emmamarie, if 321go sees this post, she'll have good ideas. In the meantime, be aware of a good resource for cruise planning: Cruise Critic, specifically http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

Look in the Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach areas. Many of the hotels offer free shuttles to/from the port. To get to/from Orlando, consider 2, 1-way car rentals. Usually there is no drop-off fee and you can avoid paying for parking while you are on your cruise.
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

I can't recommend any of the hotels in Titusville (which is closest to the space center); you are better off staying near the port and renting a car to go to the space center. The closest lodging to the cruise ship terminals is Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort, but there are many less expensive options just south of the port in Cocoa Beach. Let us know what your budget is and we can make recommendations.

Hi I was thinking up to $150 a night but we can be flexible if necessary. Not sure how much car rentals are? When we come back from the cruise we are going straight to disney world so will probably get the disney shuttle back to Orlando.

What time of year is your trip? Depending on time of year, $150 a night should definitely get you a nice 3 star hotel (example: Cocoa Beach Hilton, Doubletree Cocoa Beach, Radisson Resort Port Canaveral).

Hi

We arrive December 27th and the cruise is on the 29th.

The Cocoa Beach hotels are less than 5 miles from the cruise terminal. The hotels at the port are a couple miles closer, but offer much less for your kids to do. The beach area has walking distance restaurants and shopping. Add to 321go list the Hampton Inn, Courtyard, and family owned Inn at Cocoa.

betterbidding.com

best deals on 4 stars bidding priceline for me from $40

Residence Inn in the past was nice.

Otel.com

ichotels.com

whyndham.com

for good deals if you do not want to bid

thanks everyone for all your help. will have a look at all of your suggestions

Thanks, stumpworks, for adding those hotels to the list - they are great suggestions!

emmamarie, that is a busy time of year here due to the Christmas holidays, so you're smart to plan ahead and get your reservation well ahead of time. Your budget is fine; you shouldn't have any trouble getting one of the hotels mentioned for under $150.00.

Enjoy your trip and if you need restaurant recommendations, do post again.

If you might be interested in the Radisson Resort at the Port, use this web site for the Family & Friends rate: http://www.radisson.com/familyandfriends

Full details here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel-deals/1006932-carlson-hotels-radisson-family-friends-rate.html

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Thats great thanks!