FAQs
What Is It Like To Stay At The 1890 Freeman House?
It’s like stepping back into the 1890s, but with all the modern amenities you need to feel comfortable and sleep well. Expect some quirkiness – the floors are uneven, the original windows open to balconies & porches, the pipes can be slow, and you might experience things that you really can’t explain. You can choose to congregate with other guests in the parlor or kitchen, sharing food, drinks, and stories, or remain completely secluded in your room as you celebrate a special occasion. The surrounding community is safe and friendly, our housekeepers are nearby, and we (the owners) are available, engaged, and often around.
Why Should I Book Direct and What Guarantees Do You Offer?
Aside from the guarantee that we will always match or (most likely) beat the lowest advertised price from online travel agencies, we think booking direct allows us to help you have the best stay possible. We can assist you with choosing the best room for your needs, and can offer personalized advice after learning what you are hoping to get out of your stay. We also know the area well, and can provide more than generic details about Galveston and its many attractions.
Additionally, unlike online travel agencies, we do not actually charge your credit card until your reservation becomes nonrefundable. Many of our guests prefer to pay a little closer to the time of their stay.
What is Nearby, Walkable To The Property?
We are located in the East End Historic District, a few blocks from The Strand, Harbor, cruise terminals, and a wide variety of Galveston’s most interesting attractions and restaurants. We are also only a mile from the beach. Many of our guests park when they arrive and never move their cars. For those arriving by public transportation, you will find it easy to get most anywhere from our property. We also send out a detailed list of nearby activities, restaurants, and attractions when you book with us.
We Are Celebrating A Special Occasion - I Want Help With Planning & Set-Up!
We have a talented team capable of transforming your room into a beautiful, romantic space. We are happy to help you select champagne, desserts, or any other special arrangements at a price point that is comfortable for you. This is a place where we cater to young couples and honor your strict budget without judgement. We are equally comfortable assisting our more established customers. Our goal is to make your stay memorable.
What Food Services are Available On Site?
We have a custom, fully-equipped kitchen with most everything you could possibly need, as well as a self-serve coffee and tea station. Our guests frequently prepare drinks, snacks, and meals, or use the facilities to reheat items left over from nearby restaurants. Each guest also has a designated bin in our refrigerator to store their drinks and food items. We focus on providing convenience, flexibility, and significant cost savings for our guests, while still being centrally located and walkable to some of Galveston’s best and finest restaurants.
Can We Rent the Entire Home?
Absolutely! We have an ideal set up for extended family gatherings, small wedding parties, women’s retreats, birthday parties, holidays, and other special events. Our kitchen is fully-equipped and capable of hosting your group. We can supply everything you need – extra tables, linens, glassware, etc. Please inquire at 832-458-8787 if you would like to discuss your event and receive a quote.
What About Business/Corporate Rentals?
In particular, our quieter weekdays work very well for traveling business people or groups. We offer free high speed internet, a large kitchen table suitable for meetings, and some rooms have individual desks. All rooms have private bathrooms and are individually keyed and locked off, providing colleagues with privacy and personal space. Our kitchen is fully-equipped, and each person has their own refrigerator space to store groceries. The capability of eating at home provides a significant cost savings for our longer stay guests.
What Is Your Policy Regarding Pets?
We are pet owners and are very happy to accommodate those traveling with their well-behaved friend. Both the Marburg & Fredericksburg Rooms are ideally set up for pets, but we can occasionally offer other rooms to pet owners. Some rooms are restricted due to guests with allergies. We require notification, an understanding of our house rules, and the ability to reach you should your pet become unhappy or disturb others. Other than that, we are happy to supply pet beds, crates, bowls, and treats! We will treat your pet as an honored guest. A $35 cleaning fee applies for each stay.
I Really Need a One Night Stay, But The Rooms are Currently Restricted
During certain times of the year, there is a 2 night minimum on weekends. We encourage our guests to stay 2 nights because it truly provides for a better, more relaxed experience. There is much to see and do in Galveston - most guests let us know they wish they had stayed longer! That said, we understand some of our guests have different needs, or may visit us in Galveston regularly. If you cannot book your one-night stay on our website, please give us a call and we will do our best to find you a room.
What Parking Options Exist?
Street parking is typical in Galveston, and most guests park in front of our property or close by on the street. Our neighborhood is very safe and our neighbors are friendly. We also offer private, onsite garage parking for a fee when guests feel a need for additional security. This is offered on a limited basis, so please inquire early.
Do You Offer Transportation to the Cruise Terminals?
We offer a service that will assist with luggage and transportation to your specific cruise departure point. The fee is $15, payable at the time of service. Please schedule in advance as this is available on a limited basis.
We also also happy to set up local transportation for our international guests or those unfamiliar with arranging these services themselves.
Do You Have Additional Beds?
We offer twin-sized quality air mattresses which are made up in the same manner as our beds. Most rooms can accommodate an extra mattress, but the Paris, Heidelberg, and Venice Suites are larger and make this easier. If you are traveling with a child or extra guest, please email or give us a call and we will help you find a suitable arrangement. We do not charge for extra guests.
What is Your Cancellation Policy?
We are a small, exclusive property where every guest reservation is both important and special to us. If your travel plans change and you must cancel your reservation, please notify us at least 3 days prior to your arrival date so that we have a chance to rebook your room. In the event that you must cancel with less than a 3 day notice, shorten your stay, or check out early, please understand that we must ask you to take responsibility for your entire reservation. In cases of true emergency, we will work with you as best we can. We recommend purchasing travel insurance, particularly if there are circumstances in your life that make last-minute cancellations a concern.
*Please note that special events (Lone Star Rally & Dickens on the Strand) have a 30 day cancellation policy.*
Is The 1890 Freeman House Haunted?
If you are asking the question, you probably know that Galveston has a traumatic history and that much of the island is believed to be haunted. A playful, sometimes mischievous presence can often be felt at The 1890 Freeman House, but rather than simply telling you our stories, we invite you to tell us about your experiences without any influence.
I Need To Talk To You About Something Else
I am the owner and my personal cell phone is 832-458-8787. I pick up whenever I can, but if I miss you, please leave a message and I promise to call you back.