Gulfway Motel and Restaurant
Location: 1365 Texas Highway 124, Gilchrist, us
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Motels
About this Property
Private Beach Area and Outdoor Pool
Experience the luxury of a private beach area and a refreshing outdoor pool at Gulfway Motel and Restaurant. Relax by the poolside or take a stroll along the pristine beach for the ultimate vacation experience.
Air-Conditioned Rooms with Free WiFi
Stay connected with complimentary high-speed WiFi in our air-conditioned rooms at Gulfway Motel and Restaurant. Enjoy a comfortable stay with modern amenities and a private bathroom in each room.
On-Site Restaurant and American Breakfast
Indulge in delicious meals at our on-site restaurant or start your day right with a complimentary American breakfast. Gulfway Motel and Restaurant ensures a convenient and satisfying dining experience for all guests.
Book your stay now at Gulfway Motel and Restaurant for a memorable beachside getaway.
Important Information
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Policies
Check-in: 04:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Pets allowed
- Express check-in/check-out
- Fax/photocopying
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Concierge service
- Key access
- Shopping on site
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Snack bar/deli
- Access to nearby outdoor pool
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Exercise/lap pool
- Japanese garden
- Swimming nearby
- Vegetarian menu options available
Rooms Available
-
QUEEN BED NON SMOKING
This double room is air-conditioned and features a wardrobe, heating and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
-
Queen Bed - Smoking
This double room is air-conditioned and has a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
-
Two Double Beds - Non-Smoking
This double room is air-conditioned and features a wardrobe, heating and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
-
Two Double Beds - Smoking
This double room is air-conditioned and has a wardrobe, heating and garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
-
King bed Non-Smoking
The double room provides heating and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
-
Two Queen beds Non-Smoking
The double room offers heating and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Heating
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
Guest Reviews
- Scott (2/5): - Location is great if you are interested in seeing sights in the local area. People in the neighboring room were so loud that we left and stayed at another hotel. They had a grill and a radio set up ~6 feet from our door. We couldn't hear our television over the music, let alone sleep. Staff seemed unconcerned. We checked out a day early and the staff did not ask why or offer to not charge us for the second night.
- Linda (9/5): Very nice abd good good available. - Room was remodeled and up to date. Restaurant on premises. Chinese and American food available. Food was good. Pool looked good. Outside needs some updating but ok.
- Mario (8/5): Perfect base for spring migration! - Located steps away from Coastal Texas' birding meccas! The restaurant was a fun discovery, where we had fun conversations with like-minded birdwatchers.
- DIDIER FABRE (9/5): - Un vrais motel Américain comme dans les films . Rénové, les chambres sont propres .Le petit déjeuner Americain est en plus et assuré par la patronne dans le restaurant. Le matelat un peu dur à mon goût . 2 ou 3 ceintres pour la penderie auraient été bienvenue.
- Bob (8/5): Across the street from the best birding spots in High Island. - Breakfast included real eggs. REAL eggs!
- schultz (9/5): -
- Christine (8/5): Took me back to the old days of motels. - It was very convenient to the birding areas we were there to see. It was old and the beds were very firm. Not comfortable.
- Lisa (9/5): -
- Lorenzo (8/5): -
- Jana (10/5): Inexpensive, clean and brings back memories of my childhood. - I absolutely loved this property. It is a true retro motel, like the ones we stayed at as kids with our family. It was clean, comfortable and very safe. The grounds were kept very nicely manicured. It was a great time even tho we were there for one night. We would not hesitate to stay again. In fact, we made a decision, that we would stay here over staying on Galveston Island. Nothing, I couldn’t ask for a better stay.
- Juwana (7/5): -
- Narayanan (7/5): A peaceful down to earth stay near to Smith Oaks sanctuary - The breakfast was good. It is made to order by the family who owns and lives there. The experience of staying in a motel was the first time for me. It was nice ! AC was very noisy which caused my sleep to get distracted often. The soap and shampoo in the shower had no fragrance, it actually smelled weird. This is something they can easily fix and enhance customer experience. There was no ironing board and iron which they said is available when I enquired before traveling. I did not need it eventually, so I never asked for it.
- Karen (6/5): It’s was ok. - Close to the ocean People having party next to our room unable to close to it.
