Best Western, Quality Suites or Courtyard Marriot?

[Lorelai71]

I need some help. I have decided that we will stay at a hotel near the port for our November cruise. (3 adults) We will not have a car so I plan on using a car service. I haven't figured out which one yet.

I have narrowed down the hotels to the Best Western, Quality Suites or Courtyard Marriot in Cocoa Beach?

Couple things to consider:
Our flight is suppposed to land at MCO at 9:05pm which means we probably won't get to the hotel until about 10:30-11:00pm

We would probably want to get something to eat - I know it's late but I know my family and they will need something to eat. (nothing elaborate-even pizza would do)

We would need breakfast in the morning

Finally, we would need a shuttle or a taxi to the port in the morning

Has anyone stayed at any of these hotels?
Please tell your experiences about these hotels and/or taking a shuttle or taxi to the port.

 

[skibum]

I would consider the Radisson as well. Nice pool, and free shuttle to the boat.

 

[cass'mom]

I'd love to hear others' opinions as well! I was stuck between staying near MCO or the port as our flight will get in late too...

 

[barkley]

we have done the radison-it was nice. we will be doing best western on nov. 11th (our cruise leaves the 12th) because it looked very good for a one night stay (never have had a complaint about a best western, always clean and safe) and also because we got a good rate on-line at their web site (i called the 800 # as well as the hotel directly and on-line was still the best rate). i know when i made res. a month or so ago alot of the hotels were unavailable for the 10th-12th-i don't know if it's because of vet's day weekend or what-so you may want to book something soon.

 

[musicgirl]

I just posted this on another thread-a little extra info.

We've stayed at the Marriott and at the Hampton. Both were about 100 yards from the beach, so they are basically beachfront. The current rates are around $150.

The Marriott has a shuttle included if you can get a cruise package deal. This hotel was nice, had a pool but were a bit on the disorganized side. Everytime I called to confirm info and even when I checked in, they never had the info correct. But eventually, they did correct it.

The Hampton does not include a shuttle, but you can arrange for it to pick you up. They have a nice cont. bk included.

Personally, we take a taxi to the port. Here's why:
-Art's is the main shuttle in the area and they will not pick you up until 12. Now maybe this has changed, but I don't think so. The terminal opens around 10:30 and last time we boarded around 11:30. Art's told me they don't allow anyone in until 12. Ummmmmmm?????
-We also had to vie for a space on the shuttle. As part of my cruise package at the Marriott, I asked to be picked up around 10:30 or so. Hotel confirmed they would, well only to find out later this wasn't true. Because I was upset they were able to arrange it, however another group showed up to ride the shuttle that was suppose to be arranged for our group of 7!!!

-You still end up tipping them.
-If you arrange for a shuttle not included in your rate, it is $3 person per way.

We will take a taxi from now on. They will pick up when I want, it was basically $15 plus the tip this was for 3 people and I know that the only group going will be mine!!!

Next year, we are going to Comfort Inn which is right near both of these hotels and is $99.

If you want really cheap, Motel 6 is in the same area for around $70. There have been some really good comments about this hotel just recently. I was going to stay there, but it was booked over a year out.

While the cont. bk at the Hampton was very nice, there is an I-HOP right across the street. However, you really want to just grab a small bite to eat so that you can have room for the buffet when you board!!!!! It is definitely worth a rumbly tummy!!!! May I suggest a danish or a breakfast bar!!!!

 

[Lorelai71]

Thanks for the advice. I would love to hear from more of you.

Musicgirl, I was toying with the idea of just taking a taxi but I was worried about the cost. However, $15 for 3 people is doable. I want to get to the port around 11am. Also, I figured on a light breakfast - a bagel would do us fine.

Another question, when you get to the port early what do you do while you wait. Anything special we should try to see?

 

[musicgirl]

You will go through a security check before entering the terminal. This was our longest line.

You will have to go through check-in. Time in line depends upon when you get there. this is where you will turn in docs and get KTTW card.

We usually send one person to the line to board while the other check-in.

Once checked in, we keep our place in line by taking turns walking around the terminal.

There are cartoons for the kids, there is the model of the ship, Characters will come out for pictures. We tried to have a quick dismeet, which was really difficult.

With boarding sometimes starting around 11:30, the time flies!!!!

We like to be early just because we want to enjoy as much time on board as possible.

Once boarding starts, you will go through another security check. Then pictures, and then you are sent to eat since the rooms are not available until later around 1:30-2.

Also, depending on if you are able to book certain ressies on-line you may need to get there to book certain spa appointments, nursery times. From what I understand, they do not book all the Palo or spa times on-line. It appears that they will only book a certain amount ahead of time so that people are able to book when they board.

If you need to change dinner seatings, you'll want to get and take care of it asap.

 

[Babs417]

I heard they were building a Country Inn by Carlson. Anyone heard about that hotel in coco beach?

 

[mark_story]

Last year, my family and I stayed at the Best Western. I don't remember the rate, but it wasn't terrible. The hotel is basic and split into two parts. They have a "tower" -- about a seven story building that houses a group of rooms that are right on the beach. We went in February and it was a little chilly to go in the water, but the outdoor pool is heated. The other rooms are one story rooms that do not have an oceanview.

And speaking of eating, the BW is connected to a steak house - Durango's -- where my family and I had one of the best meals ever. The food and service were outstanding. I highly recommend the restaurant.

Hope this helps.