The Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid, one of Galveston’s most popular reception venues, is undergoing a $39 million, multiphased renovation. While remaining open for much of the project, the aquarium will be closed from Aug. 15 through Nov. 14, 2016, and then again in early 2017 before the scheduled grand reopening in May 2017, with new jellyfish and tropical penguin exhibits among the additions. Last year, the Moody Gardens Hotel completed a property-wide $25 million renovation and refresh, including all 428 guest rooms.
Offering complimentary Wi-Fi service property-wide, the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort completed a technology enhancement in 2015. Catering to attendees who carry multiple web-based devices, the upgrade from a 100 Mbps circuit to 500 Mbps has created a significant increase in bandwidth to provide simultaneous Internet access to up to 2,500 devices.
Opened in December 2015, the Galveston Historical Foundation’s new Hendley Green Park offers an outdoor oasis in downtown Galveston, including a central lawn accommodating guests during events.
Opened in June 2015, The Bryan Museum features the world’s largest private collection of Southwestern historical artifacts, showcasing 70,000 rare items spanning more than 400 years. The venue offers customized guided tours for groups as well as distinctive indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.
Galveston welcomes three new limited services hotels this year. Anticipated spring 2016 openings include a Best Western, with 96 beachfront suites, and across from the new 10-acre, group-capable Sea Scout Base recreational facility, a Best Value Inn. Expected to open this summer on Galveston’s East End is a new 86-suite Homewood Suites.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark has announced the summer 2016 debut of MASSIV, the world’s tallest water coaster incorporating both downhill and uphill experiences.
Launched in 2015, Galveston’s Cool Tours offers customizable, discounted shuttle service from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport for Galveston delegates and conventioneers.