This was the best place we've ever stayed in over 12 years of traveling to Galveston with our family of 6. We have done everything from staying in an RV at the state park to multiple hotels. With our large group, we often have to reserve multiple hotel rooms, which raises the cost considerably, and most rentals still don't have enough room. Our 4 kids, aged 6-21, all loved The Emerald. We had plenty of room for everyone to have some personal space, but we were still together for safety. We were close to all the touristy activities we enjoy each year, and now we added cooking out by the pool and watching our family movie night on the big screen in the theater to things the kids say we "have to do next year"! The view of the ocean was amazing. It was nice to be able to easily have some meals in and reserve our eating out for Galveston's unique seafood restaurants. The cost was 25% cheaper than the last time we went to Galveston and reserved 2 rooms at a much more economical hotel. On that trip, the 2 rooms were on different floors, and the pool was so unpleasant that we only went once. Staff at the Emerald was super friendly and helpful, but they really enforce all the policies that make the stay pleasant for everyone. Our kids want us to retire there someday! We highly recommend The Emerald for anyone who would like a luxury experience at an economical price.