Best Hotels near Port Canaveral: Enhance Your Vacation with These Convenient Stays

The Days Inn is just steps to the beach and a short distance to Port Canaveral; its the location and affordable price that set this hotel apart. Rooms here are standard: free Internet, cable TV, refrigerators and microwaves. Some rooms have balconies. As would be expected in Florida, the Days Inn features and outdoor, heated pool and sun desk. Traveling with pets? This is one of the more pet-friendly accommodations. Planning a cruise? Ask the Days Inn about its special, discounted port parking. Traveling with kids? All children under 17 stay for free with an adult. All guests get a free continental breakfast and newspaper in the morning.

The Holiday Inn Express near Port Canaveral is just plain smart. It features exclusive "park and cruise" packages that can't be beat. It's also close to some of the port's best restaurants and, of course, the beach. Although it's in Cocoa Beach, it's less than two miles from the port's cruise terminal. Business travelers can take advantage of the on-site meeting room and easy access to the main streets and expo center. All guests get free high-speed wireless Internet, a complimentary breakfast bar every morning, cable TV, work desks, kitchenettes and access to the fitness center, pool and spa. Upgraded units feature whirlpool tubs. After exploring the port, relax in the outdoor pool and sauna.

The Best Western Ocean Beach offers two things that no other hotels in the area do. First, it's the closest beach hotel to Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Second, it offers a 40 percent discount on parking at the port, or free cruise parking at the hotel. The eight-story "Beachside Tower" is also a highlight. These rooms tower above the beach, rolling out breathtaking views of the ocean. Ask for a room with a private balcony. Traveling with kids? Book a room in the designated Family Suites Building, specially designed for the traveling family. All rooms here all have free Internet and a complimentary full, hot breakfast in the morning, as well as a microwave and refrigerator.

For guests looking for a more personal, home-away-from-home feeling that you can't find in most hotels, the Discovery Beach Resort in Cape Canaveral is a top choice. Condos here all feature full kitchens, separate living room areas, cable TV and laundry. Every room has an ocean-view balcony. The heart of this resort is its outdoor, heated pool. Stretch out on the sun deck, or take a dip in the hot tub. Looking for entertainment? The Discovery Beach Resort plans activities throughout the day, such as poolside bingo, movies, children's events, arts and crafts and sports contests. Guests can also use the fitness club, tennis courts, basketball courts, game room and sauna.

The Country Inns, one of the newer hotels on the port, feels like a tropical retreat, with two pools, an on-site fitness center, a 24-hour business center and even shuttle service to the port Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, a huge bonus. The Country Inns is set up to make your cruise adventure seamless; ask about special cruise packages and parking. Rooms here have free Internet, microwaves and refrigerators, and guests get a free, hot breakfast in the morning and beer, wine and snacks during the Monday and Tuesday evening social hours. Tip: Ask about the jacuzzi suites. Business travelers will appreciate the various meeting rooms. The Country Inns is great for families, too, featuring a separate kiddie pool.

The Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is a top pick for its location: just across the street from Port Canaveral. In fact, the Radisson is one of the closest hotels to the cruise ship terminals, so it's a favorite among travelers. It's also reasonably priced, and features a heated, outdoor, waterfall pool and poolside tiki bar. Guests can play in the game room or hit balls in the lighted tennis court. It's also convenient, with a full-service restaurant and lounge. No need to drive around looking for somewhere to eat. Rooms are pretty standard, with free Internet access. Some rooms feature Sleep Number beds, refrigerators and microwaves, too. Traveling with animals? The Radisson offers pet-friendly rooms. The Radisson is about 40 miles from the Orlando International Airport.

The Holiday Inn at the port is a resort for active travelers who want easy access to the beach, directly from the hotel. Splash down the waterslide in the pool, drift the day away in the sun in the lazy river and watch the cruise ships slowly drift by. This resort is near the fishing pier and Jetty Park, where you can catch some of the port's most interesting views. The Holiday Inn is not far from all of the Space Coast's best sites, from the Kennedy Space Center to the markets at The Cove. Back at the hotel, guests can stay active in the fitness club, play basketball, play mini golf and hit tennis balls. Then relax at the on-site movie theater, a unique and fun way to cool down for visitors of all ages. The on-site Surf Grill will keep you energized for the resort's water sports.

The Residence Inn by Marriott in Cape Canaveral is arguably the most ideally located hotel on the port. It's one of the closest places to stay near Port Canaveral – and it's the closest all-suite hotel to the famous Kennedy Space Center. Because let's be honest: A trip to the Space Coast isn't complete without visiting both. All guests here enjoy suites that are 50 percent bigger than other typical rooms. Your Key West-style suite has various living areas, air conditioning and soundproof windows. Before heading to the port, fuel up with the Residence Inn's free, hot breakfast buffet. And in the evening, wind down with the hotel's happy hour, complete with snacks, beer and wine.

The Cape Winds Resort offers all of the amenities of home – plus extra luxuries to take your vacation to the next level. These spacious Cape Canaveral condos are fully furnished, with full kitchens (even full-sized refrigerators), air conditioning, a separate dining room and more. Wireless Internet is included. Beyond your room, enjoy a private, heated pool, hot tub, lighted tennis courts, umbrella tables, covered parking, laundry facilities and a basketball court. But the ocean views and private beach are the best feature here. Stroll down the private path to this peaceful stretch of the beach for a refreshing escape from the crowds and the port excitement. Cape Winds offers great value for the price, and it caters to longer stays. If you'd like to stay a while, ask about the extended-stay rates.

Royal Mansions is the most luxurious place to stay near Port Canaveral, although it's far from stuffy. This resort is cheery, elegant, spacious and private – great for longer stays. Royal Mansions is a collection of beachfront condominiums located in a peaceful, residential part of town. Right out the doors (the resort is oceanfront, but the units are not) stretches clear waters and a surprisingly quiet, private beach – the perfect getaway from the hustle of the port. The beautiful, air-conditioned rooms are uniquely decorated French-Caribbean, and feature everything you could need: fully equipped kitchens (down to dishwashers and garbage disposals). Traveling with a group or large family? Ask about the two-story, 1,150-square-foot penthouse condo with an ocean view.