We know. Cruising is one of the ultimate travel experiences. The ride to the port? Not so much. Whether we fly or drive to Port Canaveral, most of us our wiped on arrival. That’s why you should consider a stay at Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach. This soothing little three-star hotel will send your cares packing while gently easing you into cruise-mode.

The Residence Inn also has a Park & Cruise Package that makes leaving your car on the property’s safe lot a breeze. The hotel even shuttles the whole family and luggage to the port – and back again after your cruise.

The Residence Inn has several room configurations from which to choose including a studio that sleeps four, and one- and two-bedroom suites. The suites’ kitchens boast more than the average with a full refrigerator, small stove, microwave, and coffeemaker — even a toaster. Kitchen staples also include plates, glasses and flatware. Two-bedroom suites move into the big time with a stove/oven combo.

Guests of the hotel also enjoy a sparkling resort-like pool; small soirees with snacks and complimentary beer and wine; and complimentary breakfast.

Basketball Court
The Residence Inn sports a beautifully maintained basketball court. Forgot your ball? Just request one at the front desk.

Pool
The hotel's sparkling medium-sized heated pool has a resort-style vibe with tables and chaise lounges. A whirlpool sits near the pool. Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Every guestroom at the Residence Inn comes with a pullout full sofa bed; a large flat-screen TV in the living room and bedrooms; a bathroom with a granite top counter and shower/tub combo; a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, a small stove, a compact dishwasher, a toaster, a coffeemaker, and plates, glasses, pots and pans; and, most importantly, a corkscrew.

Playards are complimentary, but rollaway beds are $15 per night.

Studio
The studio offers one king bed and a full sofa pullout bed.

One Bedroom Suite
The one-bedroom suite offers either a king bed (or two queen beds) with a full sofa pullout bed. The one bedroom also has a living/sitting area and a dining table.

Two Bedroom Suite
The two-bedroom suite has a king bed in both rooms, a full pullout sofa bed in the living room, and two full bathrooms. The two bedroom suite also has a living/sitting area and a dining table. And the two bedroom suite is the only unit to have a stove/oven combination.

Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
The beautiful breakfast buffet is loaded in eggs, meats, waffles, cereals and more great breakfast entrees and sides. The bright and airy dining room sports a high ceiling, lots of windows, and an ocean blue rug. French doors lead to more tables sitting beside the pool. Breakfast is available on weekdays from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and on weekends from 7 to 10 a.m.

Patio Bar
The hotel's outdoor Patio Bar serves wine, beer, and your favorite cocktail. Sip and sink into an elegant bar stool, a table for four, or a crisp white old timey rocking chair. All sit near the pool. The Patio Bar is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5:30 to 10:30 on Tuesday through Thursday. The bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Residence Inn Mix
Three evenings a week, the Residence Inn features an opportunity to socialize with other guests and dig into complimentary snacks, beer, and wine. On Mondays, it's tasty sips and snacks. Tuesdays, the property is grilling poolside and chilling with cold beverages. And on Wednesdays, the Residence Inn features restaurant tastings every other Wednesday and dessert tastings on the alternate weeks. Evening snacks and drinks are available from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The dessert tasting on alternate Wednesday evenings begins at 7 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m. (Holidays excluded.)

Outdoor Fire Pit and Grill
The property's glam outdoor fire pit sits by the pool and is surrounded by cushy, upscale seating. The propane grill is nearby. (A Publix is 2 miles away, making it easy to grab good ingredients and grill.)

The Market
The Market is full of cold and frozen items including frozen dinners and bottles of wine. You'll also find cups of mac and cheese, crackers, cookies and more.

All About the Extras
Boarding Pass and Business Center
The Residence Inn has one private cubicle with a computer and printer. Need to make copies? Just ask as the front desk.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check out is at noon.

Fitness Center
The fitness center is bright and spacious, offering two treadmills, a bike, an elliptical, weights, cold water, and a scale. The space is open 24/7 and kids are welcome -- as long as ages 12 and under are accompanied by an adult.

Laundry
Washing machines and dryers are located on the fourth floor. Bring $2 in quarters for each machine.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary in your guestroom and throughout the Residence Inn.

The Art of Smart Timing
Spring is the sublime season in Cocoa Beach, delivering mild temps with lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. July and August are the toastiest months -- and often wet in the afternoon thanks to the rain -- while fall stays in the high 60's, but can move into the mid-80's. December through March can dip from the low 50's, yet rock into the mid-70's.

Crowds recede in the fall and winter and reappear in the region during the summer. Spring break gets crowded too, but September is quiet with everyone heading back to school and work.

Getting There
The Orlando International Airport is a 40-minute rental car drive to the Residence Inn without traffic. If you're taking a shuttle, plan an hour and a half from the airport to the property.

Need a clean, prompt, and inexpensive lift from the Orlando airport to the Residence Inn? Check out the Smart Two shuttle at 855-200-7678 (smart-two.com).

Getting Around
The property provides a Park & Cruise Package that lets you spend the night and leave your vehicle in the hotel's lot while you're a billion miles away enjoying some cruise-therapy. No car, but need a shuttle? It's just $6 per person round-trip.

For Mom and Dad
After a long travel day, grab a glass of wine at the outdoor Patio Bar and sit beside the Residence Inn's beautiful fire pit.