Snuggling the Intracoastal Waterway (not the beach), a free five-minute shuttle ride from Disney's and Carnival's cruise ship port, 10 minutes north of Cocoa Beach, this is, despite its off-beach location, the best full-service hotel here. It offers good food, professional service and the most attractive and best-maintained guest quarters in the area.
Built to house cruise ship layover and conferees (it also boasts the largest convention facilities in the area), this hotel is expert at hosting large groups. Individuals will likely find the Inn at Cocoa Beach better suited to their needs. The Holiday Inn is geared toward fun-seeking parents. That said, the new Marriott Residence Inn is a safe bet for self-sufficient types seeking long-stay accommodations. Still, there is nothing in Cape Canaveral that competes directly with this operation.
Dotted with palms and flowering hibiscus and bougainvillea and topped with turquoise tin roofs, the
complex's archetypal Florida architecture is bathed in warm peach tones. Standout features include Doric columns, arches and jalousies, and lots of Palladian windows positioned to let in the Florida sunshine. The lobby shows attractive colonial decor in soft teal and pink tones, with bleached wicker seating providing comfort. The small reception desk can get overwhelmed when ships sound their horns and lines form, but the staff is friendly and, above all, patient.
Dining is limited to a single, modest cafe with standard fare and views of the pool. Two bars serve light fare along with umbrella-clad cocktails.
The pool is a dramatic affair with a towering, man-made massif and a waterfall. There is also a small gym, a lighted tennis court and a whirlpool. The gift shop sells souvenirs.
Meeting space accommodates 1,500 
delegates in a separate building that helps keep things quieter around the main building. A business center provides adequate backup, and the activities desk hawks everything from tours of the Everglades to four-day passes to Disney World, 45 minutes away. Parking is usually free, though motorists can get special packages that include pre- and post-cruise accommodations and parking.
Guests travel colorful breezeways realized in teal, pink and lavender hues to reach their quarters. The sparkling clean accommodations are not large but convey plenty of traditional style with their ceiling fans, crown molding, wainscoting and matching jungle-print spreads and valanced drapes. Tile floors, not carpeting, help bolster the rooms' tropical bent, and light wood furniture contrasts nicely with the Caribbean-inspired color schemes.
Armoires harbor TVs, desks are small, sitting areas have well-upholstered armchairs or rattan pieces, and the colorful 
framed prints and trendy lighting fixtures are thoughtful touches. Amenities include thermostats, irons and ironing boards, and phones with voice mail and data ports.
The combination baths sport sinks and fine brass fixtures, hair dryers and limited toiletries. The 55 whirlpool suites have two-person whirlpool tubs anchored beside the beds and second TVs in the living rooms with pullout sofa beds.
Room service stops at 11 pm. Pets are not permitted.
This well-run hotel boasts plenty of amenities to lure vacationers, but the off-beach location can disappoint. Layovers awaiting their ships at Port Canaveral will find this to be the best and most convenient hotel for their needs.
