Not sure what time this was posted, but
I’m assuming it was after the worst. It
looks and seems to be the sturdiest structure
in Galveston, and they had the top floor
areas for safety. Lots of updates on the site.
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http://www.texas-fire.com/2008/09/13/ike-fire-updates-from-around-texas/
“In Galveston, Fire Chief Michael Varela, speaking to reporters in the San Luis Hotel, where the city’s mayor and emergency personnel are staying, said they would respond to needs on the west end of the island first, since it was hardest hit.
At least eight to 10 feet of water was on the streets when they ceased operations, and the second half of the storm, which came after that point, was far worse than the first, he said.
Asked how hard he believed Galveston had been hit, Varela said: ”For us, one to 10, I’d say it’s a 10.”
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Galveston city officials continue to huddle in the San Luis Hotel, a lavish property along the beach. This afternoon, employees had placed towels on the floor of the lobby, which was drenched with flood waters.
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Officials have not assessed damages yet but FOX 26 reports Cars parked on the first level of the San Luis Hotel were completed submerged in water at one point. Meanwhile, trees lay on the floor from the winds that toppled them over.
This hotel was build on a WWII bunker...from what I understand they hunkered down because of the safety of this bunker. I remember this bunker when I was a kid and went to Galveston. We use to play in it. It has depth and the cement walls were so thick. This hotel utilized it for safety in case of a hurricane.