Galveston, Texas
Howard Johnson Express
8216 Harborside Drive
Galveston, TX, 77554
409-744-1100
On a recent trip, we found the Howard Johnson's in Galveston quite by accident. We wanted to stay at the Motel 6 but they had no rooms. Howard Johnson's is hidden from the freeway, and they did. About 1:30 am, sounded like a freight train coming through the room. It was a UP 100 car grain train coming from the harbor on a track that was about 25 yards away. 10 minutes later, another train, this time BNSF on its own track, but it is in the trees and you can only see the grade crossing about 75 yards away. The photo is from Room 219, I suspect any odd numbered room on the second floor would have a view, though the rooms closest to the street would have a better view of the two grade crossings. I stayed there a second night, same events. We were unable to catch any trains during the daylight.
Submitted by David Coscia 10.21.07