Hotel and beach recommendations

[LizPR]

We are sailing on the Wonder on 9/12. I can't get a room at the Radisson for the 11th. Can anyone recommend a good hotel preferably with beach access, nice pools and free parking during the cruise. One that offers suites would be nice since we are a family of six. Is there a chance that I could get a room at the Radisson if I keep checking?

After the cruise, I would like to spend two days at a beach somewhere between the Port and the South Carolina state line. We will be travelling on I-95 and don't want to go too far out of our way. Any ideas on a great beach?

 

[spamama]

This is our first time too. We are going a few days earlier to do JFK, etc, and we like to have a kitchen and living area for the kids if we are going to stay somewhere more than one night. We are staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites. Its across from the beach and looks ok. Real close to Ron Jons Store from what I understand. Booked with Travelocity, and the reviews were a little mixed, a few didnt like it but most liked it a lot. Anyone else stay there before? We can leave our car there too, and they will shuttle to port. Room was like $10 extra for that, but figure we are saving $70 at the port. We are going to cruise on July 24, I can report when I get back if that isn't too late!

 

[musicgirl]

Marriott courtyard-Last year $100, free parking during cruise, shuttle to the port, basically right on the beach. About 5 miles from port. They seemed a little disorganized. You must ask for the cruise package and make sure you get everything in writing. They kept changing all the details.

Hampton-It is right next to the Marriott. $89 and a free very nice continental breakfast. They mention a cruise package on Dave's site which includes free parking. The Shuttle is not included.

Shuttle: If your hotel uses Art's Shuttle, they will not pick up until 12.

We called a taxi for $15 for the 3 of us plus tip. Call the day before, and call that morning just as a reminder.

Lorie

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Spamama - Hate to tell you this, but the Comfort Inn & Suites is pretty crummy. It is very old. Our rooms (2 connecting in the back wall which was weird, as opposed to side-by-side rooms connecting, kind or butt-to-butt). Anyway, this was nice because then we had access to the pool courtyard through our friends room. The rooms were very old and very musty. The bathrooms had really old walls, rust stained, peeling etc. Now, I know being near the ocean, everything gets a little musty smelling and kind of damp. It was just really crummy. We didn't complain, we didn't ask to be moved as all the rooms seemed the same, we just chalked it up to "booking cheaply on the internet!" I got the "Bad choice" award for picking that place, though we laughed about it. We were there only one night, it WAS right next to RonJons and within about 3 blocks of the Beach access, so it was alright. It is right across the street from McDonald's and an large supermarket, so we stocked up on beer and stuff there. We did have fun in Cocoa Beach (If you need a GREAT restaurant, ask for directions to Florida Seafood Grille - EXCELLENT!!!! - Best food of the ENTIRE trip!) The dinner we had was a lot of fun for families and folks our age. We had a riot at dinner, went swimming in the pool that was just a small rectangle, and did sit in the hot tub which was OK. Would I stay there again? Absolutely not! Can I laugh it off? Absolutely!

 

[musicgirl]

mrsfuzzmo,

I love your attitude!!! But you are sooooo on target about something like that. Things are not always going to be perfect, try not to get bent out of shape!

I'm glad it brings you fond memories now!!!

Lorie

 

[spamama]

Thanks for the info! Actually, last month I tried to book the Radisson, but it was sold out the second night so I booked the Comfort (really wanted the extra space and transfers). I checked the Radisson again yesterday and it had opened up. Not the king suite but a double. Because of your input today, I went ahead and booked it today with a hope to upgrade to the suite with more cancellations. My husband really likes to be able to watch tv at night in one room, and the kids can watch a different one! Plus we like to stock up on snacks and breakfast stuff so we dont have to find a restaurant in the am. If it was just one night I probably would stay at the comfort, like you said, no biggy with the right attitude, but its two nights, so I'll go with the tried and true!

Thanks!

Spa Mama