Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

Stayed at Moody Gardens for a convention. This place is not as nice as it was when we stayed for the same convention 7 years ago, even though they said it was recently remodeled and upgraded.
The valet was understaffed, but, worse, inattentive on most shifts. Your choices for self parking are to get lucky and get a spot in the small parking basement garage or suffer the Texas heat parking in the surface lot with no shade anywhere.
The buffet restaurant was pitiful food and horrible service. Breakfast for two was almost $ 40 before gratuity. Will never eat there again.
The hallway to our room had a terrible fish smell. When we asked the cleaning staff, they just kind of shrugged and said the smell came from another nearby room. The hallway in front of our room was not vacuumed the entire time of our stay– the same pieces of shower strings and popcorn never moved. But worst of all, when we were leaving the hotel one evening to go to dinner, we saw a rat the size of a small terrier run across the drive and jump in some bushes.
One bright spot– the service at the pool was awesome. Our server, Taylor, took excellent care of us. Kudos for being the sole bright spot in an otherwise forgettable trip.
All in all, this place just misses the mark. Premium prices for substandard quality all the way around.

I had a great time this last weekend, and the hot wings by the pool were killer, and priced very well!!! the room was very nice, the tv remote a little hard to work. the parking is poor, but lots of stuff to do. I will be back

Extremely poor customer service. Checked in on Saturday and went up to the spa to see if we could get a manicure/​pedicure. The place was quiet as a tomb except for the receptionist on the phone. We waited several minutes for her to acknowledge us. It never happened. Finally a guy walks out of the back to see what we want. «No, we don’t have any openings until tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.» Really, there’s nobody here but us? What kind of ‘spa’ doesn’t have the ability to take walk-​in business at a resort? We took our business down the road and had a great experience at US Nails.
Strike 2 — Called room service and was put on hold for 45 minutes. Finally called the front desk who redirected us back to room service who answered immediately. We were told, «really, I was by the phone the whole time and I didn’t hear it ring…» Ah, the old, blame the technology gig.
Plenty of other, better places to stay on the island. Suggest you pick any of them instead of this place.

This place definitely left me feeling MOODY.
I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t expecting much. But that’s because I figured this place was a run of the mill family resort that comes with the good and the bad of being affiliated with a theme park.
The convention space is nice, and very new/​renovated. So if you’re looking for that, please do look into it.
The hotel experience was rough though. For hours the computer system was down which a) meant that I couldn’t check in, b) that I couldn’t buy food/​drinks because the registers wouldn’t open and they were only taking exact cash. Had to wait several hours into the evening to get my room. And then, not even an option for late check out to make up for the lost time. Still paid full price. I didn’t expect a refund, but at least some compensation for the lost room time.
AND THEN. I couldn’t even sleep! Turns out the computer lock on the room next to me stopped working so they had to drill into it to break the lock and let the people in. In the middle of the night. AND THEN. I couldn’t even sleep in! They decided it would be smart to drill and hammer the door shut at 5am.

350 bucks a night. We were here for a conference but didn’t finish until noon requested a late check out and told «we don’t do late checkout». Rooms are a little dated and little bit run down. Overall it’s a nice hotel… it’s just very expensive for what you really get in the end. The low star rating is really a reflection of the value. It’s obvious that they cater to the convention crowd that is really captive. Most of the convention attendees are almost forced to stay at the hotel at convention prices.

Rooms are nice put a bit pricey. Lobby bar was good but a little understaffed.

I stayed at the Moody Gardens Hotel on the night of ³⁄₁₅. I swam in the hotel pool on 3/​16, the day of my checkout, and hung up a black one piece swimsuit with a white halter on the hook next to the shower before taking a shower and checking out at 1pm. Naturally, I missed this swimsuit when packing in a hurry and noticed it only an hour after leaving the hotel. When I called the hotel they directed me to a lost and found service which did not pick up — I left a message. The next day on 3/​17, I was contacted by the hotel lost and found and was told that there was no such swimsuit found in the room and they were not able to check the room due to new customers staying there and that they would contact me again with new information. On ³⁄₁₈ I called again and was told that there was no record of me ever having called or asked about my swimsuit. This second individual apparently searched the lost and found and saw a swimsuit which matched my description exactly but he was adamant that it WAS NOT my swimsuit because it was tagged with a different room number. I asked if it was possible someone could have accidentally tagged the item incorrectly, and offered to send a photo of the swimsuit in question and a photo of me wearing it so that it was clear I wasn’t going on a wild goose chase. The individual declined these offers saying that there was no way a mistake could have been made. It seems suspicious to me that I had to call several times, and all the information was not initially provided to me. And that a swimsuit which I am sure was in the hotel [I have checked all my luggage twice, I do not have it with me] could have magically vanished.

