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One of Galveston's finest Resort Boutique Hotels
offering Bed and Breakfast Lodging Accommodations
Guest Comments
"It is said that a sailor is always searching for his Mermaid. We have been here before for our 25th Wedding anniversary. The haven you have here blew us both away! That was in cold winter. But this time, in Spring, the garden is alive. The aromas will never leave my mind. The colors will always be bright and vivid! especially the sun setting over St. Patrick's Cathedral, was an event we'll never forget. But this time is best because...I've found my Mermaid. We've been together almost 26 years and I never really knew her till now! words...There are no words that can adequately describe my joy at discovering this place, this true "Garden of Paradise", & my Mermaid!
-Joseph & Jamie, Cedar Hill, Texas
"I offer you my most sincere thanks for a wonderful stay in your Inn. I am amazed that such a lovely Inn, with all the warmth one could ask for in decor and in hospitality, also has a guest computer, DSL lines, stapler, and everything else I needed as I worked into the night. Your Inn is so much more than a Bed & Breakfast, it's much more upscale and amenable to all my needs as a business traveler! I am most grateful!"
-Mike, Texas Audubon Society
"I came here looking for solice...and I found paradise."
- Sandy, Houston, Texas
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The room was beautiful, the hot-tub delightful, the breakfast delicious. We especially enjoyed the soft beautiful music playing outside! That added the perfect touch! The plants and flowers and birds added to the wonderful ambiance and we felt as if we had a garden paradise all to ourselves. Thanks..."
-John & Jen, Houston, TX
"     5-Stars and counting...We truly enjoyed every aspect of the Inn."
-David & Lynette(Nancy)
"We have been to Galveston mant times, always doing the 'usual' tourist things and following the beaten path. This time, in search of something special, we decided to explore. And sometimes, when we are very lucky, the result of exploring is that we happen upon a magical place and have an adventure that we will always remember. We have been to London and we have together explored Paris. But we've seldom experienced the kind of lovely magic that we have found here. Thanks for such a specail time. We will see you again-"
-Jackie & Ed
"...It has been Perfect! Captivating! Intriguing! Simply Enchanting!..."
-Michelle & Irene, San Antonio, TX
"Thank you for what you are giving to the universe with The Mermaid & The Dolphin; this space represents what I'de wish for every day of my life- harmony, sharing, trust, and respect- I'm grateful for this experience!"
-Caraolyn, Manden, LA
"...This place has captured our hearts and imagination as few others have, and someday we must return. The ambiance and amenities make their mark, but it is your kindness and hospitality that we will remember."
-John & Tammy, Ft. Worth, TX
"...This mansion is beautiful and for a moment you forget that you are living in modern society. Your art work, antiques are beautiful. Your service, excellent. Your vision, magnificent. Your taste, classy. We had a great time and hope to come back soon. Take care and God Bless."
-Dipak & Archana
"What a wonderful getaway! ...We enjoyed the pub hour, the breakfasts, and the whole ambiance. We will definitely encourage friends to come and will return ourselves!"
-Vicki & Larry, Missouri City, TX
"The Inn, furnishings, art, literature, hot-tub & your wonderful loving care of it all add up to a marvelously romantic setting. We'll be back to build some more memories."
-Ken & Carla, Brenham, TX
"...The entire Inn is gorgeous. We loved our room, the colors, the bath, the bed and everything. Your garden is one of true beauty and love. We were ready to sleep out there, the smells are so inviting. The music throughout the entire Inn and gardens give the touch of romance. We'll definitely be back again and again."
-Julie & Robert
"Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable with your warm welcome and superb hospitality. The Inn and gardens are beautiful- a real oasis-there is a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility here which is so relaxing..."
-Terry & Diana, Kendal, England
"After spending four wonderful nights in your Inn we know you are America's Number 1 Innkeepers. The nights in this beautiful room were pure magic. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality."
-Duncan & Joan, Carlisle, England
"Beautiful memories...laughter, warmth, friendship and an abundance of elegance & Southern Hospitality!"
