Carr Mansion

This place doesn’t have the same style and class it did when it was featured in all the major publications on its website. Don’t be fooled. I think something must have happened to the stylish people who owned it back then and now it’s been bought by people trying to keep it alive. Gardens and interiors are not kept up. It’s like going to grandmas house when grandma can’t afford a gardener or a good housekeeper and she’s had to sell all the good furniture to stay afloat.

My first comment is to Run.Run as fast as you can away from this place. I attended an event here recently and I was not impressed with what I didn’t receive as promised for the price I paid!! Rooms were nice I will give her that but false advertisement does not make good partners. No complementary drinks were offered, no bath robes provided, and no buffet breakfast would be provided as described by website. When asked about the lack of these amenities, her only comment was no one stays and eats, so it’s wasted food so I’m not providing anything. Then she backtracked and offered mini muffins along with coffee and juice , despite our stay being a weekend which on her website stated buffet breakfast. The host attempted to advise the owner that all of the guest staying were not going to leave and could she reconsider. She said the host could pay for some casseroles a friend of hers could make but the host kindly declined. I was warned by the owner upon arrival, that a dead rat was in a wall of the dressing room downstairs so the only available downstairs bathroom was unavailable for the event guests unless the candles could cover the smell that afternoon. She was not going to open the room until the next day. We were also told no late checkouts because she had the rooms rented and need to clean so we needed to be gone by 11. We had to ask for toiletries towels and know where to find the toilet paper. The next morning the guest staying there were provided with a marvelous breakfast that the host of the event provided themselves. NOT THE OWNER! We at least did not have to leave go get food and come back and forth as the host was most generous to us. When the caterer arrived that afternoon to set up they were locked out of the kitchen. The owner gave multiple excuses which not one was the same as to why they could not use the kitchen .She couldn’t make up her mind which excuse to give -that it was just closed or it was being remodeled. The host of the event, I believed was extremely frustrated but carried on bravely despite the issues. The owner never provided coffee as promised using a large percolator but had the Kuerig available, juice was not provided as promise and the coffee pods used were not replaced. Not to mention the creamers were curdling the coffee. It is very apparent that the money she is taking in is not being spent on any upgrades on what is a historical home that is in need of repairs. Like I said the beds and pillows were comfortable. Extra blankets were needed but none were to be had. And no one to call to find where to get any. There were no instructions on how to heat the rooms or how to get to a channel on the tv. Nothing really seemed to work in our favor that weekend. It was like here’s remotes for things, you’re on your own. Maybe a note in each room on how to use the remotes for the heat and tv’s would be beneficial. Plus having the Wi-Fi password in each room as well and not posted downstairs hidden. E

I'll start with the negative parts of our visit. When we checked in about 6pm, March 30, our host had a little too much to drink prior to our arrival. Introductions were awkward but we were understanding. We were told to go to the wrong room, which we figured out easily enough. That evening we were told we would get a night free, the next day it was changed to $100 off our stay. I understood that this was said in the moment, and didn't expect any follow through, which was good because there wasn't any discount given. We were never told how best to get ahold of the host during our stay if we needed anything. Another guest told us that we were able to take water's from the refrigerator upstairs and that we were welcome to the candies downstairs.  We needed an extra towel one night, because we couldn't find the host and didn't know where to get one, we took one we found folded on a dining room table. When I booked our stay I was told we would receive something special for our anniversary which was on the 31st, it wasn't even acknowledged.  Other B&Bs we have stayed at have done things like: writing a note wishing us a happy anniversary, doing a little extra for breakfast, leaving fresh cut flowers or a trinket symbolizing their inn or something local, offering us an itinerary of unique places to visit, basically just a little something to add to our day. Had the host not offered anything, I would have wouldn'tt any further thought into it. For the positives, our host was friendly, and apologetic for how we met her.  The house was charming, in a good location, and different from other places we stayed.  Our room was comfortable and had most of anything we needed.  Our prepared breakfast was good, as were the offerings for the continental breakfast.  The place was overall well maintained, attractive, and had an interesting history. I would still recommend Carr Mansion as a place to consider, but compared to the several other B&Bs we've been to I can only offer 3 stars.

Charming renovated old house only a mile from The Strand downtown. This is not a Marriott experience. If you appreciate the beauty of old southern homes near the sea with a personalized experience, stay here. It feels like you have this 8,000 sq ft home all to yourself! Joelynn is a wonderful host and made sure we had everything we needed. We had dinner at Rioldos Italian downtown and it had the same old town vibe as well and was very good. We will definitely be back!!!

My husband and I stayed in Carr Mansion for 4 nights and we had a fabulous time. We stayed in The Merchant room upstairs and it was large, comfortable and quiet. We spent our evenings sitting out in the beautiful patio/terrace at the back of the house. It was so peaceful. The lady who runs the house, Joellyn, was so nice and went out of her way to ensure our stay was perfect. She was always available if we had any questions or need anything. She also cooked us a very nice breakfast. We will definitely be returning guests. Thank you, Joellyn.

My daughter and I planned a mom-daughter getaway to Carr Mansion! It is a beautiful and comfortable home, only made better by the friendly and hospitable, Joelyn! She is a wonderful source for what to do, where to go and where to EAT in Galveston!! She made us feel at home and welcome and made us the MOST amazing breakfast on Saturday morning!! Thank you, Joelyn!!

Upon arrival, there were various canned selections of beer and hard seltzer—also water bottles—no “Happy Hour” as promised. Host was dressed in exercise clothes. Cleaning supplies apparent in entry way and upstairs hallway. Initial reaction: “Uh-Oh!” Closed up tired looking parlor to left; breakfast/dining area to right. We were ushered upstairs and outside again to porch area, past disassembled outdoor furniture, to “The Newlywed” room which had very few accoutrements…pictures—few there were—and lighting incongruous with period house and cheap, A much too small sink in bathroom—unfinished flooring beneath. All windows closed to outside view with inexpensive window coverings and cheap shades. (When we tried to prop a few curtains open on chairs or lamp our view encompassed debris at ground level and shuttered abandoned house across street.) No tissues, bar soap, body wash, shampoo etc. Bed linens and pillows comfortable. There was a clean refrigerator we could use. Back yard with garden area, outdoor contemporary fire pit, random statues, chairs and greenery. From upstairs one looked into next door backyard Iglesio. Nice to have 2 wicker chairs and table outside on porch. For breakfast, no mugs or ceramic cup, only paper coffee/tea cups. Not worth the $300+ paid. We felt quite duped and expected nicer appointments and service.

Stayed for 3 nights in "The Socialite" room. The room was fantastically decorated. It has an old fashioned bath tub which is located in the room itself. One of the 2 long windows opens from the bottom to enable you to walk out onto the large shared front balcony. I saw some of the other rooms. "The Merchant" is across the hall and shares the balcony. "The Preacher" doesn't have a balcony but my girlfriend loved the tub in the room surrounded by 3 large windows. You can't go wrong choosing any of the rooms. All are beautiful. The owner was very friendly and helpful. If she recommends a restaurant make sure to go there. The breakfast during the week was packaged muffins and such with varieties of fruit and juices. Great selection. On the weekend she prepared a hot breakfast. One day it was waffles and the next day was scrambled eggs. Sausage patties both days. Ample street parking right in front. I needed to use my car if I went anywhere. The mansion is well cared for. The owner definitely takes good care of it. I would definitely stay there again.