Houston - Galveston Questions

We are flying into Houston (Bush Intl) on Dec 24th to take the Conquest the next day (Xmas day). We had originally planned to book a hotel in Galveston, rent a car at Bush Intl (from Enterprise) and drive to our hotel on Dec 24th. We’d then drop the car off at the cruise ship terminal the next day where I understand Enterprise has an office.

While trying to book the car rental, I was told that the Enterprise office at the cruise terminal was closed Xmas day. Therefore it appears that our initial plan is not likely to work. Here are some other options we are considering and would appreciate any assistance/suggestions in this regard.

1. Would it be advisable to spend the night of Dec 24th in Houston and then make arrangements to get to Galveston on Dec 25th. If so, any suggestions for a decent reasonably priced hotel near Bush Intl would be welcome (we are a family of 4).

2. What would you recommend as the best mode of transportation from Houston to Galveston on Dec 25th (considering that some modes of transportation may not be available Xmas day). The limo services some people recommend on this board come in a bit pricey – at almost $200 for a family of 4 each way (more over some of the limo services are not operating Xmas day).

3. Should we decide to spend the night of Dec 24th in Galveston, is there an airport shuttle available around 9:00PM from Houston to Galveston that day. This would be the best option as we would not require to travel from Houston to Galveston on Xmas day. Also any suggestions for hotels in Galveston or any other means of transportation from Houston to Galveston would be welcome.

Thanks in advance for your assistance and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

We are spending the night of the 25th in Galveston to sail out on the 26th aboard Elation. We, too, found Enterprise and Hertz closed for drop on the 26th. But there is another place to drop off both Hertz and Enterprise cars in Galveston, only a very short cab ride from the port. With Hertz, at least, all one has to do is drop the keys in an after-hours box. So, I will drop off family with bags at the port, take the rental car back, then take a cab back to the port. It would be easier to take a limo, but then we would have no transportation the day of the 25th or early the 26th. Good luck.

Many thanks 4yanx. Good idea. I will check again with Hertz & Enterprise to see if one of their other offices in Galveston (outside the cruise terminal) are open on Xmas day. Enjoy your cruise on the Elation.

Any suggestions for a decent reasonably priced hotel in Galveston?

We are booked with Gaido's in Galveston. From boards it looks like a decent place and has two good eating places in it. Free parking for our cruise it what caught our attention as we are driving our personal vehicle. Rooms for our group are $69 for an ocean view and $55 for no view. Not sure how close to "regular" prices that is though.

We are planning on taking the Grand Princess March 25 and are now checking on transportation to Houston. Was there a huge drop off fee . . . when my husband did some research the cheapest drop off charge from the airport was $100 plus rental, a shuttle service is $35.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and we will check the two companies recommended above, as we will be there for 2 extra days and would prefer to drive.