alveston's Tropical Romantic Getaway...The luxury Boutique Hotel with a comfortable laid-back Island attitude! Intimate, private and exceptionally elegant! Experience the magic and romance of The Mermaid & The Dolphin!

Some choices in life are perfectly clear...The Mermaid & the Dolphin is extraordinary. The luxurious resort, once the Texas Governor's Summer Mansion is a breathtaking paradise offering Island visitors an exquisite sanctuary of seclusion, romance and adventure.

Located just 10 blocks from Galveston's Seawall beaches. Exceptional accommodations for business or leisure! Year-round Swimming, Sun Decks, Fitness Center, Business Center. Lush Tropical Gardens, beautiful courtyards and fountain featured on HGTV's "Secret Gardens of Galveston."

NOW FEATURING...Seven Guest Suites all with "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tubs! Credit goes to the ancient Greeks for being the first to avow the magic of Thalassa-The Sea, for rejuvenating body, mind and spirit! Water...It's the source of life. So naturally, it's one of the greatest sources of relaxation. Hot swirling waters and jet massage float tension away. All Guest Suites at The Mermaid & The Dolphin provide private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tubs! Relax your body, rejuvenate your mind and re-discover yourself!

All guest suites provide:

Muirmaid's Rendezvous Queen Jacuzzi Suite -- Ireland and the British Isles have had numerous historical accounts and sightings of mermaids. Sailors adrift on endless journeys dreamed longingly of mermaids --mystical, magical creatures of the sea. Artists and poets throughout the ages have captured their sensuousness and regal grace. The room features a queen-sized, hand-carved mahogany bed, canopied and curtained in romantic Victorian lace. Bed steps provide easy access to the tall bed frame. Firm, plush, pillow-top mattresses and luxurious Egyptian cotton sateen sheets provide for a restful night's sleep. A private sitting area with Edwardian fireplace and over-stuffed tapestry chairs provide lounging comfort. A private bath with antique clawfoot tub andshower awaits guests seeking a "Rendezvous" of bubbles or a leisurely, relaxing soak. The room is decorated with mermaid art and lore and has floor-length windows which open onto the rear verandah overlooking the tropical gardens, fountain and spa. The room's private verandah has a private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tub!

Dolphin Dreamtime Deluxe King Jacuzzi Suite -- Playful, carefree, joyous and exhilarating as the ocean itself, the room is decorated with the sensuous art of John William Waterhouse. The room is furnished with a king-sized, hand-carved mahogany bed. Bed steps provide easy access to the tall bed frame. Firm, plush, pillow-top mattresses and luxurious Egyptian cotton sateen sheets provide for a restful night's sleep. The bed is covered with an elegant Belgian tapestry coverlet. The room's private sitting area with fireplace is furnished with Monticello Campeche chairs for lounging comfort. A private bath with antique clawfoot tub andshower surrounded in Victorian lace awaits guests seeking a leisurely relaxing soak, or a "Dreamtime" of bubbles. Relax, rejuvenate, re-energize! Spacious and airy, the room has floor-length windows that open onto the Doric columned verandah overlooking the tropical gardens. The room's private verandah has a private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tub!

Enchanted Nights VIP Queen Jacuzzi Suite -- Enchanted Nights features a queen-sized, hand-carved mahogany, canopy bed and bed steps set in the Inn's corner turret, reminiscent of medieval turrets and towers. Firm, plush pillow-top mattresses and Egyptian cotton sateen sheets provide for a restful night's sleep. A private bath with antique clawfoot tub and shower set between Corinthian columns and surrounded in lace awaits guests seeking an "Enchanted Night" of bubbles, or just a long awaited leisurely soak. The room is decorated with sensuous, turn-of-the-century art. A private sitting area with fireplace is furnished with overstuffed tapestry chairs and a daybed providing a special place for lounging or accommodations for an extra guest. The room has floor-length windows that open onto the private verandah overlooking the tropical gardens. The room's private verandah has a private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tub!

