Galveston Historic Hotels Sustain Some Damage Following Hurricane Ike

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 18, 2008 – Hurricane Ike, which struck Galveston Island in the early hours of Sept. 13, caused minimal flooding damage to historic properties owned by Galveston preservationists and developers George and Cynthia Mitchell, including The Tremont House, Hotel Galvez, and Harbor House, three hotels operated by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Hotel Galvez and Tremont House are part of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America.  The hotels plan to reopen by Oct. 15 pending reinstatement of utilities and completion of repairs.

The Hotel Galvez, located on the beachfront, had approximately two feet of water in the lower level and lost some clay tile from its roof.  The lower level houses the newly opened Spa at the Hotel Galvez as well as the fitness center, sales offices, laundry facilities and employee break area.

The Tremont House, located in the heart of historic downtown Galveston in the 1879 Leon H. Blum Building, sustained several feet of flooding on the first floor.  The first floor includes the lobby, the Merchant Prince Restaurant, Toujouse Bar, sales offices and several meeting rooms and the fitness room.  
The Harbor House, located at Pier 21 and overlooking Galveston’s harbor, received water damage due to high waters.

“Our first concern is for the families who have suffered loss of or injuries to family members, and for those whose homes were severely damaged by this devastating storm,” says owner George Mitchell.  “As owners of 17 historic buildings in Galveston, we are very fortunate that our buildings sustained relatively minor damage.  We will immediately begin cleanup and repairs and expect to have all properties operational in the near future.”

He adds, “The Hotel Galvez, which was built as a symbol of Galveston’s resilience following the Great Storm of 1900, suffered some damage but still stands as a testament to the spirit of Galvestonians.  I am confident that our city will work hard to rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com.