Most of the hotels listed in this guide are in Cocoa Beach, the closest resort area to the Kennedy Space Center, about a 30-minute drive to the north. (For pop- culture junkies, Cocoa Beach was where the TV show I Dream of Jeannie took place.) Closest to the space center and Port Canaveral is the Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd. (A1A), in Cape Canaveral (www.radisson.com; tel. 800/333-3333 or 321/784-0000). It isn't on the beach, but you can relax in its landscaped courtyard, where a waterfall cascades over fake rocks into a heated pool. Rooms aren't fancy but are clean and comfortable. The hotel caters to business travelers and passengers waiting to board cruise ships (with free transportation to the port and free parking while you cruise); it offers a substantial hot and cold complimentary breakfast.
The newer chain motels in this area are the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, 3425 Atlantic Blvd. (www.hamptoninncocoabeach.com; tel. 877/492-3224 or 321/799-4099), and Courtyard by Marriott, 3435 Atlantic Blvd. (www.courtyardcocoabeach.com; tel. 800/321-2211 or 321/784-4800). They stand side by side and access the beach via a pathway through a condominium complex.
The Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism, 8810 Astronaut Blvd., no. 102, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (tel. 800/93-OCEAN [936-2326] or 321/868 -1126; www.space-coast.com), publishes a booklet of the area's Superior Small Lodgings.
The area has a plethora of rental condominiums and cottages. King Rentals, Inc., 102 W. Central Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (www.kingrentals.com; tel. 888/295-0934 or 321/784-5046), has a wide selection in its inventory.
Given the proximity to Orlando, the generally warm weather year-round, and the business travelers visiting the space complex, there is little, if any, seasonal fluctuation in room rates here. They are highest on weekends, holidays, and during special events, such as space shuttle launches.
Tent and RV camping are available at Jetty Park, in Port Canaveral.
You'll pay a 5% hotel tax on top of the Florida 6.5% sales tax here.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