My family of 4 (2adults, kid, teen) went during spring break (a busier time) and with tax paid a little over $ 500 for a 1 night stay and included entry to all attractions except zip-​lining. Check-​in time is 4pm but we got there early at 1pm because when we made the reservation we were told if we got there anytime after 10am they would give us tickets to start the attractions, even before check-​in. Once we got there at 1pm we were told the room was ready so we could go ahead and get our room, which was a plus+ for us as we had alot of stuff.
Upon first entering the hotel a strong smell of cleaner/​deordorizer hits you and carpets and hotel seems dated and dingy. We got a room with a view of pymarids and felt it too be spacious with a bigger bathroom than most hotels we have stayed in. Again I would say that room could use some upgrading. On a side note: the icemaker on the 4^th floor had a leak and some black stuff on the wall behind it. My kid is allergic to mold so at seeing this was not happy.
As far as attractions, we did all the movies which were 3D and ranged from about 30min to 45min and a Spongebob 4D movie, all the movies were fun and had unlimited viewings. We did the rainforest, aquariam (penguin exhibit was awesome), skeleton museum, and boat ride. Everything we did was great and I highly recommend. We were able to do all this in 1 ½ days but it did take ALL day. I would recommend to spend three days here to be able to take your time and see all attractions leisurely and especially if you want to enjoy the pool at the hotel or the waterpark when it opens in summer.
We had all our meals outside of attractions because it was concession type food and we have dietary restrictions. We found that most restaurants were not too far and we got better quality food. I wish they had better food court because it would of made it better and easier for us.

I’ve wanted to stay here for a while now as our family enjoys visiting Moody a Gardens throughout the year. So, my husband and I gave it a try. We used our membership to get 25% off our room which was a great perk! The check in staff was very nice, but couldn’t answer a couple of my questions about some new items on the map. The hotel definitely shows it’s age as the hallways look dingy and worn. The room is simply but nicely decorated and the bathroom is a great size with everything you could need. The beds definitely need to be upgraded, they are hard but with no support and make noise when you roll over. For a hotel of this caliber I would expect more in a bed. We have a nice big window but it’s covered in kid fingerprints which really is distracting. We ever told we would have complimentary turn down service but they never came-​book. To top it off this morning the sun is doing through our window because the curtain doesn’t extend enough– so much for sleeping in. I will admit that I will return with the kids for a family stay but not for a nice get a way with my husband.

For the past 4 years we have stayed here for the Joint Academy Services Ball the day after Christmas and it is always a pleasure. The services of the Hotel are exemplary, always courteous and quite reasonably priced. If you are looking for a venue for a large organization I would highly recommend this facility, the hotel, restaurants etc. BEAT NAVY

This was my first time at Moody Gardens as an adult, most of my memories here are as a young kid. This was also my first TAEA Conference at Galveston, which travels around various Texas cities. Of the three I’ve attended, Moody Gardens is highest on my rating for the easy to get to location, FREE parking, which there was plenty of, and just the over all beauty of Moody Gardens itself.
My biggest complaint was/​is the layout. It’s not easy to get around between the «salon rooms», to the main conference vendor locations, and the «Ivy» and «floral» ballrooms. I felt like I was all over the place and all on different floors.
I want to come back and actually stay at the hotel and explore more of Moody Gardens for fun but more relaxing trip.

My husband and I stayed at Moody Gardens Hotel during the Bike Around The Bay event this past weekend.
Checkin was very efficient and the lady was friendly and helpful. She even gave us a king bed even though we were only guaranteed for two queen beds.
The bar area was nice — the bartenders were slammed and had a hard time keeping up with the orders but they were still friendly and quick. My margarita tasted a bit on the sweet side and I didn’t taste much alcohol — I asked the bartender about it and a few minutes later she had a new one for me to try out — which by the way, was much better.
The beds were comfortable but we’re used to sleeping on a Tempurpedic mattress so we’re pretty much spoiled now and no matter how comfortable the beds are, we aren’t going to sleep as well.
Nice shower and bathroom facilities and the room was very clean.
Good place for families.

We booked an island view and I wish I chose the pyramids’ view. Clean hotel, great service and pretty scenic. We really didn’t get to enjoy the pool other than the view. Overall, this hotel was welcoming and our stay was pleasant and comfortable. Will we book again, you ask — Well, yes of course.

A few things that make this place awesome:
— Free convenient parking (not free parking but you have to walk a mile to your room)
— A full service Starbucks (not we brew Starbucks but it won’t resemble a Starbucks’ coffee in any way)
— Free WiFi (heaven forbid you miss a post of your Great Aunt’s many cats)
— Swim-​Up Pool Bar (and good one at that, reasonably priced, good service and strong)
Of course, there’s also the cool Palm Beach area with Lazy River, Slides and Cabanas which I was unable to check out but I’m sure they are legit!
There are lots of attractions for everyone to enjoy; an Aquarium, Rainforest filled with rare animals and birds, Ropes Course & Zip Line, 3D & 4D Theaters, Boat Rides and some seasonal activities too. If you have kids this place is perfect for you.
The hotel honestly reminded me of the Grand Floridian which is a Disney hotel, with all the activities to choose from, the great staff and overall décor/​feel etc. The rooms were spacious, clean and well equipped (they have a cute Vanity complete with a light up magnifying mirror), and the rooms are a modern beach style.
It’s a really great hotel, I would definitely stay here again.

