Click here for satellite image, you can just make out the pilings where it used to be.

The Balinese Room

Story and Photography by George Hosek

A unique Texas historic structure which features a extraordinary and unusual past.

Walking through the long narrow hall of The Balinese you can feel the history, ghosts from the distant past seem to haunt these halls.

Old wooden floors creak under foot, the smell of the salty, humid air creeps in from the open doors and windows, the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach, people laughing, the band playing, all come together like the tide, sweeping over you and pulling you in.

You can almost hear Frank Sinatra's soothing, hypnotic voice floating down the isle or Bob Hope and Jack Benny exchanging jokes to the delight of an intoxicated crowd.

Legends such as Howard Hughes, George Burns, Glen McCarthy, Sophie Tucker and other famous celebrities made The Balinese the destination of the stars.

\Many of the original fixtures such as the1940's tropical murals, arched ceilings, and neon and copper palm trees have been restored to their former glory. Over the past several years Arnold has spent over $600,000 renovating the 20,000 square foot building, which now includes a nightclub, museum, gift shop, massage parlor, hair salon, metaphysical shop and cybercafe.

Another one of Galveston's historic treasures has been preserved and now has become a must see entertainment venue for anyone visiting the Island, live bands play most weekends, other special events are planned throughout the year, check The Balinese Schedule for upcoming attractions.

The Balinese Room Website

Article about The Balinese Room, written by Albert Nurick.
 "Return of the Balinese"

“Deep in the South of Texas
not so long ago,
there on a crowded island
in the Gulf of Mexico

it didn't take too much money,
man, but it sure was nice.
You could dance all night if you felt all right,
drinking whiskey and throwing dice.

And everybody knows
it was hard to leave.
And everybody knows
it was down at the Balinese.”

“Balinese” ZZ Top
Fandango - 1975