Jared Schaller:

‍Welcome to Behind the Pyramids, the Moody Gardens podcast. I’m your host, Jared Schaller, and I’m very excited about today’s guest: Steve Kalbaugh, General Manager of the Moody Gardens Hotel on Galveston Island. You have a job that everybody’s probably a little bit jealous of. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.

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Steve Kalbaugh:‍

Thank you, Jared. I’m looking forward to talking with you a bit about the Moody Gardens Hotel.

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Jared Schaller:

‍Now, I’ll be staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel for the first time next week, so I wanted to get a bit of the inside scoop. First of all, for those who may not be familiar with the hotel, can you tell us a little bit about it?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Sure! We’re actually a fairly large hotel here in Galveston. We have 433 beautifully appointed guest rooms—263 of those are two-queen rooms, and 160 are king rooms. We also offer a variety of suites, so there's really a room type for any guest. We boast over 100,000 square feet of meeting space between the hotel and the convention center, so we’re well-equipped to host all kinds of events. We also have multiple food and beverage outlets offering a variety of cuisine, a full-service spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an indoor lap pool. And of course, guests also have access to all the unique amenities and attractions here on the Moody Gardens campus—which I know we’ll talk more about.

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Jared Schaller:

‍Literally a little bit of everything and anything here. That’s great. You know, when people think of hotels, they often forget it might have a spa, restaurants, a lap pool, or even a walking area—plus attractions right outside the door. It really has everything.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Yes, that’s one of the great things about Moody Gardens. As a guest, you can come here and never have to leave the property to enjoy a complete family vacation. Of course, we also have the Galveston Beach and the Historic Downtown nearby. We’re centrally located, so guests can easily visit those areas. There's even public transportation, including the city trolley, which stops right here at the hotel and takes guests to the beach and downtown—very convenient. But honestly, you could spend your entire trip here. We even have our own beach on the property. So, it’s completely possible to have a memorable stay without ever needing to leave.

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Jared Schaller:

‍Yeah, Palm Beach is about to open on May 3rd, and I heard it brings in sand all the way from Florida! That’s such a unique experience, and it’s literally just steps from the hotel. Now, I travel a lot, and I’ve found that every hotel has its own personality or vibe. How would you describe the feel of Moody Gardens Hotel?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Moody Gardens as a whole is a public, nonprofit educational destination that utilizes nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. Our hotel fully aligns with that mission. We’re located in a very tranquil setting. It’s incredibly relaxing—surrounded by gardens, palm trees, flowers, and all kinds of greenery. That natural beauty really sets a calming tone for guests. What also makes our property unique is that we truly have something for everyone—regardless of age or reason for visiting. Whether you’re a family, a couple, a business traveler, or just friends enjoying a getaway, there’s something here for you. That versatility is one of the things that makes this hotel so special.

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Jared Schaller:

‍That’s exactly what I’m doing next week—a staycation with friends. I love Houston—it’s a bit like SimCity to me—but sometimes you forget that Galveston Island is just a 45-minute drive away. It’s beautiful, tranquil, and quiet if you need to unplug. I love that. So I have to ask—what are some of the guest favorites? I know everything’s great, but what are some of the top amenities or experiences?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Some of our guests really enjoy a fine dining experience, and I’d say one of the highlights is Shearn’s, our fine dining restaurant on the top floor—the ninth floor—of the hotel. The views are incredible. You can see both the Gulf side and the Bay side of the property, including the iconic pyramids. The cuisine and service are impeccable. It’s truly a five-diamond experience. In fact, Shearn’s has received the AAA Four Diamond Award every year. Byron, the manager at Shearn’s, and his team go out of their way to take care of every guest. The menu offers everything from steaks to seafood and more. It’s really a special place. The spa is another guest favorite. It’s soothing and relaxing—perfect for someone coming in from Houston who’s had a busy week and just wants to unwind. You can have dinner at Shearn’s in the evening, then enjoy a calming spa experience the next day. It’s a great pairing. We also have other food and beverage outlets that offer something for everyone. And when it comes to family-friendly fun, the pool area is very popular. There’s the outdoor pool, a pool bar for adults, and plenty of activities for kids on the pool terrace. We host family movie nights on Saturdays, karaoke on Fridays, hand out ice cream and popsicles, offer s’mores, and set up games. There’s also our outdoor pool kitchen, open during the summer and spring break. When it's closed, we provide dining service from our nearby café to the pool. Guests can truly enjoy a full day poolside—eating, relaxing, and having fun.