This hotel is nice.
The staff is really helpful and pleasant.
Some things to improve upon is that there are a lot of mosquitoes! I’m not exaggerating !!
I mean a ton! Like apocalyptic !!
My kids and I were bitten so much, especially out in the pool area. I wish they would try to spray for them or put citronella candles out there.
Second there was a Huge Roach in our room upon check in !! I called down to the lobby and they said they’ll send housekeeping up. They didn’t even say I’m sorry or offer another room. So we waited awhile and the housekeeping guy was nice about it and picked it up.
I mean I’m no socialite. I can deal with bugs and critters, but with the price of stay I would expect better upkeep and services.
Other than those two things my kids had a blast.
The stay includes passes to Palm Beach. You can ride the shuttle there from the hotel.

Not even close to worth the $ 300+/night. Kudos to the valet staff… they should be in charge of training every other team there, as well as the bartenders. They were wonderful, attentive, friendly to the guests and to each other.
The front desk clerks stared at us while waiting to be checked in. The valet person asked one of the clerks if one (of the 3 open stations) was open. They guys just sort of nodded, so we walked over to him after standing there for no reason. No one said «Next in line…». They were worthless.
There were 3 of us. We had 3 separate keys. Kept them in 3 separate places (shorts pocket, t-​shirt pocket, purse). Every single morning, we would discover that none of our keys worked, and had to go back downstairs to get a new key, to which a rookie front desk clerk would ask the same dumb question: «Did you put the key in close proximity to a cell phone? ‘Cause that could make it stop working…» No. We didn’t. I have been traveling longer than you have been alive, son. I know where to store my key. I’m not an idiot.
Restaurant service staff needs to be terminated. «Five to ten minute wait» is actually 23, and when we got seated, half of the restaurant’s tables were empty (scattered all over the restaurant, not just one closed off section). There is absolutely no excuse for the wait, ESPECIALLY on a Monday morning!
The hostesses were clueless. Not just once. Every single day we were there.
Waitresses and bus staff are just as clueless. Salt and pepper shakers are dirty, and have missing stoppers on the bottom (hence, no salt and pepper). Waitresses who can’t count people-​to-​place settings. Food was good, though for breakfast and dinner. Lunch was awful. Spinach artichoke dip was actually potato soup with spinach in it. Caesar salad dressing was terrible. Way too much lemon. I am not a picky eater, and pretty much expect that a salad is a salad, and dip is dip. But having it served cold/​warm and not resemble spinach (and no artichoke to be found), is unacceptable.
After years of hearing how wonderful this place is, we were terribly disappointed. We will not stay here again. Never, ever again. Nor will we recommend it to anyone else.

This is such a great hotel/​convention center/​amusement park all combine into one! This was the hotel we stayed for our (early) pre-(second) wedding cruise we took with friends we didn’t get to invite last year to our wedding! STOP
Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to explore the entire facility while we were there, but I was able to walk the grounds and coming from someone that is in the hospitality industry, I was impressed and can see it’s full potential. Reading. And a place I would come back to vacation. It offers something for the adults with multiple pools and it offers something for the children with the waterpark that was onsite. MY. Along with additional entertainment venues.
Unilocal. I highly encourage those who are looking at this place to stay here! Either if it’s just for the rooms or for the whole experience of what this property can offer, this is definitely the place to stay.

With large rooms and convenient to Galveston and Moody Gardens families will love everything this hotel has to offer. There is a kid’s club with lots of family activities. They have a jogging trail, playground and a swimming pool with walk up bar. Plenty of places to dine or grab a quick bite. We enjoyed it.

Beautiful establishment and lovely during the holidays.
I come here to enjoy the bar from time to time.
Nothing wrong with feeling like a tourist in your own neighborhood.
The chocolate martini is amazing. One and done!

We were placed in an newly remodeled room overlooking the gulf. The room was comfortable and relatively clean. I say relatively, because the coffee pot hadn’t been cleaned by the maid service.
We came during their holiday season, so parking was at a premium. And traffic getting into the grounds was backed up for quite a while. I would like to have see more traffic. The Festival of Lights, a one mile walk through holiday themed displays was only average. Many scenes would be better observed from a distance rather than up close. A for effort. C for execution. Paths weren’t well lit, directions weren’t clear and there were several areas that were quite dark. Food and drink stands were continuously available.
Their big draw this season is ice sculpture displays featuring Sponge Bob. Supposedly displayed in a room set at 9 degrees. Once we thaw well get back to you.