Apartment

Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining

Original hardwood floors, beautiful skylight, and 65" Smart TV

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81600 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Free WiFi

Explore the area

Galveston, TX

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
‪3 min walk‬
Port of Galveston
‪7 min walk‬
Galveston Seawall
‪3 min drive‬
Houston, TX (EFD-Ellington Field)
‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

3 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen

Dining area

About this property

Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining

Restored in 2024, the Octopus Lounge blends history, luxury, and convenience in The Strand Historic District. The loft provides comfort and style for quick visits before a cruise, longer vacations, or accommodating a traveler with work-from-home needs. Enjoy local shopping, restaurants, and festivals within walking distance.
The loft supports modern lifestyle amenities in the fully restored 1878 JS Brown Building, which is a rare public offering in a building from famous Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton. After an extensive restoration was completed in 2024, the Octopus Lounge now offers a sprawling entertaining-focused kitchen and open-layout common area, Central AC, modern bathrooms, and yet retains historic charm like original Texas heartpine floors and 12 foot windows.

The loft boasts a private new art installation by famed local artist (Gabriel Prusmack: @gabsmack87), and the common area is bathed in natural sunlight by a large new skylight. Galveston’s best shopping, nightlife, restaurants and the cruise terminal are within walking distance.

Sleeping accommodations for up to 8 guests in either: (A) one bedroom with a queen bed and full private ensuite bathroom (shower, toilet, vanity), or (B) the 2nd bedroom with featuring 3 semi-private loft-style beds (queen, queen, and double) and its own ensuite bathroom (shower, toilet, vanity). All mattresses are Simmons Beauty Rest, and the unit includes access to private laundry facilities.

The south-facing loft provides easy-access for all the local festivals (Dickens, Mardi Gras, Lone Star Rally, Shrimp Festival, etc.) that are happening at your front door! The Octopus Lounge provides comfort and style whether your visit requires a quick stay before a cruise, longer vacation requiring entertainment or relaxation, or accommodating a traveler with work-from-home needs.

Guests have private use of the entire home on the 2nd level of the JS Brown Building, which is accessed through a shared stairwell. There is no elevator in the building.

Entrance to the property and home is through electronic security keypad.

Property manager

Taryn van Hengstum

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Set thermostat to 74

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

No parties, quiet time after 11pm

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8

Long-term renters welcome

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number GVR13998

About the area

Galveston

Located in Strand Historic District, a neighbourhood in Galveston, this apartment is near theme parks and by the sea. Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Port of Galveston are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens. Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Haunted Mayfield Manor are also worth visiting. With kayaking, waterskiing and water tubing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

Galveston, TX

What's nearby

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Port of Galveston - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
University of Texas Medical Branch - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
Galveston Seawall - 3 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

Houston, TX (EFD-Ellington Field) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
‪Stuttgarden Tavern - ‬4 min walk
‪La King's Confectionery - ‬5 min walk
‪Katie's Seafood House - ‬5 min walk
‪Pier 21 - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Octopus Lounge on Strand- historic neighborhood, local shops and dining located?

Located in Strand Historic District, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Strand Theatre and Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Port of Galveston and Galveston Seawall are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

30 Jun, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location, Great Place!

Directly on the Strand, very clean and comfortable. Would stay again and recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

6 Jul, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice!

The place is amazing and everything very clean.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

April P.

1 Jul, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot in the heart of Galveston

We loved this spacious, super clean apartment on Strand Street. The location was perfect-close to the beach and right in downtown. Each bedroom having its own bathroom was a big plus (the bunk bed room was very cool) and the open kitchen/living space made it easy for our group to gather. Highly recommend and would stay again!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ariana K.

16 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend stay

Great location

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

21 Jan, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay before cruise

Excellent location and property.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua R.

11 Jul, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Perfect

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susanne E.

8 Mar, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

This property is wonderful. Owners were very responsive. Will definitely stay here again

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny P.

27 Jun, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Strand Lovers

The location is fantastic! Super easy check in. The apartment is beautiful and has everything you need. I have 2 daughters, 13 and 9, they loved the bunkbed/loft.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra G.

17 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Galveston Strand VRBO-Perfect Location

Our family participated in the Galveston Shrimp Fest as a vendor. The property was the perfect set up for us and in a perfect location.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samuel S.

11 May, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Perfect

We couldn’t have asked for better! This property turned out better than the listing suggests. Location was perfect for our 2 night stay, everything we wanted was within walking distance.Property was exceptionally clean, Check in and out was simple. We will definitely stay here again!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

5 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

Our family of five really enjoyed this stay. The loft is beautiful! We were able to walk to restaurants and shops. Would definitely stay again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charidy K.

10 May, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

Octopus Lounge is the perfect location to enjoy all the Strand has to offer. The apartment was well stocked and cared for. Taryn did a great job of communicating when we had a slight hiccup. Definitely would rent again.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

6 Apr, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Big open space with plenty of room for the family. Pancake mix, syrup, coffee and tea were provided. Huge plus when traveling with kids. We were able to pay for early check in which helped with our morning arrival.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

12 Jul, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Octopus Lounge

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Octopus Lounge. It was beautiful and very clean! The location is awesome! I loved walking out of the lounge and shopping is right there! We absolutely loved staying there!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelly M.

25 Mar, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great loft

Exactly as advertised. Lovely loft that was perfect for 2 couples. Would also be great for large families. The loft is right on the strand. You could not have a better location.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori M.

27 Jul, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BEST VRBO EVER

Wow! What a place! Just returned home and couldn't wait to tell people all about this place. Will definitely book here again!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

6 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, spacious and beautiful place.

Weekend get away with friends to escape winter. Location cannot be beat and fair rates for what you are getting. Would stay here again in the future. Spacious common area with full kitchen that has everything you will need and 2 nice bedrooms with ensuites. Right in the center of the Strand you are blocks away from restaurants and the harbour. Property manager was super helpful and easy to get in touch with. When we go back to Galveston will plan on staying here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

frank h.

27 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

This property is one of the best I have ever stayed in! It was super clean and smelled new. It's in a great location to shops and not far at all from the beach. My 13 year old daughter absolutely loved the bunk bed/loft room, as did my wife and I! Such a fun place to stay and they have thought of everything incase you forget to bring something. Definitely recommended!!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

crystal l.

10 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

16 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING SPACE

7 adults all family in for the ballet. It was a perfect location and able to walk for anything we needed.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick F.

28 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Taryn van Hengstum

We moved to Texas for work but are originally from Canada. Our lofts deserved to be shared so everyone can access the unique beauty and history of the area.

Why they chose this property

Extremely walkable, great food , drinks and shops. It's fun for kids and adults alike. Great music and art scene can also be experienced. The local festivals are a fun time.

What makes this property unique

We purchased this property in 2019 to restore a historic gem on the Strand. We've personally renovated this loft including the original hardwood floors and sash windows.