Guest Comments

Grace Manor
Bed and Breakfast

"Island Elegance with Romantic History"

GUEST COMMENTS

Owner Barb Gatlin and Gracie

“There are few retreats in the world that immediately welcome you into alcoves of warmth, niches of subtle light, and soft chairs set amongst antiqued opulence. Such is Grace Manor. This old home, still proud after a century, will continue to welcome visitors for a night or weekend with modern comfort and Victorian charm. A special thanks to you, Barb, for going the extra mile – you have defined quality service. We can’t wait to see you and Gracie again!”
- Steve and Jen, The Woodlands, Texas

“Mansions have always appealed to me. Now I’ve finally seen the inside of one. It is just beautiful! The historic beauty, the antiques, and all the extra touches are an added plus. I really enjoyed the spaciousness of the Island Palm room. I love the attention to detail – from the monogrammed towels and embossed napkins to the gourmet coffees, cookies and chocolate kisses. We especially enjoyed the veranda and the heady fragrance of your blooming jasmine.”
- Stephanie & Larry, Humble, Texas

“Our measure of a good time is wishing we could stay longer. Suffice to say, we definitely do not want to leave. We have thoroughly enjoyed being here at Grace Manor. You have treated us royally. Breakfasts were great – for a confirmed “chocoholic”, nothing is better than chocolate whiskey cake for breakfast! Your help and guidance in our sightseeing was priceless. In more than 15 years of travel, staying mostly in B&B’s, Grace Manor rates Five Stars!”
- Mark & Eileen, Cincinnati, Ohio

“Thank you for your gracious hospitality. You are the consummate hostess! It seems you have thought of every detail – from fresh flowers to extra towels to chocolates! The breakfasts were scrumptious. Galveston is lucky to have two specials “gems” – you and Grace Manor.”
- Sarita, Montgomery, Texas

“It has been a unique experience for us to share this wonderful house. After walking around these lovely neighborhoods and being so curious about the interiors of these mansions, it’s such a pleasure and privilege to actually spend the night inside! The Garden Lace room is perfect, such attention to detail!”
- Val & Claudia, Bakersfield, California

“Wow! What a beautiful experience! This home is just a treasure. You’ve created such a peaceful haven from the rat-race. The birthday treat you prepared was a wonderful surprise, and breakfast was just delicious! Much admiration for what you have restored here – truly a jewel on the Island.”
- Stacy & Steve, Deer Park, Texas

“Soft pillows, luxurious comfort, and chocolate chip cookies freshly baked, lulled us off into a restful sleep. Doves cooing, sunlight streaming through shuttered windows and chocolate kisses on the veranda! What a glorious awakening! It doesn’t get better than this. We didn’t get a chance to use all the amenities you so graciously offered, but we’ll be back. Thank you so much for a taste of Southern hospitality.”
- Diana & Tim, Alvin, Texas

“What a beautiful home with the ambience of times gone by. The accommodations are absolutely gorgeous. Your hospitality is “unmatched” as we have stayed in many B&B’s. We felt spoiled with the delicious elegant breakfast. Thanks for all the personal touches and your attention to details such as the wine, cookies, candy teats. You are a great hostess!”
- Mike and Dena, Garland, Texas

“Barb, your hospitality and congeniality superbly compliment, and ideally match the obvious grandeur of your home. Thank you so much for sharing not only the splendor of your home but also for sharing yourself with us and with each of your guests. You’ve made an otherwise ordinary trip to Galveston, truly, truly memorable.”
- Laura and Steve, Sugar Land, Texas

“From the first moment stepping into the front parlor to the obvious effort put into your fine cuisine breakfasts, we have become indebted. The nostalgia is thick enough to cut with a knife, yet still maintains warmth that welcomes all who happen to your door. Thank you for the pleasure of enjoying your beautiful home.”
- Miguel & Karri, La Porte, Texas

