motel, but every square inch has been transformed.

Luis Greets

After Luis ushered us through the doors, he checked us in at the desk. He couldn't have been more pleasant and welcoming throughout our stay. 

I was busy chatting with Luis when a gentleman wearing an untucked oxford cloth shirt and jeans, came through the courtyard door.  

I gushed with both about all the details I had noticed from the skylights over the lobby bar, to the pleasant music soundtrack that was playing. We learned later that the man in the white shirt was one of the owners. I wish I'd known. I had so many questions about how a weary motel could become a sleek modern oasis.

Room 214

Don and I booked a King Room on the second floor, so that we could have a balcony. (less than $150 a night) Traveling up the original concrete stairs reminded me of childhood Holiday Inn stays.

The stairs took us to an exterior walkway, facing the parking lot. (again like old motel days) But the freshly painted brick and the fact we needed our keys to access the exterior walkway, made the old motel feel new and safe.

Simple and Modern

​The room was quite spiffy compared to the photos I saw from Pearl Inn days. The only window at that time, was within a door to the balcony.

All was fresh and new in our room. The bed and linens were comfy. But, I was mainly excited to have a pool facing balcony. 

Comfy

The room was just comfy enough. A chair for Don. He likes to sit a bit.

A robe for me! Actually a robe for both. These were the best! Light and airy. The arms did not stretch down to my knees, like some!

Fridge

There was no coffeemaker or microwave, but we had a nice fridge packed with interesting goodies that we could purchase.

We didn't sample any of the 8th Wonder Cannabis Limeade, but I did make use of the ice bucket, so we could ice down our own drinks.

Pink Tile

The pink tile in the bathroom made me smile! It was so bright, I thought it was a new, vintage-look tile. 

I learned from Luis later that the tile was indeed original. The products in the shower smelled wonderful! No mini Holiday Inn soaps in this shower.

I do love a classy toilet touch!

​The Pool!

As a kid, all that mattered about a motel, was the pool! Now I'm in my sixties and we own a pool. I don't need to drive 68 miles to sunbathe next to strangers. But Hotel Lucine's pool made me a kid again. I was giddy!

I was excited just to see it. I didn't mind that the umbrellas were all down and the sky was filled with storm clouds!

I sat on our little balcony and watched the rain pound the pool water.

I loved watching the words disappear underneath the water. I loved how the light changed and made the checkerboard tiles brighter!

Later that night, the rain stopped and helpful staff uprighted some fallen umbrellas. I stood down on the deck and looking up at the zigzag roof.

The colorful balconies delighted the kid in me once again!

​Standing at the other end of the U-shaped courtyard, I wondered what this pool would look like on a balmy summer evening.

It's a matter of time before word gets out about this charming hotel. Even at night, I imagine the lounge chairs will be filled.

The best pool time we had, was in the mornings with our coffee!

After the storms moved out, fresh and clear air moved in! It was glorious.

We had the entire pool area to ourselves. I floated on my back and looked up at a blue sky, framed by colorful roof shapes. Occasionally, seagulls invaded my solid blue window. And I loved it!

I didn't push my luck with a phone in the pool, for more than a moment. I handed over my cell and floated some more.

While Don and I lounged and sipped coffee, we chatted with Nicole who was happily placing rolled towels on chairs. She was eager to share a few stories of growing up in Galveston. Oh how pleased she was with the motels transformation! 

Before long all the umbrellas were up and the pool courtyard looked picture perfect. I actually felt like we were on a tiny cruise ship, with a pool in the center and the sea beyond.

Deck Above the Sea

Up above the lobby and restaurant, there was another area that made me feel like I was on a ship. The Rooftop Bar, with 180-degree view of the ocean!

I love a roof bar, even if the roof is just 2 stories high! Don and I peeked around before Monday's storm and a friendly bartender (I presume) invited  us to pose for a photo. 

It was fun to have a little roof-time, at different times of day.

It was nice to see a few more guests on Tuesday evening. Again, I'm sure this place will never be this quiet again, once locals and tourists start hearing more about it!

Dinner/Drink Options

For being a hotel with only 61 rooms, there were lots of food and drink choices. The images below show poolside dining and the lobby bar.

"The Den", across from the lobby desk had wonderful seating where hotel and local guests could drink cocktails or share a meal.  
​(click above images to enlarge)

The Den

On Monday evening, The Den area was nearly empty except for about 8 young local women, who appeared to be meeting up for drinks after work. Don and ordered drinks and food from the lobby bar. We had lots of options for seating.

We found a cozy corner, next to a fun retro louvered wall. We shared a Cowboy Cobb Salad and an order of Fries for our simple dinner. Delicious!

Gilbert and Luis

Staying on a quiet Monday, meant Don and I got to enjoy a little time chatting with Luis and our bartender Gilbert. We were impressed to realize how much went into creating the daily playlist of music in the common areas.

The music was incredibly varied and so often felt like it was chosen just for us. (just lucky I'm sure!)  We were impressed to hear the owner puts this music together himself. The volume and music styles change throughout the day, depending on the time and the number of guests.  

"Fine-ish" Dining at The Fancy!

We were so glad The Fancy was open on Tuesday night. I'd read wonderful things about the chef who created the "fancy comfort food, with a French twist"!

When we arrived for our reservations, I chuckled with the host about the wonderful name. I told her, "I know someone with a dog named Fancy!" She one-upped me, " I know a grandmother named Fancy!" 

The evening sun lit the comfy dining space at 7.

The bar looked lovely with its white and blue tile and line up of comfy stools.

I admired the tiny flower vase and studied the menu.

I knew in a moment I would order the Heritage Roast Chicken, with dumplings and brown butter demi sauce! I can't even describe the flavors! I was so tempted to pick my bowl up and drink the sauce when I finished!

​Before our food came, our dining neighbors spotted me taking a photo of Don.

The woman insisted on taking a photo of both of us. She teased and snapped about 10! So, after 2 days of interacting with chatty employees, we finally had a fun encounter with other guests! A wonderful meal in a friendly setting!

Beach Location

Our best hotel experiences have to do with location. If we can walk somewhere fun, it adds so much to the stay

The photo above shows The Lucine before 7 am, when I returned from a walk to the beach. 

Above are photos from that morning. What a bonus to have the Gulf of Mexico across the street!

What's Notable?

This fabulous little gem at the northeast end of the island, was a fun mix of fancy and hip.

The building was spiffed up without losing that retro charm that I love.

The Lucine did an amazing job of getting rid of the ugly parts... tacky doors and chairs!

And keeping the good stuff, like the fun roofline! The pool is new, but they kept the appealing U-shaped courtyard design. 

We didn't need to leave the property at all. The pool was inviting and the food & drink was outstanding! 

I have to say, the nicest surprise of all was that Don and I didn't feel like oldsters in a hipster hotel. We usually pretty much go with the flow wherever we are, but we've experienced a few "too cool for school" settings, where young staff appeared to cringe at the Boomers walking in the door. I must say that every single staff member at Lucine was gracious and friendly! I'm eager to return!
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