Iconic Galveston Hotel Purchased, Renamed Ahead of Busy Tourist Season

Iconic Galveston Hotel Purchased, Renamed Ahead of Busy Tourist Season

Grand Galvez Resort & Spa (formerly Hotel Galvez)

AT THE START of what Galveston hopes will be an exciting and full summer season — including hosting the first cruises to depart the U.S. since March 2020 — the Hotel Galvez and Spa has been renamed, and will soon undergo renovations.


Now known as the Grand Galvez Resort & Spa, the historic property on the Seawall was purchased by hotelier Mark Wyant, a Dallas native. He bought the hotel from the family of legendary wildcatter and champion of all things Galveston, George P. Mitchell. Wyant plans to overhaul the guest rooms and common areas, as well as add "exciting entertainment venues" to the property, which will be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.

Mark Wyant, owner, Seawall Hospitality LLC

This isn't Wyant's first dip into the island-hotel ocean; he built the nearby Holiday Inn Express on Seawall Boulevard, and also developed the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort next-door to the San Luis Resort. Wyant is attracted to regions with historical significance, as excited by his investment in cities like New Orleans and Charleston. He owns The Saint Hotel brand with locations in the aforementioned towns, along with Key West.

People + Places
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less