“Grace Manor is a beautiful estate renovated to its former glory. The carriage ride, dinner and candlelight champagne were the crowning touch to a most relaxing romantic getaway. Thank you for your generous hospitality!”
- Stan & Laura, Spring, Texas

“Your home is a gorgeous piece of history, and you have done an outstanding job of maintaining that feel of times gone by. We loved the room and being able to sip our wine out on the veranda. You spoiled us with your cooking, as well. Denise & I agree that Grace Manor is why and where we would be returning to Galveston.”
- Randy & Denise, Marysville, Washington

“What a perfect place to spend our wedding night – above and beyond all expectations. So peaceful, elegant, spacious and a total feeling of being pampered. From the foyer to the porch outside our room, the stained glass windows and the incredible wood floors – it has all just left me with a sense of awe & stepping back in time. It has been just wonderful!”
- Mike & Janee, Katy, Texas

“Style, elegance, and of course, “grace” are words that represent this Manor. I felt like a queen and Greg was my knight in shining armor. The hospitality, food and total atmosphere were beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you so much!”
- Anna & Greg, Keller, Texas

“How will we ever express our thanks to you for making our 47 th anniversary so special? Vanilla Orchid will certainly remain a most enjoyable memory in our hearts. Your “feasts”in the morning were as grand as the Manor itself. Grace Manor has surely found the “innkeeper”of all times.”
- Ellie and George, Alba, Texas

“ Edward says, after thirty years of traveling all over the world in the military, this feels like home. A beautiful and grand house cared for so very lovingly made such a special place for our getaway. Our favorite memories of Grace Manor will include the delicious, gourmet breakfasts but especially our gracious hostesses…Barb and Gracie.”
- Edward and Cathy, San Antonio, Texas

“We loved our stay at Grace Manor. It is a spectacularly beautiful home. The Island Palm room is just wonderful. The food was fantastic. What more could I ask for than chocolates & cookies in the evening and Mimosas & cheesecake for breakfast!”
- Michael & Amy, Bryan, Texas

“This house is incredible, as is the hospitality we received. From the peaceful naps, to the excellent breakfasts, and the softest sheets we’ve ever slept on, our stay here was the perfect way to spend our anniversary weekend.”
- Sondra & Chris, Dallas, Texas

“We really enjoyed every minute we spent in your famous house. It was a wonderful experience to get to know such great hospitality and friendliness.”
- Gina & Gerhardt, Berlin, Germany

“Thank you for making such a lovely, warm home for us to enjoy our 30 th anniversary. Your extra attention to all the details such as the cookies, candies and bath salts for the tub made us feel like royalty!”
- Ron & Diane, Waxahachie, Texas

“We’re back again & we love this place! We are never as amazed with the beauty of Galveston as we are when we visit Grace Manor. You are continually beautifying your B&B.”
- Trey & Tina, Friendswood, Texas

“There is something wonderful in the return to this place. The first visit is framed by exploring the endless nooks and charming crannies of the house, of playful games with Gracie and those first savory bites of a scrumptious breakfast. But returning, coming back to the hug of an old friend is perhaps even better. When the perfection of manners is seconded by the comfort of old friends, it is then that we can truly experience all you offer, Barb. God bless this home until our next meeting.”
- Steve & Jen, The Woodlands, Texas

“You have made us feel we have returned to a time when life was more genteel. You have perfected the art of hospitality by recreating the lifestyle of early Southern times. Thank you for that. We look forward to returning to this wonderful place.”
- Les & Mary Ann, Houston, Texas

“With all the turmoil in the world today, to have the opportunity to escape to this lap of luxury is appreciated more than most people can understand. The past year I spent overseas was surrounded by hate, fear & filth. This opportunity to rejoin my wife in the splendor of Grace Manor is a dream. May you continue to bring peace & happiness to this world, one night at a time, for years to come.”
- Richard & Michelle, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Featured in USA Today, Travel, October 2009

The link is http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Places,+Geography/Towns,+Cities,+Counties/Galveston/0egz94D82u3jf/1