NJ Airport Hotel?
 

Flying in the afternoon before our cruise, which leaves from Port Liberty. Any hotel suggestions. First time to NJ.

You do not for any reason whatsoever stay at a Newark Airport area hotel.

No, no, no.

I'm guessing you are flying into Newark if you are leaving from Port Liberty.

Horrible areas, high crime rate, yadda, yadda.

Stay in Jersey City (Doubletree or Hyatt) or the Sheraton Weehawken.

Thanks for the input on NJ airport hotels. If I stay in Jersey City how long of a cab ride and cost to Jersey City cna I expect? I don't suppose the hotels mentioned have shuttle service from the NJ airport?

I stayed at a Hampton Inn at (or near) the Newark airport just over a year ago and it was fine. The hotel shuttle picked me up and brought me back to the airport....easy.

Any hotel that has free shuttle service or free parking should be a big red flag.

Cab to Jersey City or Weehawken would be $40+.

You'll be glad you didn't stay around the airport.

I stayed near the airport on a priceline bid. No problems, but then all we did was go to our room and sleep. We ate in the hotel restaurant the next morning. We took the free shuttle back to catch our flight. Do you plan on doing anything in the area? If not, you will be fine.

I have friends who stayed at the Holiday Inn near Newark Airport. It was a very nice hotel with 24 hour complimentary airport shuttle. For their purposes, spend the night to catch a morning flight to Italy, it was MORE than sufficient. They were very happy.

you can do a google search and see photos.

I often have a very early flight out of Newark, so stay in hotels around the airport all the time - have never had an issue or problem. It is true there is nothing of interest to do - but if all you want is a place to sleep to make it easy to get to the airport, why would you care?
I have stayed in:
the Marriott (actually AT the airport) very nice but can be pricey - check marriott.com to see if they are offering a pre-paid or other special that will bring the cost down. I think this is your best bet if you can get in at a reasonable rate - ask for a room with a view of the city on a high floor.

the Springhill Suite: free transpo, free breakfast, all suites - but no restaurant on property. check marriott.com for rates.

the Hilton: free transpo, very nice, but again, pricier - hilton.com

there is also a Courtyard, and the Holiday Inn another person mentioned. I have not stayed in either; but hear they are fine.
have a great trip!