- Ashley (10/5): -
- Alyssa (8/5): -
- Christina (8/5): -
- Mykola (10/5): -
- McHenry (8/5): We got everything we needed and had a good trip. - The location is very good handy to Crystal Beach and the Bird Sanctuary. It is Functional, clean, nice owners, good heat and air, comfortable beds. Just a moter lodge without much drive up appeal. Nothing not to like. Set expectations to not be at the Hilton.
- Christopher (10/5): A great place with good food, good people and a quiet environment to go enjoy time at the beach. - The people at the Gulfway are so nice and accommodating. It is an older place but the rooms are kept really clean and the asian food at the restaurant is spectacular. I have now been to this quiet hidden hideaway close to the beach a few times and will return regularly. The only downside is that you have a $50 deposit on check in but they are prompt in crediting you when you check out.
- Joey (10/5): - The family running the place was very nice, and helped with whatever we needed no problem.
- Yenisleidys (7/5): -
- CASSARD (9/5): -
- Sorsby (9/5): -
- David Harlan (8/5): Wish we'd had longer to stay, because it would make a nice home base for a beach vacation. - The food was FANTASTIC. Was very surprised to find such a variety of tastes. Nice room, clean, just a minute or two from open, clear beach. Mattress was a little hard, but that may be just us.
- Darrell (4/5): - No pets, AC did not keep room cool . We were wishing we had a fan, it was so stuffy in the room.
- Zachary (10/5): - An excellent and well maintained motel. Perfect place to eat and rest up in between birdwatching treks.
- Denise (10/5): - We Loved our stay. Gina & all staff are Great.
Thank You for such a Great stay- we can’t wait to stay again❣️
- kimberly (6/5): Mixed review - Its an old hotel and the room was clean, however, you will need bug spray! Mosquitoes will make it impossible to enjoy the pool and roaches are out of control. Owner explained its due to the raining season? Also, air conditioning remote is in mandarin, so good luck getting that to work on your own..great location though, we left after 3 hours, hopefully I'll get my $50 deposit back
- Griffin (7/5): It was perfect for our quick and short trip. - The customer service was excellent! Room was clean. Location was great for what we needed. The remote to control the temperature in the room was confusing.
- Rebecca (10/5): - Clean and comfortable family-run motel. We had a great stay, no complaints.
- Rebecca (10/5): - The restraint food 😘 Near beach
- Verified traveler (8/5): Nice place to stay - Gulfway Motel & Restaurant was a very nice place to stay. The outside looked average of a motel that age. However, the room was clean. Lighting was great. The bed was really comfortable. All in all, we will stay there again on our next visit to High Island, Texas on the Bolivar Peninsula.
- Hunter (10/5): - It’s a nice place with very nice people close to the beach!
- Jennifer (10/5): - Very friendly, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
- Алиханова (5/5): - Бассейн, можно с животными Запах в номере, и благоустройство территории, запущено,
- Stanley (2/5): - Están muy viejos los cuartos
- Daniel (8/5): - Very nice family runs this hotel, very pretty friendly.
- Lorenzo (7/5): -
- Sandra (8/5): Close to beach and wildlife refuges - This is really the only hotel/motel option near the wildlife refuges, which is what we were traveling to see. The owners and everyone we dealt with were super polite and friendly. Our room was very clean, the king size bed was comfortable, and the AC worked well.
The exterior of the hotel near the office is a little junkie; mainly dusty, old items that could be hauled away, but they don’t interfere with anything. Parking was right outside our door.
I was surprised to learn there was a modest breakfast included with our stay. The food was freshly prepared onsite, NOT rehydrated eggs.
Upon check-in, we were told the gates around the property were closed at night, which made us feel more secure. I appreciated that the owners were thinking of their guests safety.
If you are looking for a luxury resort, this isn’t the place for you. If you want clean accommodations at an affordable price in a convenient location, this is the place.
- Juan (8/5): -
- Hollie (8/5): Very good - The staff was great. The rooms were very clean and the a/c was amazing.
- Brandi (8/5): - Very clean and quiet. Also has swimming pool
- Heather (10/5): - Loved my stay
- Wyatt (2/5): - The AC barely worked, and it was a window unit in the far back of the room the soap and the shampoo are the same. The bed is hard as a rock. The staff don’t even speak English. They tried to add on extra fees and then lied. I would never recommend this place to anybody
- Christin (10/5): It was an excellent get away thank you so very much - It’s quiet and the owners are very nice. Clean rooms with all you need. Food was great and they cook to order. Chow Mein was fantastic. Beds were a tad too firm but I slept great, and the sink in the bathroom was not draining good. Otherwise, great water pressure and a little gem on the beach! I’m sure we will be back soon. Nice clean pool too! Firm bed
- Anne (10/5): - I Like that its so close to the beach. Quiet area. Wish the rooms where updated .
