The Perfect Start to Any Cruise
Ideal Stay For Pre-Cruise or Post-Cruise on Florida’s Space Coast
As an avid cruiser, I know the importance of arriving at a cruise port terminal on time. You see, whether travelling by plane, train or car, you never know what travel delays may occur on the way to the cruise ship terminal. I, myself, have learned the hard way about the stress of unexpected flight delays, train interruptions and bumper to bumper highway traffic. To avoid pre-cruise stress, I now always travel at least one day prior to cruise embarkation by planning to stay at a hotel near the cruise ship terminal.
While I had many options for accommodations within a few miles from the Port Canaveral cruise ship terminal, it was love at first booking! I was super impressed with the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral hotel.
Solo Traveler Seeks a Quick, Easy and Anxious-Free Hotel Check In
As a true Libra, I typically see the positive in all experiences but travelling alone makes me a bit anxious. However, from the simplicity of self-parking the car at the hotel to checking in for my one-night stay, I was immediately put at ease. The hotel staff welcomed me with open arms, and I could instantly feel the nervousness exiting and the excited cruise butterflies beginning to take over. And there is nothing better than stepping into a new hotel. The décor was beautiful, modern and embarrassingly, I could not stop admiring the flooring that I envied enough to consider installing throughout my own home.
Rooms at Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral are Clean, Cozy and Comfortable
When I arrived in my hotel room, I sat on the bed and took a deep cleansing breath knowing that tomorrow morning would be an easy, quick, 1.1-mile ride to the cruise ship terminal. I knew that I could rest my head on the pillow, get a great night’s sleep and awake the following morning excited about cruise embarkation day. Even better, it was so nice to stay in a new hotel with such a shiny, clean room. It was bright with beautiful décor, sunlight streaming through the windows, and even more spacious than I expected. A large room was a welcome bonus since the following five nights I’d be staying in a very, very small interior cruise cabin with no windows. The queen size bed and fluffy pillows were inviting me to take an afternoon nap, but I fought the urge and went exploring the hotel’s amenities.
Rooftop View of Live Rocket Launches – An Added Bonus
As a Florida resident, I get to enjoy space launches quite often but, from a long distance away from the launch area. However, when I book a cruise from Port Canaveral, I always check to see if there is a scheduled space launch nearby from Kennedy Space Center. Not only do you see the launch up close, but you also feel the vibration. It’s a very cool experience! While it’s always an amazing view (night launches are spectacular!), the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral hotel is approximately 10 miles from the launch area, and it offers rooftop views of live rocket launches to hotel guests.
I ventured up to the 7th floor of the hotel and “wow” is the only way to describe the breathtaking 360° view of Cape Canaveral’s stunning coastline seen from the Altitude360 Sky Bar & Observation Deck. It’s a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere and they offer craft cocktails and delicious bites. To be truthful, I don’t like the taste of alcohol, so I was happy sipping on a diet coke while taking in the picturesque view. I was not lucky enough to witness a space launch from the hotel but the following afternoon, I did catch the launch from the top deck of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas cruise ship. It was a truly magical sight!
Much-Needed Relaxing at the Outdoor Pool
The weeks leading up to my cruise vacation had been a hectic marathon of finishing work, completing chores and doing errands. I was physically and mentally exhausted, so travelling alone would be the perfect way to relax and recharge. While this hotel may not be beach front like other hotels in the area, I didn’t mind at all because I knew that I was about to board a 5-night cruise with endless views of the ocean. Instead, I was content to opt for the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral hotel with a beautiful outdoor pool where I rested on a lounge and took a quick swim in the pool.
The Hotel’s Highly Recommended Food Options Crushed My Willpower
When I arrived at Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral, my plan was not to eat since I would be gorging on food during the cruise. However, the food at the hotel’s restaurant, The Placery, was highly recommended by fellow hotel guests and the menu was calling my name. The turkey pesto sandwich was simply delicious, and I may go as far as saying it tasted even better than anything I ate on the cruise following my hotel stay.
If you arrive later in the day and you’re not hungry for dinner, you can pick up snacks and packaged grab-and-go items at The Market, the hotel’s store. For breakfast, you can select from many hot and cold choices at the buffet for a surcharge. While the scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and toast looked delicious, I decided to wait to eat until I boarded the cruise ship. I regretted that decision one hour later when my stomach was growling enroute to the cruise ship terminal.
Lots of Hotel Extras Make For a Well-Rounded Stay
While every traveler’s goal is to find clean, safe and comfortable hotels these days, the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral exceeded my expectations. Other hotel amenities included:
>> Digital check-in
>> 24-hour front desk
>> Fitness center with convenient filtered water bottle refilling station
>> Free Internet access
>> In-room refrigerator and safe
>> Accessibility rooms and features
>> Laundry room
>> Electric vehicle charging
>> Business services
>> Pet friendly – pet fees apply
>> Overnight self-parking (fee)
>> Extended cruise parking (fee)
>> Shuttle service to and from the cruise ship terminals (fee)
I’m Excited About My Next Pre-Cruise Stay at Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral Florida
As someone who takes at least four cruises each year, I would not stay anywhere else when visiting the area or embarking on my next cruise. The staff at this hotel were so kind and personable, ensuring that as a solo traveler, I felt at ease while encouraging me to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. The proximity to the cruise port terminals – 1.1 miles away – is ideal for anyone planning to take a cruise from Port Canaveral. If you’re counting down the days to your next cruise like me, do yourself a favor and reserve this hotel one day prior to ensure you avoid any travel day catastrophes on cruise embarkation day. I don’t want to have to tell you that “I told you so” when you arrive late, and your cruise has already set sail on the big blue ocean without you.