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Jared Schaller:

‍I love that you can just order from the pool and not have to go anywhere. You can spend the whole day lounging, enjoy a great meal, soak up the weather, take a dip—well, maybe wait 30 minutes after eating! And wait—did you say karaoke?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Yes, people are eating, drinking, swimming—so we know there’s that rule about waiting after eating, but it’s all part of the fun.

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Jared Schaller:

‍I was more talking about karaoke—I mean, it sounds fun, but nobody’s going to want to hear me sing! Hopefully I’m not on the list. But honestly, all of that sounds amazing. I didn’t even know about some of those things you just mentioned. Hotels really do offer so much more than we sometimes remember.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Actually, I wanted to mention—just for the spring and summer seasons, we’ve added a game arcade for kids. It’s located on the second floor near the spa, and families have really been enjoying it. It’s a fun addition to the property.

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Jared Schaller:‍

Oh, that’s the one with air hockey and a few machines I’ve already played—and won a few balls from! I’m definitely one of those people addicted to the crane machine. I always think, “This time I’ll win.” It’s a great addition. So the parents can relax at the spa while the kids play in the arcade?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Exactly—it’s perfect.

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Jared Schaller:

‍That's awesome. All right, so I kind of made you skip over this earlier—but you knew it was coming. There are literally three giant pyramids right outside the hotel’s front doors. So what, in your opinion, makes the Moody Gardens Hotel so unique? I know it's not just those pyramids, but what would you say really sets the hotel apart?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍You know, we just talked about how you can truly spend your entire vacation right here at Moody Gardens. We’ve already touched on some of the attractions, but yes, those iconic pyramids right next to the hotel—those are a big part of it. Inside, we have the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. Discovery currently features a rotating exhibit—we have the Art Experience showcased there right now. Then there are our 3D and 4D theaters, and I believe one of them is even running an art-themed film at the moment. You already mentioned Palm Beach, which is right next to the attractions and opens soon for the summer season. Families absolutely love Palm Beach—it has real sand, a wave pool, and so many features that make it feel like a true beach vacation. And another thing people sometimes overlook is that we have one of the top golf courses in Texas—the Moody Gardens Golf Course. I’ve played it myself—haven’t had a chance to recently because of how busy things have been—but it’s a really beautiful course. Right now, they’re also doing a Friday Fish Fry through Easter weekend, which has been a big hit. So, there are just so many different experiences—whether it’s staying at the hotel or visiting the attractions right next door, there’s something for everyone here.

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Jared Schaller:

‍So there’s truly a little something for everyone. I personally love the golf course—I can’t hit the ball straight to save my life, but just being out there is amazing. It's the kind of place where you could easily spend your whole day. And the next day, if you just want to sit at the café or enjoy the outdoor areas—it’s all just so beautiful and relaxing.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Absolutely. You also mentioned this earlier—we have great jogging and walking trails on property. I talked about how tranquil the setting is, and those trails really enhance that experience. They wind through our gardens, and it’s the same path where we host the Festival of Lights during the holidays. One day, I had some time off and thought, “You know what? I’m just going to walk the trails.” And it was honestly such a peaceful, relaxing experience. It’s a beautiful feature that’s often overlooked, but it’s something very unique to our setting.

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Jared Schaller:

‍It really is a great escape—especially for people who enjoy being outdoors and active. It’s not just a tiny loop, either—it feels like a one- or two-mile trail. And with the views of the water, the hotel, and the pyramids, it's just perfect.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Let me share a little secret not everyone knows—we actually have a marina at Moody Gardens. So if guests want to, they can come by boat instead of by car. If they’re coming from places like Kemah, or even just from nearby Tiki Island, they can call ahead and rent a boat slip at our marina. Then they can dock, check into the hotel, visit the attractions, or dine with us—it’s entirely up to them. It’s a really special experience, being able to travel by boat and stay right here on the property. Not many places offer that.

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Jared Schaller:

‍That’s the first I’ve even heard of that—that sounds like an awesome kind of road trip. Skip the traffic and roll into Galveston by boat instead. That’s a pretty cool way to arrive. Okay, I want to talk about something very important—food. I traveled over 60 days last year, and whenever I book a hotel, one of the first things I check is whether there’s a good restaurant on-site. I look at hours, menus, photos—it’s a big deal. I’m always looking for a one-stop shop. So can you tell me more about the food offerings at Moody Gardens Hotel?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Absolutely. We’re very fortunate to have an outstanding culinary team, led by Chef Bobby Ross—he’s incredible. When I returned to Moody Gardens, people actually told me ahead of time, “You’re lucky—you’ve got an amazing chef there.” And they were right. Every single dish I’ve had here has been excellent—I haven’t had a bad experience dining anywhere on property. That’s a real testament to Chef Bobby and his team. We’re also lucky to have another talented chef, Chef Andreas, who handles the culinary operations on the attractions side. His food is equally impressive. Of course, I have to mention Shearn’s Fine Dining Restaurant—it’s our premier experience, located on the ninth floor of the hotel. It offers breathtaking views of the Gulf, the Bay, and the pyramids. The cuisine is outstanding, and Shearn’s has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award every year. For casual dining, we have Café in the Park, which offers everything from sandwiches and salads to steaks and seafood. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On slower days, we offer a full à la carte menu, and during busier times, we also do breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. That’s great for families or guests who want to eat quickly and get back to enjoying their day. Then there’s Blossoms, our pizza and ice cream parlor, which is located adjacent to the pool. Guests love grabbing a slice and a cone while lounging outside. We also serve the full Café in the Park menu poolside, as well as a special seasonal pool menu. Another favorite is Moody Brews, our coffee shop featuring Starbucks. It’s perfect for guests who want a light breakfast or snack—pastries, candy, drinks, that sort of thing. And don’t forget our Lobby Bar, which offers a great grill and bar menu in the evenings. On the attractions side, we have the Garden Restaurant—run by Chef Andreas—which is located in the Visitors Center, just a short walk from the hotel. It offers casual dining and often features buffet options as well. Finally, we also have a food court within the attractions area that offers classic grab-and-go fare—tacos, burgers, hot dogs. So truly, whatever food experience you’re looking for, you can find it here at Moody Gardens.

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Jared Schaller:

‍You just listed everything and anything. Seriously, you don’t need to leave the property to eat well. In my old job, I always had to go off-site for food, so it’s been really refreshing here. I can go to Café in the Park for a nice sit-down meal, grab quick service food in the aquarium or rainforest, and I’ve even had dinner at Shearn’s—amazing steak, by the way. When I was talking to Chef Bobby yesterday, I asked him what the secret seasoning was on those steaks. He told me—even he doesn’t know! Said the bottle literally just says “secret seasoning.” I’m not sure I believe him, but that’s what he told me. Honestly though, I can say I’ve never had a bad meal here. And I’m a picky eater, so that’s saying something. Every experience has been great.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

‍Same here. Everything has been fantastic. Sometimes—and don’t tell anyone—I sneak away from the hotel just to grab a quiet lunch at the Garden Restaurant in the Visitors Center. It’s a nice little escape when I need to take a break. That’s one of the great things about this place—no matter where you go on property, you can count on having a great meal.

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Jared Schaller:

‍As a frequent traveler, that’s one of the things I look for. You don’t want to have to do a lot or leave the hotel when you’re tired or short on time. I love that there are so many food options here. If you want a fancier night, there’s Shearn’s. If you want something family-friendly, Café in the Park is perfect. Just great choices all around. All right—so I’ve sat in on a few hotel meetings with you, and I know guest satisfaction is one of your biggest priorities, if not the biggest. How do you and your team help ensure a memorable, positive experience for every guest?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

Well, as I mentioned earlier, we’re rated a four-diamond hotel by AAA, and there’s a reason for that. We make sure every guest’s stay is personal and memorable. It really starts at the front desk, even with reservations. When you call, they’ll ask why you’re coming to stay at Moody Gardens. They tell you all about the features, attractions, and everything going on at the property to plan a positive experience for you. When you arrive, our valet and bell staff greet you warmly. If you want to valet your car or need luggage service, they’re right there to help. Then it continues at the front desk, where our friendly team greets you and goes over the hotel amenities and your plans here at Moody Gardens. We also take pride in our housekeeping and maintenance teams, who keep the hotel clean and well maintained. Our food and beverage outlets focus on quality food and great service. And of course, there’s the spa, the pool, and all the other areas. We want every guest to have a memorable experience. We always say, when guests leave home, Moody Gardens is their home away from home. So we make sure guests feel comfortable and at home here. I often talk about Disney World, because they have a strong culture where every associate, no matter their position, is important to the guest experience. We share that same belief here at Moody Gardens. I’ve seen so many great employees—not just in the hotel but across the entire campus—who take pride in caring for our guests. Whether you’re at the hotel, one of the attractions, the food and beverage outlets, the golf course, or the spa, everyone is friendly and focused on guest care. We get a lot of positive feedback—around 90% of our surveys highlight great things about our staff. It’s great to be at a property that’s not just a hotel but an entire campus where everyone enjoys taking care of our guests. We even have folks like Taylor at the attraction, who’s well known and loves welcoming families and guests. We have several employees here at the hotel side who do the same to ensure every guest has a perfect stay.