- Herb & Kip, Sugarland, Texas
"Sorry for all the glitter left behind, but we had a marvelous time. Mardi Gras 1999."
- Brigitte & Paul, Austin, Texas
"Memories abound...the aroma of the Night Blooming Jasmine from the spa, the soothing suite, wonderful art...the friendliness & gracious hospitality."
- Jim & Kris, Pine, Colorado
"Your warm hospitality and charming Inn far exceeded our expectations. An unforgettable, fabulous experience. Loved the food, the company, and ah, yes, the Pub!"
- John & Bettsie, San Antonio, Texas
"Romantic, sensual, truly captivating and enchanting, almost mystical...dreams can come true."
- Bud & Pat, Houston, Texas
"A truly spectacular, gorgeous, romantic Inn. So happy we spent the final two nights of our honeymoon at your Inn-without a doubt the best and warmest."
- Richard & Renee, Lufkin, Texas
"We discovered The Mermaid & The Dolphin on the Internet and were intrigued with the descriptive narrative of the Inn and gardens...but nothing could have prepared us for the reality of its beauty and charm...it exceeded all our expectations."
- Jim & Debbie, Austin, Texas
"A fairytale come true! The inviting spa, the luscious bed, the elegant music and art..."
- Danny & Sara, Sterling, Kansas
"A step back in time to gentle, easy going ways. Not rushing, but enjoying the moment and each other. A "Masterpiece" not on canvas, but in decor and warmth. Perfection by artists who touch lives with happiness. Thanks for a most enjoyable stay."
- Charles & Marsha, LA
"Your wonderful Inn is a credit to you both. It is full of grace, elegance & charm, and the relaxing atmosphere is all that can be desired. You have given me a wonderful holiday that I will remember always. And the architecture of Galveston has to be seen to be believed."
- Iris H., Brisbane, Australia
"Thanks for truly delightful and unforgetable Dicken’s Weekend! It was a fulfilment of childhood dreams. After all these years it is still fun to play dress-up! The graciousness of our hosts causes us to feel at home here. With love..."
-Eric & Jane, Freeport, Texas
"The surreal setting and environment of The Mermaid & The Dolphin has not only taken us away, but also transcended time. You have allowed us to visit a period of purity of heart and simplicity of friendship. Your example as hosts leave all others with a worthwhile goal to achieve. We look forward to our inevitable return."
-Ken & Beth, Houston, Texas
"We were captivated by the elegance and romance of The Mermaid & The Dolphin. During our short stay here, we fell in love with each other all over again!"
-Alex & Tonya, Houston, Texas
- "There is a place on Galveston Isle
Where one can relax awhile.
A Victorian home on the bay
Where Mermaids and Dolphins play.
Sally & Jim mix people with glee,
While gardens’ lush calm set us free.
In the hot tub your body releases
To enjoy the fragrant sea breezes.
In the morning our souls arise to music
And we are treated to a sumptuous breakfast.
There is a place on Galveston bay
Where Mermaids and Dolphins play!"
-Debbie & Barrie, Austin, Texas
"The work you have done on restoring this mansion and the love and care you put into everything you touch makes this Inn "vibrate" again...in a way I trust it vibrated with life when my great-grandparents John R. Gross, and Ida Marwitz lived in it. Our family is so appreciative of the work & love you have put in it...and shown to all of us this weekend- all 30 of us! Thanks for the fabulous, warm, laughter-filled weekend. You are family. Our best to you both. I look forward to returning again & again."
-Linda Gross & The Gross, Keith, Richardson, & Ford Clan. Tuscon, AZ
"We had a truly wonderful time. Jim & Sally are tremendous hosts and have probably forgotten more of Galveston’s history than I could ever learn over an entire lifetime. They are amazing "gatekeepers" to this beautiful Island. To boot, Jim’s breakfasts & stone crabs are delicacies. Finally, we can not leave without a mention of the room. We have never seen a bed so high off the ground or so enveloped in lace...kind of a room within a room! We'll be back."
