Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

We usually visit Moody Gardens hotel twice a year with our grandchildren. Once in the summer and once the days after Christmas. I gave 4 stars instead of 3 because this year they finally had the pool heated to a wonderful temperature where we could all swim. And the kids love being able to swim in the winter. But they lost a star for 2 reasons. One, when we checked in we were informed that they had discontinued the Kids Crew activities. Those activities (crafts, small treats, Smores on the deck at night) had always been something our grandkids looked forward to. |Also, the other negative was the suites in the original building need to be updated. The furniture (other than the bed) is ancient.

2 months ago

There was a delay at check in because there was an issue with our room (we checked in at 10 pm). We initially booked a room with 2 queens and a sleeper sofa for our family of 4. We ended up with a single king, sleeper sofa, and a roll in bed. We made it work but it was very cramped. A comped breakfast or parking would have gone a long way to match the apologies we kept getting from the front desk. "Sorry for the delays, sorry for the down graded room". We were there for a wedding so it was convenient to stay there, but I probably would not stay there again.

4 days ago

Attended the Festival of Lights. A bit underwhelming with the pageantry of their illumination displays. My neighborhood’s holiday light shows offer much better dynamics and creativity. Definitely Not worth it for $30. Five dollars would be more appropriate. Plenty of parking, and felt safe. The staff are responsive if you ask them.

2 months ago

I was here for the TCTELA convention. Check-in was an easy process. The staff was friendly and efficient. The hotel itself is a bit outdated, but the rooms are comfortable and clean. Room was a nice size and equipped with a mini fridge and bath amenities. The only problem with the room was the temperature. I visited in February, and my room never got cool. It always felt “stuffy.” The thermostat appeared not to work. Housekeeping had left it turned all the way down but it never cooled. I spoke to 2 other convention attendees who complained of the same issue, so I assume it’s a problem experienced throughout the hotel and not isolated to just one room or floor. The convention center was a great space for our event! The meeting rooms were large and well-equipped. (I loved that they all had tables, not just rows of chairs.) There were plenty of restrooms, and the large ballroom was lovely. The food was some of the best hotel catering I’ve ever had. It was really a great experience. I’d enjoy attending another convention here, but maybe not in summer due to the issue with the hotel room thermostat.

2 weeks ago

The rooms were nice and clean. They made an accommodation for us for my daughter's birthday even though it was Christmas time. The lobby looks great with all the Christmas décor. It was an overall great Christmas experience and would recommend to anyone.

2 months ago

From arrival being greeted by Eric to departure the service and treatment was exceptional! Any special requests were met with a smile and delivered timely. ||We stayed over New Years and although being busy in the hotel the dining experience was great. We ate at Cafe in the Park several times with our favorites being the breakfast and dinner buffet if available. Our servers Sarah and Aurelia were always on point and made our dining experience enjoyable not to mention the great food and the amazing variety of desserts. But also don't forget the Blossom Restaurant off of the pool area. Fresh pizza and ice cream desserts are always a hit. You can eat the pizza by the pool, by the water, inside, or take it back to your room. It is really good! ||We always get the annual membership for the park so we are able to enjoy all the attractions at a leisurely pace and rest in between in our rooms. The kids have a great time searching for the elusive sloth couple in the Rainforest Pyramid and watching frolicking penguins, seals, and amazing reef displays in the Aquarium pyramid. The assortment of 3D and 4D movies offered offer glimpses into different creatures, situations, and locations. The 3D Jerusalem movie was one of the most interesting and offers some local insight and really feeling like you are there. We also enjoy the Colonel Paddle Wheeler for a relaxing time on the water. ||Last but not least is our family's tradition of going to the Iceland exhibit in the winter. The artistry and experience makes almost freezing to death so much fun we did the experience multiple times. Look at the site for more description but this isn't your typical table top ice sculptures. These are colorful full size Orca's , Penguins, They also have some "kid friendly" drinks in the "Ice Bar" which our kids really enjoyed while sitting on ice stools at ice tables. The ice slide is always a hit as well! Fear not the cold because at the exit you are able to get some hot chocolate to warm up! We opted for the souvenir mugs that offer free refills on the same day and minimal charge on visits after. Our family made 4 visits on the annual pass so we were able to enjoy getting warm as much as getting cold. ||All in all there is so much to do on property you don't really have to leave. But if you do there are beaches ( for walking and shell collecting) and other activities nearby and not too far a drive. We always enjoy the Strand and what it has to offer. ||We have been going to Moody Gardens for 20+ years and 15 of those with our kids. Each time we have always enjoyed it and talk about what we will do on our next visit. Over the years we have our favorite rooms and if available they always accommodate us. The familiarity makes us feel more like home!

a month ago

Felt like royalty the moment we arrived. Eric, with the valet service, was awesome and helped us get checked in quickly and easily. Our entire stay was amazing from start to finish. The food in the Cafe was top notch, and our server Christian was great and attentive to out needs. Will be coming back to Moody Gardens as soon as possible.

2 months ago

I attended an art conference here and had a wonderful stay. The large complex offered many types of session rooms and formats from expos to seminars. They even covered floors with plastic for the paint and clay workshops. Staff were helpful and friendly. Plenty of parking and elevators.

2 months ago