Celtic Twilight King Garden Whirlpool Suite -- Celtic Twilight features a king-sized hand-carved mahogany, half-tester bed, canopied and curtained for the hopeless romantic or lover of Victorian elegance. Bed steps provide easy access to the tall bed frame. Firm, plush, pillow-top mattresses and luxurious Egyptian cotton sateen sheets provide for a restful night's sleep. Set in the upstairs bay, the room enjoys a spectacular view of St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Celtic Cross atop its bell tower. At twilight, the stained glass of the bell tower is illuminated, providing a soft glow of amber light. The room's private bath features a sensuous, in-room, clawfoot tub and shower partitioned behind an antique dressing screen of Victorian lace. Just add bubbles for an evening of silhouettes behind the lace dressing screen. The room's private sitting area with fireplace is furnished with comfortable, overstuffed tapestry chairs. Enjoy luxuriating in your exclusive, private garden whirlpool hot tub! Garden paths lead to the secluded hot tub/spa, arbored with cascading Wisteria and fragrant Jasmine. Surrounding the spa are lush Staghorn Ferns and Night Blooming Cereus. Designed by a massage therapist, and kept at 104°, the spa is the perfect place for relaxation.

Tropical Tapestry Queen Jacuzzi Suite -- Tropical Tapestry features a queen-sized four-poster bed, canopied and skirted with a lace netting of pearls and silk tassels. Bed steps provide easy access to the tall bed frame. Firm, plush, pillow-top mattresses and luxurious Egyptian cotton sateen sheets provide for a restful night's sleep. The room's private sitting area with fireplace is furnished with Mission Oak chairs for lounging comfort. The room is decorated with romantic, turn-of-the-century art of John William Waterhouse and Maxfield Parrish. The room's private bath with a brass footed antique tub and shower provides a sensuous bathing experience for guests. Arts and Crafts Era, floor-length French windows adorn both the room and the bath. The French windows open onto a private verandah with a private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tub!

Island Aires VIP King Jacuzzi Suite -- Island Aires our captivating, three room, king suite occupies the rear wing of the mansion, overlooking the tropical gardens, fountain and spa. It is the essence of everything tropical; light and airy, enjoying the Gulf breezes from the upstairs verandah. The room provides the perfect vista to watch the moonrise or enjoy the stars. The hand-carved mahogany Rococo bed with massive lion's claw feet and bed steps is draped with a canopy of lace mosquito netting. The firm, plush, pillow-top mattress and luxurious Egyptian cotton sateen bedding provides for a restful night's sleep. The suite is decorated with romantic turn-of-the-century art of Waterhouse, Bouguereau, and Chabas. The suite has a large private bath with Jacuzzi bath tub and a separate sitting room adjoined with French doors. The "sitting room" with fireplace is furnished with a large private "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot-Tub/Spa, draped with a lace canopy, providing a private place to relax and explore the romance of the tropics.

Ocean Rhythms Deluxe King Jacuzzi Suite -- Night falls on the windswept coast. The breeze stirs and whispers through palm fronds. Waves murmur on the shore. The symphony and passion of Ocean Rhythms will envelope your stay at The Mermaid & The Dolphin. Just as waves lap the moonlit shores, let Ocean Rhythms lull you to sleep. Awaken refreshed, and greet the morning from the suite's verandah overlooking the waterfall fountain of this tropical paradise. The suite's private verandah with a "Jacuzzi-for-Two" Hot Tub is the perfect place to relax and explore the romance of the tropics. Intimate, private and exceptionally elegant.

If you ever long for breezy, sunwashed mornings...
For unstructured, unhurried afternoons.
If you ever imagine escaping to a quiet Island retreat,
Where simplicity is a style onto itself...
Where comfort is everything,
And everything is simply tropical...
Ocean Rhythms will charm and enchant you!

Guest Comments

"I offer you my most sincere thanks for a wonderful stay in your Inn. I am amazed that such a lovely Inn, with all the warmth one could ask for in decor and in hospitality, also has a guest computer, DSL lines, stapler, and everything else I needed as I worked into the night. Your Inn is so much more than a Bed and Breakfast, it's much more upscale and amenable to all my needs as a business traveler! I am most grateful!" -Mike, Texas Audubon Society

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The room was beautiful, the hot-tub delightful, the breakfast delicious. We especially enjoyed the soft beautiful music playing outside! That added the perfect touch! The plants and flowers and birds added to the wonderful ambiance and we felt as if we had a garden paradise all to ourselves. Thanks..." -John and Jen, Houston, TX