-Michael & Melissa, San Antonio, Texas
"The atmosphere and setting is only second to the "love energy" that vibrates from our hosts. You have made us feel like old friends who have come home to visit best friends. We intend to return...with love"
-Bob & Vicki, Orange, Texas
"We were married this morning on the beach at sunrise and were able to come back and take the most glorious post-wedding nap in our beautiful room! Thanks for the memories!"
-Lori & Max, Conroe, Texas
"This was the perfect setting for our 40th wedding anniversary celebration. Our room was beautiful and romantic, and your easy-going friendliness and warmth made us feel so welcome. We look forward to a return visit."
-Bob & Ruth, Austin, Texas
"We could not have found a better place to end our honeymoon! One can sense the passion this mansion holds. It takes very special, caring people to do what you have with the Inn, the gardens, the animals. We love your attitude about conservation. We can’t wait to come back. Love,"
-Jason & Carley, Lufkin, Texas
"What a beautiful Inn, and with such perfectly charming hosts. The room and the view were enchanting! What A bed! We very much enjoyed the conversations, the pub, breakfast, and the tour of this historic mansion!"
-Todd & Laura, Mesquite, Texas
"It is not easy to find the right words in a foreign language. So we try it this way: We love to stay in B&Bs because you can find warmth, hospitality, friendship, personality, beautiful decorated homes, gorgeous breakfasts...well, this time we had it all!! Thanks so much for all!"
-Melanie & Hans, Trier, Germany
"Thanks so much for making the past few days so special. Your Inn is gorgeous and romantic. The bed was amazing! You were so kind and hospitable..."
-Joe & Keri, London, England
"Thanks so much for providing us with a wonderful, memorable wedding night. The exquisite warmth and beauty of your Inn, matched by your graciousness as hosts, was more than we dreamed of. We look forward to returning for future "honeymoons".
-Kevin & Sandra, Vancouver, British Columbia
"Thanks so much for the opportunity to step away from the rush of everyday life, to step back in time. The calm & elegance & beauty of this room, this mansion, your welcoming spirits have been quite therapeutic!"
-Jere D., Austin, Texas
"May you have many more days ahead to invite your guests to sit and cherish the magic!"
-Tom & Marion, San Antonio, Texas
"It’s refreshing to see how you can-with imagination, creativity, craftsmanship, and hard work- transform a dilapidated structure into a place of beauty and charm. Your choices of color, texture, antique furnishings, and accessories enhance and complement both the Inn and your own warm hospitality. We hope to return."
-Linda & John, Odessa, Texas
"This has been one of the most romantic weekends of our lives. What a wonderful place to come and be swept away to a different place & time."
-Bret & Cheri, Humble, Texas
"Thanks so much for making my first trip to Galveston so memorable!! Although the business of protecting your environment brought me here, your warm hospitality, wonderful conversations, beautiful Inn, and your passion for life and one another is what I shall remember most. Truly hope our paths cross again!!"
-Jerry, EPA, Orcas & Kitaro!!
"We are speechless! What a beautiful Inn you have. We can’t thank you enough for your genuine warmth and fabulous service. You have truly made our anniversary and stay a very treasured experience! Thanks for sharing your dream with us and thanks for making a safe haven for all the precious kitties! The world needs more people like the two of you! Thanks for the memories!"
-Heather & David, Houston, Texas
"I have fallen in love with this mansion! Of all the things we have done and all the places we have stayed, I have enjoyed this the most...the place I would love to come back to...and in my heart of hearts, I know I will some day!"
-Joanne H., Kent, England
"I brought my heart and my love to your Inn. She is an angel. My spirit led me to this place. It will forever hold special meaning in my life. Thank you both for sharing your PASSION!!!"
-Eric K., Ohio
"WOW-Magic! You two have definitely tapped into your passions-it’s wonderful to meet inspirational people who know what it means to live and be alive! My thanks are countless. We’ve found a haven that we’ll return to time and again. God Bless!"
