Good hotel suggestions for Cocoa Beach area?

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We have a chance to possibly go to FL to see the shuttle launch in July. Since the launch can get scrubbed and moved so easily we are just planning to come for a week and hang out at the beach and see the sites in the Cocoa Beach/KSC area. I have been reading reviews of hotels at tripadvisor.com and it is really hard to pick one. I don't want to spend a ton but I don't want a dump either. Closer to the beach the better. Any suggestions? I'd like a frig since we'd like to get some sandwich makings etc.

Hard to believe I'm planning at trip to FL and I won't even set foot on Disney property!

Also if anyone has some suggestions of things to do for cheap/free in that area please advise! My 3 kids will be along (10, 8, & 5). TIA!

 

[Psychodisney]

We've stayed at the Residence in at Cape Canaveral prior to a cruise. It was very nice-built about 4 years ago. You would have to drive over to Cocoa beach(about 10 minutes). We had a 2 BR with a nice kitchenette. They have breakfast in the morning, a small pool, basketball court, etc. We got a decent rate with AAA and booking far ahead of time.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Find out about the night turtle walks - you can see the turtles as they either come up to lay their eggs or when they hatch - I think July is the start of the hatching season.

We are going to be staying with relatives in Cocoa for a week before our WDW vacation starts in August (I will be working in the state while the family plays on the beaches)...

 

[mrsklamc]

We stayed at the Radisson and it was nice...Although they have those sleep number beds and we weren't fans. It was within walking distance of a place called manitee park where you were supposed to be able to see manitees but we didn't. We also visited the four points by sheraton to shop and look at the shark tank, it was closer to the beach and DH said "Why didn't we stay here?" http://www.mousesavers.com/dclground.html#fourpoints

 

[v.t.]

We've stayed at the Residence in at Cape Canaveral prior to a cruise. It was very nice-built about 4 years ago. You would have to drive over to Cocoa beach(about 10 minutes). We had a 2 BR with a nice kitchenette. They have breakfast in the morning, a small pool, basketball court, etc. We got a decent rate with AAA and booking far ahead of time.

We stayed there as well and really enjoyed it. They had different activities during the week. We were there for a BBQ. Free dinner for the whole family!!!

 

[MickeysMommy]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Cocoa Beach. We had a balcony room with a kitchenette and it is literally on the beach. When we came downstairs and around the back of the hotel you walk a few feet and you were right there. In fact, we watched one of the Disney ships set sail from our balcony!

 

[Disney-Kim]

We have stayed at the DoubleTree and the Hilton for a night before cruises. The Hilton was much nicer overall hotel and right on the ocean. The rooms were remodeled and clean and the restaurant had good breakfast. We would stay there again if needed.

There is a nice motel down by the Hertz place that a lot of cruisers stay at....maybe the Country Inn or something like that.

Cocoa Beach doesn't have anything I would consider to be over 3* and barely 3* at all.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We have stayed at the DoubleTree and the Hilton for a night before cruises. The Hilton was much nicer overall hotel and right on the ocean. The rooms were remodeled and clean and the restaurant had good breakfast. We would stay there again if needed.

There is a nice motel down by the Hertz place that a lot of cruisers stay at....maybe the Country Inn or something like that.

Cocoa Beach doesn't have anything I would consider to be over 3* and barely 3* at all.

I have really been looking at the Hilton. I like how it is right on the beach and reasonable in cost. Their website says the beds are 2 Queens but I am seeing many reviews saying they are only doubles. Can you confirm that they are queens? We have a family of 5 but the kids are small so 2 queens are fine but 2 doubles would not be! I hate to book a bigger room because there is a chance my Dh won't be able to go and then I'll have plenty of room.