- Angela (8/5): - The exterior could use some tidying up. The rooms are clean. Excellent customer service. The air conditioning kept the room cool day & night. We will stay there again.
- Bridgett (5/5): Passable - Location, there was a restaurant near which made it very convenient. We were obviously in the old part of the building. A little sketchy, kinda scary.
The lobby and check in area was modern and up to date which was deceiving. The beds were super low to the ground. No easy plug in near bed for my c-pap machine.
- Jeffrey (6/5): - AC unit in the room is very loud. Small family run hotel which they are doing their best to run.
- linda (6/5): - Very lower income motel. Nice staff nice pool but room was outdated. Small icebox smelled of rotten food and there was junk laying all over outside. I would stay again in a pinch because I don’t need fancy
- Josh (8/5): Very good - Good location
- Connie (8/5): - Proximity to Bird areas. Nice family run the place.
- xingning (8/5): - Restaurants in the motel, convenient
- Mary (8/5): - Clean no frills friendly staff great price
- Clay (7/5): Room is adequate, facilities need some work - AC kept room cool, room was clean. Gate across driveway at night to deter car thieves and trespassers. Upon exiting road, motel looks partly abandoned. Between outdoor weights and covered up workout machines straight from a prison yard movie scene on one side flanked by a small engine repair/outdoor maintenance facility where Room #1 would of been, along with a slow moving swimming pool resurfacing project, hard to recommend this establishment. However, if you are familiar with this vicinity of Texas "beach vibe", not really out of place. OR if you are really into birding, several folks gathering in parking lot so excited about seeing birds with your guide they overlooked all the issues right in front of them.
- Timothy (8/5): Excellent choice for birdwatchers in Spring and Autumn - Very good Chinese food. Good breakfast. The bathroom is dated
- Seleta (7/5): Good -
- Robert (8/5): - High Island is not an upscale area and this is the only motel and restaurant there. You are staying there for the birding. The hotel is old but it’s clean and everything works. The restaurant has an amazing selection of Chinese food that is very well prepared.
- Ashanti (8/5): - Get the crawfish out the sink
- John (6/5): - Well, its about the best place to stay on High Island, and the only food. Except on Mondays.
- Lisa (10/5): Gulfway is a Great Stay - The Gulfway is the perfect place to stay for birding on High Island. All of the Audubon sanctuaries are in close proximity, and the Anahuac NWR Rookery is a quick drive away.
My room was clean, and included a microwave and mini fridge. The a/c worked well and both the bed and bedding made for a restful sleep. (the linens were so much better than I expected, very nice)I felt safe and had no concerns.
The owners were welcoming, informative, and friendly. There wasn't anything I didn't like.
- Hua-yu (7/5): Good - Excellent location for bird photography at Smith Oak The hosts were very helpful and friendly. They cooked Chinese foods for us and provided detailed suggestions for nearby birdwatching
- Maria (4/5): - The toilet leaked sewer water on the bathroom floor.
- Greg (7/5): Good -
- Walker (7/5): Good -
- Virginia (6/5): - There are good things about this property. Rooms are very clean. The woman who runs it is very helpful, hospitable, and kind It's in a great location re: bird sanctuaries. However, this property is incredibly run down. It needs a great deal of attention to really even merit 2 stars. Junk is sitting around all over the grounds, paint is peeling, furnishing are old. The restaurant seems not to be open, even though it says it is. The amenities are rock-bottom. It's the only hotel in town, and I will stay there again. If it were not clean, I would not go there. At least it's that. But it could be SO much better.
- Nicole (8/5): Very good - The staff is friendly and rhe rooms are clean
- Johnnie (10/5): - Thank you
- Nicole (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sally (10/5): Great little hide away. - We enjoyed the quiet of the location as well as the closeness to area attractions.
The staff was AMAZING !!
I will definitely be staying here again ! Is was too late in the year to enjoy the pool.
- Caleb (4/5): Not bad - The room was full really updated Hair all in the bed, didn’t seem like sheets were washed.
