The Commodore on the Beach, one of Galveston's few remaining vintage Seawall hotels, has changed hands again. Purchased by Good Bull Investments, the 92-room hotel is set to resume renovations and reopen by February 2026.
A historic vintage beach hotel on Galveston's Seawall Boulevard has changed hands once more. Good Bull Investments, a private equity firm in The Woodlands, has acquired The Commodore on the Beach. This 92-room hotel has been a fixture since its construction in 1966, as the Galveston County Daily News reported.
In a significant move, Good Bull has completed an acquisition via an equity purchase, thereby taking on both the assets and liabilities associated with the property. JMK5 Holdings is divesting multiple properties as part of a strategic shift to focus on larger projects, including redeveloping the former Gulf Greyhound Park into a significant entertainment destination. “The timing for the sale was optimal,” stated Jerome Karam, founder of JMK5. “The proposal presented was deemed reasonable, with the buyers expressing their readiness to purchase the item in its current condition.”
The Commodore, celebrated for its stunning beachfront views and distinctive waterfall-style pool, has remained a cherished landmark for generations. Renovations that commenced in early 2023 have encountered delays in recent months, leading to a halt in progress. A city notice indicating expired permits, dated January 29, is currently affixed to one of the hotel’s doors.
Tina Blake, Vice President of Operations at Good Bull, has confirmed that construction will resume within the next 30 days. The company plans to reopen the hotel in time for Mardi Gras 2026.
This represents the third ownership transition since 2017. The Commodore, initially owned by the Druss family, changed ownership when it was sold to BT&R in 2021. The establishment was then acquired by the Galveston Restaurant Group. In a recent development, JMK5 assumed control and successfully completed a significant portion of the room renovations. However, challenges persist with the pool and elevator facilities.
For numerous residents of Galveston, the Commodore stands as a symbol of a past time—an era characterized by unique and budget-friendly hotels along the coastline. As chain hotels increasingly take center stage along the Seawall, iconic establishments such as Gaido’s Seaside Inn and the recently inaugurated Hotel Lucine remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the island's rich history.
Blake enthusiastically said, “We’re excited to get going.” “The Commodore continues to show signs of vitality.”