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Jared Schaller:

Absolutely, Taylor’s always going above and beyond with customer service. A lot of people at the hotel do that too. When I first came here, I didn’t realize how much it really takes a whole village—all of us on the same team—wanting the same goal. It’s been great to see that everyone genuinely wants everyone else to succeed and for every guest to have a wonderful time. Some may not know this, but the Moody Gardens Hotel is undergoing some room upgrades. Steve, what can guests expect to see in the future?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

We’ve started some renovations now, but since we’re heading into our peak summer season, we have to be careful about what we do. Most of the improvements will happen right after summer ends. We’re currently working on public areas like guest hallways and hotel meeting rooms, including pre-function spaces. That’s our focus for the summer season. Right after summer, we’ll move on to guest room improvements. We’ll install new flooring, new drapery, and new case goods—four-diamond level furniture throughout the rooms. So, it’s a full upgrade. Some rooms, likely all the king rooms and possibly some two-queen rooms, will also get tub-to-shower conversions. That’ll be fantastic—brand new rooms with new showers. For rooms that keep tubs, we’re installing new high-quality showerheads to keep the experience top-notch at the four-diamond level. There’s a lot of exciting work happening, and we expect to finish all renovations by early 2026, around January.

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Jared Schaller:

That’s awesome! I always watch those hotel renovation shows and get a little jealous. I know it can be stressful, but choosing colors, beds, and bathrooms must be fun.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

It’s fun not just for me, but for the entire team. We want to make sure everyone likes what we’re doing. We’ve shared plans with our operations and sales teams to get their input and make sure everything is perfect for our guests. We’re very excited about what’s coming this summer, fall, and winter.

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Jared Schaller:

And while I have you, I always like to ask this—Steve, what advice would you give to those looking to get into the hospitality industry right now?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

You know, one unique thing about hospitality is that it’s still one of the few industries where you don’t need a college degree to be successful. Of course, there are hospitality programs out there—like the Conrad Hilton School at the University of Houston, which is close by—but it’s really an industry where you can start at entry level, say as a front desk agent, server, housekeeper, or houseman, and work your way up to become a general manager. For example, someone might start as a front desk agent, then move to night auditor or front desk supervisor, then front desk manager, maybe assistant general manager or director of rooms, and eventually general manager. There are many people in hospitality who began at entry level and are now managers, regional managers, or even presidents of hotel companies. The same goes for food and beverage. Many start as servers or cooks, then become chefs or restaurant managers, and some even move on to district or regional managers or run restaurant companies. So the exciting part of hospitality is that if you work hard and do a great job, there’s room to move up—and the ceiling is really wherever you want it to be.

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Jared Schaller:

That’s awesome. So lots of growth opportunities, which is exactly what a lot of people are looking for right now—where should I get into, what industry? Hotel and restaurants definitely sound like a great choice. I didn’t even think about that—starting entry level and eventually becoming a general manager. That’s really cool. Okay, last question—I’m going to put you on the spot. Give me your best pitch. Why should someone come stay at Moody Gardens Hotel?

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Steve Kalbaugh:

Well, like I said earlier, Moody Gardens is a place where you can have an amazing experience without ever leaving the property. Using that Disney phrase, it really is a place where your dreams can come true. If you’re here as a family, there’s everything you want—wonderful hotel rooms, amazing food and beverage, great attractions, family activities. For corporate guests, we have fantastic meeting spaces. Our convention center is incredible and can be used as one large space or divided into three sections. We have the Moody Ballroom, the Floral Ballroom, and plenty of breakout rooms, boardrooms, and unique spaces. We host everything from corporate meetings to sports events, cheer and dance groups, weddings—whatever people need. So whether you’re here for a staycation, with friends, as a couple, family, or for business, we have it all. And one thing we haven’t even touched on much—our events. People can check our website, but we host so many great events year-round. Recently, we had the Ironman competition here. This weekend we have fly fishing films and Steampunk Fest coming up. We also do Easter brunches at the hotel and at the Garden Restaurant attractions. Other events include Mustang shows with Ford Mustangs on the property, wine dinners, aquarium dinners, bounce house festivals around the Fourth of July, and during the holidays, our holiday show, Festival of Lights, Iceland exhibit, and more. So year-round, we have tons of events on top of all the regular hotel and attraction activities. There’s really something for everyone here at Moody Gardens.

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Jared Schaller:

Something for everyone—that should be your slogan. Beat Disney at that!

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Steve Kalbaugh:

(laughs) I hope I don’t get in trouble for saying that.

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Jared Schaller:

I hope not either! We love you, Disney. Thank you so much, Steve Kalbaugh, General Manager of Moody Gardens Hotel, for taking the time to talk with me.

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Steve Kalbaugh:

Thank you, Jared. Have a great day.