From Galveston.com

The Tremont House

Nestled in the heart of Galveston Island's Strand Historic District is The Tremont House, an affordable, elegant European-style hotel that begs for discovery. Sparkling like a precious stone amidst Galveston's famous collection of Victorian architecture, The Tremont House offers a delightful blend of 19th century charm, 20th century sophistication, with exemplary service and luxury that have made it a strong favorite among island visitors.

The Tremont House is located in the 1879 Leon & H.Blum Building in the heart of historic downtown Galveston. The hotel's restored lobby and Toujouse Bar area will continue to reflect a European-style hotel decorated in black, white, grey and green palettes, featuring new JANUS et Cie furniture, new Calacatta marble and an expanded front desk to serve guests. The historic Toujouse Bar, dates back to the 1870's.

The hallmark of The Tremont House is the elegant and gracious hospitality which is apparent at every turn, from the sun-dappled, four-story atrium lobby with its imposing Toujouse Bar, to the handsome meeting facilities and elegant ballrooms.

The hotel includes the Tremont Café, which features Starbucks coffee, pastries, pizza oven, gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. The Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as provide items for room service. The café also features 42-inch plasma televisions, Internet booths, complimentary Wi-Fi and printing capabilities.

The Rooftop Bar offers a relaxing retreat to watch the sunset and ships from around the world dock at Galveston's port.

Outside, scores of shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic attractions, within a few minutes' walk of the hotel, invite exploration. And, for a delightful ride down 19th century streets and boulevards to the water's edge, just hop aboard the Galveston Island track trolley that stops at the front door.

Sample the grace and heritage of a bygone era at The Tremont House in Galveston's historic district, today.

From The Tremont House - History

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

The storied history of The Tremont House runs deep, dating back to 1839. Through the highs and lows, we've endured and remain a constant in the community of Galveston. Take a trip down memory lane with us and enjoy the sophisticated elegance you can only experience at The Tremont House.

1839 - Galveston History
The Tremont house is a Galveston institution that dates back to 1839. The original Tremont House was built the same year that Galveston was officially founded.

1865 - The Heritage of the Tremont House
In June 1865, the “Belle of the South”, The Tremont House, succumbed to a great fire that raged in The Strand District for days, destroying entire city blocks. For more than five years, our beloved landmark lay in ruins.

1872 - An Epic History
The new Tremont House was a grand, 4-story structure rivaling the South's grandest attractions. Noted architect Nicholas Clayton, designed the hotel, and would later design many of Galveston's most distinguished buildings. The second Tremont House opened in 1872 attracting dignitaries and the elite around the world.

1900 - The Great Galveston Hurricane
In 1900, a devastating hurricane barreled across the Gulf of Mexico and straight into the Island. It's estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 souls passed during a hurricane that left the island in ruins. As the economy slipped into depression, our historic Galveston hotel faded into a shadow of its former glory. The second Tremont House was condemned and ultimately demolished in 1928.

1972 - The Legacy of Cynthia and George Mitchell
Cynthia and George Mitchell were leaders in the transformation of Galveston’s once neglected downtown area. On a 1972 visit to Savannah, the Mitchell's learned about an innovative preservation program which included a revolving fund for buying and reselling endangered properties. They dispatched the Galveston Historical Foundation to study Savannah's achievements and adapt them to Texas.

1981 - Today A New Beginning
Our legendary hotel was destined to rise again in Galveston’s Historic District. In 1981, George and Cynthia Mitchell acquired the Leon & H. Blum building and transformed it into the third Tremont house. The 1879 building, formerly a dry-goods concern, is now a romantic hotel that captures the spirit and elegance of its predecessors. When the hotel opened in 1985 it was the first major hotel to open in downtown Galveston and 60 years

A plaque located beside the righthand door reads:

About Historic Hotels of America®

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with 35 charter members. Historic Hotels of America has more than 315 historic hotels that have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.