Margaritaville is embarking on putting its huge stamp on the Greater Houston region with a 15-story hotel, beach cottages, and its iconic restaurants. The brand put this plan in motion back in 2023. The region is finally starting to see some progress as two beach cottages arrived in early July at the East Beach Drive address in Galveston, where the resort will operate, according to the Houston Business Journal.
The massive 95-acre Gulf Coast destination that will open at 317 East Beach Drive will feature 278 for-sale beachfront cottages and a 15-story hotel with an elevated water park and lazy river. Along with the two new cottages already in place on the property, a sales center should open there later this month. Soft pre-sales on the cottages have already begun and will continue once the new sales center opens. Pricing will range from about $1 million to $4 million.
Planning for the $700 million-to-$800 million resort development started in 2021 by Dallas-based RREAF Holdings LLC. What Now Houston reached out to RREAF CEO Kip Sowden to find out more details about the project. Unfortunately, What Now did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort Galveston brings a laid‑back coastal vibe to life through thoughtfully designed amenities and welcoming gathering spaces, including Salty Rim Bar, two outdoor pools, and an expansive amenity deck, perfect for relaxing, socializing, and soaking in the island vibe,” the Margaritaville Beach Resort Galveston website reads.
“Galveston has long been a beloved vacation destination, appealing to beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Known for its coastal cuisine, amusement parks, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, the island offers an easygoing atmosphere that invites you to unwind and embrace the Margaritaville state of mind.”
Cottage guests will also have access to the hotel amenities, once completed. Besides the pools, pickleball courts, and other resort amenities, access will include the iconic Margaritaville restaurant and sister concepts LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, and Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions.
“It’s in the tropics somewhere between the Port of Indecision and Southwest of Disorder, but no parallels of latitude or longitude mark the spot exactly. You don’t have to be a navigator to get there. Palm trees provide the camouflage, ocean breezes bring the seaplanes and sailboats, tourists, and travelers. Passports are not required. Island music rules. No waiting lines for anything,” the Margaritaville restaurant website reads.
“There is a beach and a thatched roof bar perched on the edge of the turquoise sea where you can always find a bar stool. There are lots of lies and loads of stories. It’s a comical concoction that blends together like tequila, salt, and limes.”
There’s currently one Margaritaville restaurant in Texas serving San Antonio. The brand also has three other Margaritaville resort and RV destinations in the Lone Star State.
Margaritaville began as a 1977 hit song by Jimmy Buffett, inspired by a margarita he had in Austin, Texas. Buffett trademarked the name and transformed the track into a multibillion-dollar lifestyle brand that now spans resorts, casinos, a cruise line, and 55+ retirement communities.
There are currently 23 flagship “Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville” restaurants in the United States. However, the brand operates over 60 total food and beverage venues nationwide, which include sister concepts like LandShark Bar & Grill, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.
There are currently 42 Margaritaville resorts and hotels across 37 cities and 6 countries. These properties range from all-inclusive island resorts and timeshares to urban hotels and RV parks.
What Now Houston briefly spoke with Margaritaville President Dan Leonard. Unfortunately, Leonard was unable to share further details by the time of this publication.
The Margaritaville resorts and restaurants in Galveston at 317 East Beach Drive are expected to be completed and opened by 2030.