" 5-Stars and counting...We truly enjoyed every aspect of the Inn." -David and Lynette(Nancy)

"Thank you for what you are giving to the universe with The Mermaid & The Dolphin; this space represents what I'd wish for every day of my life- harmony, sharing, trust, and respect- I'm grateful for this experience!" -Caraolyn, Manden, LA

"...This place has captured our hearts and imagination as few others have, and someday we must return. The ambiance and amenities make their mark, but it is your kindness and hospitality that we will remember." -John and Tammy, Ft. Worth, TX

"...This mansion is beautiful and for a moment you forget that you are living in modern society. Your art work, antiques are beautiful. Your service, excellent. Your vision, magnificent. Your taste, classy. We had a great time and hope to come back soon. Take care and God Bless." -Dipak and Archana

"...The entire Inn is gorgeous. We loved our room, the colors, the bath, the bed and everything. Your garden is one of true beauty and love. We were ready to sleep out there, the smells are so inviting. The music throughout the entire Inn and gardens give the touch of romance. We'll definitely be back again and again." -Julie and Robert

"Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable with your warm welcome and superb hospitality. The Inn and gardens are beautiful- a real oasis-there is a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility here which is so relaxing..." -Terry and Diana, Kendal, England

"After spending four wonderful nights in your Inn we know you are America's Number 1 Innkeepers. The nights in this beautiful room were pure magic. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality." -Duncan and Joan, Carlisle, England

"It is not easy to find the right words in a foreign language. So we try it this way: We love to stay in B&Bs because you can find warmth, hospitality, friendship, personality, beautiful decorated homes, gorgeous breakfasts...well, this time we had it all!! Thanks so much for all!" -Melanie and Hans, Trier, Germany

"Thanks so much for providing us with a wonderful, memorable wedding night. The exquisite warmth and beauty of your Inn, matched by your graciousness as hosts, was more than we dreamed of. We look forward to returning for future "honeymoons". -Kevin and Sandra, Vancouver, British Columbia

"We could not have chosen a more glorious place to begin our lives together. God Speed" -Angela and Gary

"Your wonderful Inn is a credit to you both. It is full of grace, elegance and charm, and the relaxing atmosphere is all that can be desired. You have given me a wonderful holiday that I will remember always. And the architecture of Galveston has to be seen to be believed." - Iris H., Brisbane, Australia

"I came here looking for solace...and I found paradise." - Sandy, Houston, Texas

"Beautiful memories...laughter, warmth, friendship and an abundance of elegance and Southern Hospitality!" - Herb and Kip, Sugarland, Texas

"Your Inn epitomizes what a bed and breakfast should be. The rooms are all lovely, the Pub a great place to socialize and the food was gourmet. What fond memories we will have." - Dick and Penny, Pearland, Texas

"Sorry for all the glitter left behind, but we had a marvelous time. Mardi Gras 1999." - Brigitte and Paul, Austin, Texas

"Romantic and passionate-how special to remember all the reasons we married 12 years ago!" - Andy and Cindi, New Jersey

"Memories abound...the aroma of the Night Blooming Jasmine from the spa, the soothing suite, wonderful art...the friendliness and gracious hospitality." - Jim and Kris, Pine, Colorado

"Your warm hospitality and charming Inn far exceeded our expectations. An unforgettable, fabulous experience. Loved the food, the company, and yes, the Pub!" - John and Bettsie, San Antonio, Texas

"Romantic, sensual, truly captivating and enchanting, almost mystical...dreams can come true." - Bud and Pat, Houston, Texas

"A truly spectacular, gorgeous, romantic Inn. So happy we spent the final two nights of our honeymoon at your Inn-without a doubt the best and warmest." - Richard and Renee, Lufkin, Texas

"We discovered The Mermaid & The Dolphin on the Internet and were intrigued with the descriptive narrative of the Inn and gardens...but nothing could have prepared us for the reality of its beauty and charm...it exceeded all our expectations." - Jim and Debbie, Austin, Texas

"A fairytale come true! The inviting spa, the luscious bed, the elegant music and art..." - Danny and Sara, Sterling, Kansas