Courtyard by Marriott vs. Country Inn and Suites

[gunghomom]

Trying to choose between the two near the Port C. Courtyard is a lot cheaper - $60 cheaper total for the six of us. Anyone stay at either and know why it might be so much cheaper? I want something good for the kids, but also just a nice clean place to sleep with a nice pool. This is just for one night before we leave on the cruise. I'd really appreciate any input!

 

[gunghomom]

Sorry - meant to add that we'll have a rental car - so no need for a shuttle.

 

[NancyIL]

The Marriott property by the port is a Residence Inn, not a Courtyard. I would probably choose by price, although we stayed at the Residence Inn and liked it a lot.

 

[gunghomom]

Oh, it's a Courtyard in Cocoa Beach I was wondering about.

 

[DisneyZell]

We stayed there years ago and had no problem...we usually only stay at Marriott, so would have no problem choosing the Courtyard. Right now we are deciding whether to stay at that Courtyard or the Residence Inn at the port. I would go with the Courtyard since it is $60 less.

 

[gunghomom]

Thanks for the input. I mostly hear of people at the country inn and suites, and not much about Courtyard, so was a little worried.

 

[NancyIL]

The Courtyard doesn't include breakfast in the rate, whereas Country Inn & Suites does. If you want to be on the beach - choose Courtyard. If you want to be close to the port - choose the Country Inn & Suites.

 

[disneygirl319]

The Courtyard doesn't include breakfast in the rate, whereas Country Inn & Suites does. If you want to be on the beach - choose Courtyard. If you want to be close to the port - choose the Country Inn & Suites.

That's correct. I thought for sure that breakfast was included at Courtyard (we just stayed there for our last cruise last week!); but it was NOT included (transport to/from hotel to port was included). There is a SMALL food place in the lobby. However, there is an IHOP near by (as well as shops, grocery store, and gas stations). There are more food/store options nearby vs. Residence Inn which is right next to the port. I didn't see the Country Inn & Suites but it sounds like it's near the Residence Inn.

Courtyard's shuttle service was through travel lynx (just like most of the hotels in the area). We only had a few people going from the hotel and their 'sister' hotel which is right next door (Hampton Inn-- owned by same person, not the same company). So we had a small van pick us up at 11am. I was alittle disappointed at the pick up time as I thought I could sign up for a particular (aka, earlier) time to be dropped off. It's just one set time for everyone. It did take alittle longer since two of the passengers that we were waiting for weren't ready yet. We eventually left without them but still waited awhile. We made it to port by 11:30am and were on the ship (Royal Caribbean) by 11:45am. So it ended up being the perfect time to get there.

On the way back they called over a small van to pick (only) us up and took us directly back to Courtyard and dropped us off right next to our car.

It was ok, but next time we are staying at the Residence. However, I did notice a LARGE BUS waiting in front of the Residence Inn with alot of people waiting for it so I'm alittle concerned about that (may just take a taxi since the shuttle service costs $6 anyway).

Hope this helps!