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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Florida, USA

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging

  • Hotels/Motels

    Budget-friendly chains (e.g., Quality Inn, Days Inn) and mid-range options (e.g., Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn) exist. Upscale hotels stand in Cocoa Beach.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Homes and apartments exist through Airbnb and Vrbo. These properties are popular in Cocoa Beach and along the coast. They fit families or groups.

  • Camping/RV Parks

    Several campgrounds and RV parks sit nearby. These provide facilities for tents or RVs. Manatee Hammock Park provides one option.

  • Housesitting

    For long-term stays, TrustedHousesitters connects travelers with homeowners for pet and house sitting arrangements.

Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com

    A global platform for hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals: Booking.com.

  • Agoda

    An accommodation booking site with strong Asian market presence: Agoda.

  • IHG Hotels & Resorts

    Book directly with IHG brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental: IHG Hotels.

  • Hostelworld

    For budget-friendly hostel options worldwide: Hostelworld.

Neighborhood Guide

Your accommodation location impacts your experience. Each area around KSC is a distinct character.

Titusville

Benefits
  • Closest proximity to KSC (~20-30 min drive).
  • Lower accommodation prices.
  • Less traffic.
  • Excellent for launch viewing from riverfront parks.
Drawbacks
  • Limited dining and entertainment options.
  • Fewer large hotels.
  • Quiet, residential character.

Merritt Island

Benefits
  • Central location between Titusville and Cocoa Beach.
  • Good balance of KSC proximity and amenities.
  • More dining and shopping options than Titusville.
  • Quiet suburban feel.
Drawbacks
  • Less tourist-focused.
  • Fewer large hotels or resort-style properties.

Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral

Benefits
  • Direct beach access.
  • More dining and entertainment options.
  • Lively atmosphere.
  • Close to Port Canaveral cruises.
Drawbacks
  • Further drive to KSC (~45-60 min).
  • Higher prices.
  • Can be crowded.
  • Heavier traffic.

General Considerations

Safety

All listed areas maintain safety for tourists. Observe standard precautions against petty crime. Avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle.

Ambiance

Titusville and Merritt Island remain quiet and residential. Cocoa Beach and Orlando can be lively, especially near tourist and entertainment zones.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure good accommodation at fair prices.

Advance Booking by Season

  • For rocket launch dates, book accommodation months ahead. Rooms fill quickly, and prices surge.
  • During High Season (Winter/Spring Break), book several months ahead for selection and rates.
  • For Shoulder/Low Season, booking 1-2 months ahead usually suffices.
  • Accommodation prices peak during high tourist seasons and around major rocket launches.

Booking Considerations

  • Use major online travel agencies like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. Check direct hotel websites for deals.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is uncommon in the U.S. Online booking typically remains economical.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Examine specific terms before confirming your reservation.
  • Reading recent reviews from other travelers offers insight into property conditions and service quality.

Orlando Proximity

Orlando Character
  • Orlando, a major metropolitan area, sits approximately 60-90 minutes from KSC.
  • Vast array of accommodation options exist, from budget to luxury resorts.
  • World-class dining and entertainment.
  • Suitable for combining KSC with theme park visits.
Orlando Cons
  • Longest commute to KSC.
  • Heavy traffic conditions.
  • Higher prices for lodging and parking.

Booking Tip

Launch Views

Many hotels in Titusville hold "launch view" rooms. Inquire when booking if this is a priority.

Price Comparison

Compare prices across multiple platforms and the hotel's direct website for fair rates.

Loyalty Programs

Signing up for a hotel's loyalty program sometimes brings better rates or perks.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here stand top picks for different budget levels and traveler types.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget Titusville/Merritt Island

Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center, or similar budget chains (Days Inn, Super 8).

  • Basic, clean rooms.
  • Close to KSC.
  • Some properties hold launch views.
Mid-Range Titusville/Cocoa Beach

Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center or Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral.

  • Courtyard: modern amenities, comfortable stays.
  • Hampton Inn: beach access, reliable service.

Luxury & Traveler Specific

Luxury/Upscale Cocoa Beach/Orlando

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront or Orlando luxury resorts.

  • Hilton: oceanfront views, resort amenities.
  • Orlando: numerous luxury resorts (e.g., Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons).
Family/Solo/Long-Stay

Vacation rentals suit families. Mid-range hotels suit solo travelers. Extended-stay hotels suit longer visits.

  • Families: properties with pools, playgrounds, beach access.
  • Solo: hotels with complimentary breakfast.
  • Long-stay: kitchenettes, larger suites.

Hotel Comparison Titusville

  • Quality Inn KSC (Budget)

    ~20-30 min drive to KSC. Price range: $80 - $150/night. Basic, close to KSC, some properties hold launch views.

  • Courtyard by Marriott KSC (Mid-Range)

    ~20-30 min drive to KSC. Price range: $150 - $250/night. Modern, outdoor pool, comfortable stays.

  • Orlando (Various)

    ~60-90 min drive to KSC. Price range: $100 - $500+/night. Wide range of options, theme park proximity.

  • Historical Significance

    No specific hotels directly tied to KSC hold historical significance. The region's history links to the space program's facilities.

Hotel Comparison Cocoa Beach

  • Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach (Mid-Range)

    ~45-60 min drive to KSC. Price range: $160 - $280/night. Beach access, family-friendly, free breakfast.

  • Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront (Upscale)

    ~45-60 min drive to KSC. Price range: $250 - $450+/night. Oceanfront, resort amenities, multiple dining options.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Found via Airbnb and Vrbo. Offer more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Hostels

    Budget options for solo travelers or groups on Hostelworld.

Check Reviews

Why Read Reviews?

Reviews from other travelers offer real insight into a property's actual condition, service quality, and amenities.

  • Find information about cleanliness.
  • Discover service quality.
  • Review amenity accuracy.
  • Gauge noise levels.
When to Check Reviews

Consult reviews before booking any accommodation.

  • Before finalizing hotel choice.
  • For vacation rentals.
  • When considering new properties.
  • For understanding peak season conditions.

Affiliate Partners

Booking.com & Agoda

These platforms serve for diverse accommodation needs, from hotels to vacation rentals. Explore options at Booking.com and Agoda.

Vrbo & Airbnb

For home-like stays and vacation rentals, consult Vrbo and Airbnb.

IHG Hotels & Hostelworld

Direct hotel bookings at IHG Hotels. Budget options at Hostelworld.