- Candace (8/5): - I was pleased to be greater by a family owned business. It was a pleasant break from larger resorts while working remotely. The property is being upgraded, but a convenient stay for me and my American boxer.
- Niel (10/5): Exceptional -
- Angela (10/5): - This motel is always very clean. Big, soft towels. Comfortable bed. Small fridge & microwave are nice. Courteous owners. Clean property. I feel safe there.
- Jody (8/5): - Staff beach recommendation within short drive from property was great. Room was convenient. Plenty of towels and nice reading light.
- Rhonda (3/5): Poor - Close to where I needed to be Very poor upkeep, cockroaches in room. Outdated bedding. Bathtub painted instead of replaced. 100.00 per night more than what it's worth. Takes advantage of limited places to stay unless air BnB. Nothing like photoso
- Joseph (5/5): Passable - Did not look appetizing.
- Mark (1/5): Bad - Air conditioning was cold Didn't feel safe.
Paint or repairs of tub was peeling.
Marginally clean.
Free breakfast was not ready.
Pool was filthy.
Damp smell.
- Gerry (9/5): Superb - Location, comfortable bed, breakfast included. The coffee was weak.
- Patti (9/5): Very good - Wasn’t so many units. I like it was small
- Dolores (10/5): Exceptional -
- Catherine M (8/5): - We had a pleasant stay at this classic motel. The staff were friendly and helpful. Although the exterior could use some tidying, the room was clean and attractive and comfortable. On a hot day one might want to call an hour before arrival to see if they can turn the AC & fridge on/up, but both got cold soon enough - and I admire the energy conservation of not running everything while a room is empty. The restaurant was a pleasant surprise, as the menu had both American and Asian sections. We opted for a Japanese dinner - tempura and sushi - all delicious, and the shrimp tempura was exceptional - fresh gulf shrimp is such a treat! We would definitely stay here again.
- Cesar (4/5): - They didn't return my deposit
- Dan (8/5): Very good -
- Johnnie (10/5): - Very cozy and safe feeling place to visit.
- Simone (8/5): - Bathtub needed replaced.
- Linda (6/5): - No coffee pot in the rooms. You can buy it at the front desk tho. There’s a restaurant connected, but they are not open often because they are the same people that clean the rooms. The owners. So if their cleaning, restaurant is closed.
- Judy (6/5): - They were lacking help in the housekeeping area. Only one lady to clean all the rooms. Restaurant hardly ever open because management was busy trying to clean rooms.
- Latham (7/5): Good -
- Gunn (1/5): Bad -
- Lizanne (10/5): Exceptional - Great place to stay
- Rosalinda (3/5): Was ok but the fact that it has bugs is the biggest think my kids & husband and I got bit up all over. - I liked that it was close to a beach but also a little far from crystal beach where we usually go to. We had a bad experience because we had roaches in our room & got bit up by what I think is bed bugs. The a/c blew cold cold but in the beginning we couldn’t figure it out because it’s written in chines and should maybe be a little more understandable. Roaches, bed bugs, and we were being looked at like we can’t ask for towels.
- Amalia (7/5): It was good we have stayed there before and will be returning. - I like the pool is there
- Angela (10/5): Summer 2024 - Small family owned motel. Every time I’m there, it is clean. No smell of pets or smoke. Friendly owners & housekeeping. I feel safe there.
- Christine (10/5): - The staff is wonderful. The breakfast is great.
- Murali (7/5): Good - Very friendly hosts. Good room. Clean and simple
- Cassity (7/5): Good -
- Guy (10/5): - I've visited the High Island Bird Sanctuary every year for the last five years. The rooms are clean and well maintained. Improvements are made every year. It is an ideal location to visit all the local birding scenes.
- David (10/5): - The Gulfway is an older motel and restaurant, but it was ideal for what we wanted. We were in High Island for the migrating birds, and it was within easy walking distance (5 to 8 minutes) to most of the amazing refuge properties in the town. And less than a 10 minute drive to the others. The rooms were clean, and while old style, they were simple and comfortable.
The restaurant, operated by the hotel owners’ family, served excellent Chinese dishes and really good sushi, and they also make a great hamburger! And their breakfast was very good, too: freshly cooked eggs and sausage, hot oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit and cold cereal, too.
Good rooms, good food, reasonable price, with nice people, and close to the birds! Two thumbs up!
- Gerald (8/5): Very good -
Photos