We paired our Disney Wish Cruise with one night at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Port Canaveral, Florida. My sister-in-law’s family picked it, and I booked a two-queen room for my husband and grandson. This hotel, part of the Choice Hotels brand, is a perfect choice to pair with a family cruise vacation. There were several family member groups on our cruise for a nephew’s wedding.
Location of Country Inn & Suites Makes for a Perfect Cruise Pairing
After we flew into Melbourne, Florida, we picked up a rental car to head to Port Canaveral and the hotel. On our way, this less than 30-mile ride took us through Cocoa Beach. The close proximity to Cocoa Beach makes Country Inn & Suites a good hotel option for some beach fun before and after a cruise. Cocoa Beach’s pier, and shops pulled us to this area twice- the day we left on the cruise and the day we came back. For those who want to swim, there are free showers. Our grandson was fine with getting his feet wet.
From our Country Inn & Suites room, we had a view of the cruise ship port just a mile away. It took less than 10 minutes for us to drive to Disney’s cruise parking garage. Another location positive is the proximity of a number of good restaurants. The night before the cruise, we headed to Rising Tide Tap and Table. This Port Canaveral eatery has creative dishes and cocktails. I opted for a local beer, the Fun-Guy pizza, and a side salad. So happy my sister-in-law ordered the street corn to share, also excellent.
Once back on shore, with the Bahamas and Disney behind us, we stopped at Manatee Sanctuary Park. Just minutes from the Country Inn & Suites, this lovely park in Cape Canaveral is on the Banana River and a spot manatees hang out in the winter months.
While here, we chatted with a family who had been on our cruise. After the cruise energy rush, this sanctuary was a welcome quick stop to unwind.
About Country Inn & Suites that Makes it Perfect
No matter the size of the group who checked in, the staff at Country Inn & Suites greeted everyone warmly setting the tone of “It’s time to have fun.” Because the hotel offers parking for those heading out on a cruise and a free shuttle to the port and back for those who pay to park, this makes for convenient travel. Although we decided to park at the port, others in our group did pay for the hotel parking and took the shuttle. This worked well for them. It’s $65 plus taxes for 8 nights of parking. We paid slightly more at the cruise parking garage.
The next plus of this hotel is the seasonal outdoor pool. After a flight to Florida and blazing temperatures, my husband and grandson enjoyed cooling off before bedtime. With plenty of seating, this large pool offers guests a place to hang out as well. The lobby connected with the reception area is also a hangout spot. There’s seating to wait for a group to gather and the well-stocked Marketplace kiosk has drinks, toiletries, snacks and microwaveable food. For hungry guests arriving late, this grab and go convivence is welcome.
The lobby’s winding staircase to the 2nd floor is a place to take photos. I saw a few groups use the curved staircase for a snapshot. I made use of the lobby’s computer and printer to access documents I needed to get us on the cruise. Here you’ll also find a life-size astronaut model one can stand in back of to peek out through the helmet.
In the lobby, the well-stocked kiosk has drinks, toiletries, snacks and microwaveable food. For hungry guests arriving late, this grab and go convivence is welcome.
Breakfast and the Shuttle are Convenient Amenities
By morning, the lobby and the breakfast room bustles with folks ready for their cruise. Breakfast includes hot item eggs and a breakfast meet plus cereal, make your own waffles, a variety of breakfast breads and juice. Seating is plentiful and the staff makes sure items are stocked. NASA space shuttle themed photographs give a nod to the Cape Canaveral local.
The hotel’s cruise shuttle departs from the back of the hotel. Signage makes this pick-up and drop-off point easy to find. Tell the staff what time you want to take the shuttle for the sign up.
Guest Rooms at Country Inn & Suites
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Our two-queen guest room was spacious, comfortable and had all one needs when traveling with a six-year-old. Tastefully appointed with earth tones, well placed lighting, a large flat screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, and places to tuck away luggage made a fine overnight stay. Our grandson loved looking at the cruise ship docked at the port in the distance. The bathroom is tastefully decorated as well with framed nature prints and patterned tiles.
In addition to the double queen rooms, the Country Inn & Suites has king bed, kitchenette rooms, apartments, walk in shower rooms and family themed suites. There’s something for every traveler’s needs.
I booked our room through Hotels.com. Check out other rates on the website including the Cruise Parking Package. Without the package, rates range from $267 to $309.
Post and photo by Jamie Rhein