-Angela H.
"In the hour before the dawn and as the sun begins to hide in the horizon, the music of the mermaids & the dolphin is heard on the Gulf. The music is like no other; for no one could mistake that music as an expression of anything but the joy of the spirits that found one another."
-Romelia & David, 34th Anniversary.
"There are some experiences that fade. There are others that dissolve into oblivion. But these past two nights in your Inn under your gracious hospitality are and will be among our treasured memories. God bless you and all that come through your doors. Fondly..."
-Bev & Curtis, Lancaster, Texas
"We had a wonderful time-thank you! The room was beautiful and the hospitality heartfelt. We look forward to returning to the mansion for those special occasions, when we want to stop time if only for just a while."
-Catherine & Tommy, Houston, Texas
"All the way from San Francisco for only a one night stay at your beautiful Inn seems unfair. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality. We look forward to returning."
-Cindy & Will, Moraya, California
"Your generous hospitality made your gorgeous palace feel like home immediately! This is my most memorable New Years ever!"
-Gabriel & Sherry, Austin, Texas
"What a wonderful experience! Our first B&B. How can any other possibly top The Mermaid & The Dolphin! Everything was perfect from the hospitality to the furnishings to the food! One could live here! Thanks again for a superb job!"
-Jonnet & Richard, Sewell, NJ
"We could not have chosen a more glorious place to begin our lives together. God Speed"
-Angela & Gary
"I just wanted to tell you how much Lynne and I enjoyed our stay at The Mermaid & The Dolphin. It was truly the most enjoyable stay we have had at any B&B in the country. Due in no small amount to your charming hospitality. When Lynne and I travel, we exclusively use Country Inns or B&Bs. Needless to say we have visited an abundant number of the most well reputed ones throughout New England, the Mid Atlantic and Southwestern States. Frankly, not one of them surpassed the hospitality, charm and enjoyment we experienced at The Mermaid & The Dolphin. You are now the benchmark by which we judge all others. It is clearly obvious that you are two people driven by a dream and a clear eye for attention to detail. Your amenities, guest rapport, and heartfelt congeniality make every guest feel like family."
-Carl & Lynne, Farmingville, NY

Dear Jim & Sally,
Thanks again for a great weekend. When I got home I told my cat Asparagus ("Gus" for short) about your beautiful Inn. He was especially touched when I described the rescue sanctuary that you two have created in your garden. Being a former "streetwalker" and a rescue project himself, he wanted to express his appreciation for your efforts in helping out his less fortunate feline brethern. Believe it or not, Gus writes poetry now and again. So, he hopes you enjoy what he has composed for you simply as a way of thanks for demonstrating such care, compassion, and responsibility. While the thoughts are his, I do admit to having assisted in their transcription.
Upon completion, he looked at me and said, "The world needs more people like the Laneys."
"You're absolutely right," was my response.
Sinceramente,
Raul & "Gus
- We've heard that down in Galveston,
Should you by chance go stray,
The Mermaid and The Dolphin Inn
Is just the place to stay.
The keepers, Jim and Sally there,
A kind and loving team,
Will welcome you into their home,
As yours so it would seem.
They'll have you for a sheltered bed,
Fine food and wet to drink...,
A refuge from the busy streets,
Much closer than you'd think.
The registry of current guests,
All rave with their reviews,
As they play there beneath the sun,
Midst tropical amuse.
And we as cats will ne'er forget,
All that the Laneys do.
Oh, by the way, we've heard it tell
That they take humans too.
-Gus
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The Mermaid & Dolphin Resort
A Boutique Hotel & Spa Resort
1103 Thirty-Third Street
Galveston Island, Texas 77550
For Reservations 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Daily
Call Toll Free: (800) 930-1866
(After 10 p.m. CST, please send a voice or email message for Reservation Inquiries)
General Inquiries, Weddings and Events 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Daily
Phone: (409)762-1561 Toll Free: (888) 922-1866
FAX: (409)762-2077
info@mermaidanddolphin.com
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