Port hotel suggestions?

[imlazar]

Hi, We're planning on taking the 7-day eastern cruise departing on 9/17. Our plan is to come down to Florida on the 15th, rent a car at the airport, and drive directly to the port. From there we plan to spend Friday at Cape Canaveral.

Here are my questions:
- Can anyone recommend a hotel at the port? We've heard good things about the Raddison at the Port.

- Is it possible to rent a car in Orlando and return it at the port? If so, can we get shuttled back to the hotel from the rental return?

- Would it be possible to rent a car at the port for the return trip to the airport? Would this even be a good idea versus just taking the Disney bus (there will be 4 adults and 2 kids).

Thanks in advance (as well as for past helpful answers!!)

 

[SeaSpray]

We stayed at the Radisson 6 months ago and thought it was very nice!

We didn't rent a car but from what I understand there are several car rental agencies right in the vicinity and they usually have a shuttle to drop you off back at the port when you drop the car off. So yes you can rent a car in Orlando and then drop it off near the Port, and vice versa.

I have some pictures of our room at the Radisson on my web site. They are are halfway down this page: http://terry527.home.comcast.net/html/precruise.htm

We booked our room there as soon as they were able to take reservations, almost a year in advance I think, and we got a pretty decent rate.

Happy planning

 

[webray]

We have stayed at the Radisson twice now, third time coming up in 9 weeks. We love it. Great pool area, nice rooms and minutes from the port.

Budget rental car is about a block or so from the Radisson and they have a shuttle to the port.

 

[Yankee914]

Rent the car in Orlando, stay at the Radisson at the Port. Next morning, after breakfast, take the car to the ship. Drop off your family and the luggage and return the car (We used Budget). Take the Budget shuttle from the car rental place back to the boat and enjoy your trip! I usually check us in while hubby is taking the car back. Another option is to use the Radisson shuttle to the ship. I have heard mixed things about this. I would just rather have my own car so I can control what time I get to the ship.

 

[DrCavin]

We rented a SUV at MCO, then stayed in Cocoa Beach area. I dropped off luggage & family at terminal & returned SUV to budget. Hoped on their shuttle back to port. Wife checked everyone in while I was gone.

www.dcltribute.com has great info on where to stay.

 

[laujac]

The Radisson is definately the most convenient. If you intend on using their shuttle service, check with them how far in advance you can make reservations. I think that I heard someone say that they do it well in advance (meaning months). We usually rent a car with Budget. They are the closest and seem to have the shuttle down to a science. The only thing I found was when getting off of the ship there was a very long line to get back to Budget and the taxis are very expensive and dishonest. Best bet is to have one person get off the ship as soon as possible, without luggage, and to get to Budget. They can then come back and pick up the rest.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I was trying to decide whether to return the car to Budget the night before(and take Radisson's shuttle) or have DH drive us to port the next morning, and have him drop off car and return with Budget's shuttle! It seems that most people do the later! Does Budget have consistent running shuttles...and what is the earliest they run!?

Also, thanks SeaSpray for the great pix of the double King suite! I have gotten 2 prices for that room! $169 to include 2 Buffet breakfast and
$139 AAA no breakfast

Is the breakfast worth it? We would have 3 DD's with us and would have to pay for 3 more children buffets! Also, what other breakfast options are there?

 

[laujac]

The buffet is not bad. It is a full breakfast that includes made to order omlettes (sp?) and waffles. There is also a good selection of fruits and cereals. Kids 6 and under eat free. This was our third time staying at the Radisson, but first in the double king suite. I loved it and would definately book again. As for the Budget shuttle... they had two going simultaneously when I was there (2/26 and 3/6). They were very efficient and knowledgable. Since everyone has to be off of the ship by 9:30, I would say the shuttles start pretty early. You can call the location directly. Ask for Pat. She is the manager and on top of things.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Thanks Laujac!...the info has been very helpful! I found out the adult buffet is $8.95/ adults and 3.95/kids 6-12 free/kids under 6...sooo...we will do the AAA rate of $139! We'll pay for the buffets!

 

[imlazar]

We just booked at the Raddison, $139 per night including free hot breakfast.

We've also booked a van to get there from MCO (there will be six of us). The budget rental drop-off is Cocoa Beach/Cape Canveral, so I hope I have the right one?

Does anyone know if they provide a shuttle back to the rental place from the port? And if so, how to arrange it (I'm calling them tomorrow but I figured I'd check here first).

 

[HooKooDooKu]

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, there is a Best Western in the Coco Beach area but not near the beach. I've never stayed at the one in Coco Beach itself (but I'm booked there for our up and coming cruise), but we have stayed at the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn in Titusville several times just before a cruise. It's always been fine with a WalMart in walking distance from the hotel.