Where
to go, where to stay on the Island
By Jeffrey Downs
GUEST HOUSES/B&BS
Hollywood Guest House
Billing themselves as “Galveston’s first gay
resort,” the Hollywood Guest House is located at
31st and the Seawall. The U-shaped building has an almost
New Orleans feel, with all 21 rooms opening onto a cozy
central courtyard surrounding an inviting pool and hot
tub. Everyone is encouraged to kick back, relax, take
your shoes off—or everything else if you like,
as clothing is optional in the busy courtyard area.
Or enjoy peaceful moments gazing at the water or people-watching
from their large second-story deck. The rooms are clean
and snug, each with its own private bath, and the furnishings
comfortable and well chosen. You never feel like you
are staying in a hotel, but rather that you are visiting
a wonderful, vintage home. • The clientele is mixed,
though mostly male, but all are friendly. Owners Bob
Wilkins and Sherman Houck say that most of their guests
come back time and time again. “It isn’t unusual
for people to check in as strangers and leave as friends;
with good-byes said over hugs and tears,” said
Bob. • One of the most exceptional features at
the Hollywood is the Lucille Ballroom. It is a campy,
cozy gathering spot at happy hour and at breakfast (which
is included), decorated with memorabilia of its namesake.
Friday and Saturday nights the ballroom is packed with
guests around the piano bar listening to (and sometimes
singing along with) the stylings of entertainer Marcie
Rae. Her rich and raucous voice is also piped through
speakers to the deck so that everyone may enjoy the
show. The Hollywood @ Galveston is located at Seawall
and 31st, 888/899-0899, www.galveston.com/hollywood.
Rates from $50.
Paradise Guest House
“We forget our guests haven’t come just to
spend time with us,” says Eldrege Langlinais and
Tim Jennings, owners of the Paradise. They opened its
doors last summer and haven’t shut them since,
attracting guests from all over the country and the
world. • Don’t be fooled by its plain appearance
from the street; behind the walls of what seems to be
a simple brick house is a lush getaway filled with plants,
exotic birds, a pool, seating under a lanai, and even
a charming wishing well whose proceeds go to AIDS Foundation
Houston. The Paradise has two suites and two guest rooms,
each furnished for basic comfort, all with private entrances.
The community room has a stock of extra ice, towels,
and other items (such as cookies!), and even a “gift
shop” with tacky-yet-fabulous souvenirs. There’s
also a full kitchen, although many nights Eldrege and
Tim end up cooking dinner for everyone. The Paradise
is located just a few blocks off the Seawall at 2317
Bernardo de Galvez (Avenue P), 409/762-6677, eldrege@aol.com.
$70–$150.
Garden Inn
Located in the beautiful East End Historic District
with its elegant streets overarched by tall trees, the
Garden Inn B&B has been lovingly crafted by Angela
Whorton and Susan Milligan, doing much of the rehabilitation
themselves, and filling it with antiques either from
their families or from Galveston. Originally built in
1887, the “High Victorian Chalet” was one
of the featured stops on the Galveston Home Tour. The
extensive back yard contains a gorgeous shady garden
with a tiled pool and a hot tub. However, we’re
sad to report that the two women have put up a for-sale
sign, saying it’s just too difficult to maintain
their day jobs and the B&B. But until it sells (“which
could be in another two years,” Susan said), they
are accepting reservations, and are definitely worth
a visit. The Garden Inn is located at 1601 Ball Street,
409/770-0592, 888/770-7298. Room rates range from $75
to $195.
Rainbow Reflections
Val Richardson runs a friendly, very family-style B&B
for women only. Located just a half-block from the ocean,
she has two plush rooms and a hot tub out back in her
garden bower, made both private and shady with a draping
bougainvillea, decorated with both a Venus and a cowgirl
statue. Val likes to leave special touches, such as
chocolates on pillows for couples down for commitment
ceremonies. To reach Rainbow Reflections, call 409/763-2450.
The very reasonable rate of $55 includes an extensive
continental breakfast.
NOTE: There are many gay-friendly B&Bs, guest houses,
and resorts in Galveston, including the Dolphin &
the Mermaid, Rose Hall, the Victorian condominiums,
the Queen Anne, the Inn at 1816 Postoffice, and many
others.
BARS
Kon Tiki
If you like dance music and drag, then the Kon Tiki
is the place to be. Its large rectangular bar is always
surrounded by customers. Bartenders Jimmy and Angie
always have a smile and the drinks are reasonably priced,
so you will, too. The dancers are on cubes right in
the middle. Enjoy a game of pool, or sit and watch the
show from a table. A small patio out back offers a retreat
from the noise—check out the little deck up above.
Cover charge. 315 Tremont (a.k.a. 23rd Street) between
Mechanic & Market, close to the Strand, 409/763-6264.
Blvd. Saloon
Upscale, yet inviting, the Boulevard is favored as Galveston’s
gay “class act,” and owners Wayne and Richard
are real sweethearts. Not for those who like their bars
dark and smoky, the Boulevard has as an entire wall
of windows with a beautiful view of the Gulf both day
and night. The décor is a mixture of modern glass,
tropical kitsch, memorabilia, and Victorian antiques,
and drag shows are featured on the stage, including
the Blvd.’s own C.C. Ryder. 3102 Seawall Blvd.
@ 31st Street, 409/750-8571.
Robert’s Lafitte
Billing itself as the “Original Showbar,”
Robert’s Lafitte is one of the oldest gay bars
in town, and is a great place to meet islanders. A slightly
older crowd patronizes this neighborhood bar, which
opens early in the morning. Very upbeat, they have hilarious
drag shows on Saturdays at 10 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30
p.m., with performers including the owner, who everybody
(including himself) calls Robert “the mouth.”
2501 Avenue Q, 409/765-9092.
Evolution
Evolution is medium-sized and caters to a more techno-oriented
crowd. The crowd is mostly a young, mixed crowd of gay
and straight, male and female, and dressed trendy. Drinks
are moderately priced. This place really gets going
after hours; to see it in full force, don’t go
until around 2:30 a.m. Cover charge. 2214 Mechanic,
409/763-4212.
Pec’s
In the Strand area, it has a neighborhood beer-joint
atmosphere, with pool and darts. The sister bar to the
Venture-N in Houston, owner Bobby Rood has plans to
open a B&B upstairs. 2405 Postoffice, 409/762-8808.
Purgatory
At press time, Purgatory was scheduled to open July
1 with their multi-concept bar that includes a video
dancefloor, a huge patio where you can lie on the chaise
lounges and sunbathe, and a second-story level to look
out from. Purgatory’s grand opening party is July
15. 2515 Mechanic, 409/770-9389.
Le Papillion
Near what used to be the red-light district, Le Papillion
is a quieter bar, a good place to sit at a table, talk
to your friends, and enjoy the live entertainment on
the weekends, when they have a pianist or keyboardist
performing. 209 20th Street, 409/763-1984.
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