Best Pre-Cruise Hotels in Miami, Orlando, Seattle, Galveston and San Juan (Travel Advisor Picks)
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Flying in the same day as your cruise is one of the biggest travel risks I see as a travel advisor. Flight delays, missed connections, and weather can all snowball into a very expensive “oops” if your ship sails without you.
That is why I always recommend flying in at least one day early and spending the night at a pre-cruise hotel. You get peace of mind, a better night’s sleep, and a chance to ease into vacation mode.
In this post, I am sharing my favorite mid-range pre-cruise hotels around five popular cruise ports:
- Miami
- Orlando / Port Canaveral
- Seattle
- Galveston
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
For each city, I include at least one hotel near the airport and at least one near the cruise port. Many of them include breakfast, shuttles, or park and cruise options, which helps you save your money and energy for the fun part of your trip.
Miami: Best Pre-Cruise Hotels for PortMiami
Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and traffic can be unpredictable. Most of my clients either choose to stay near the airport for convenience or in the Brickell / downtown area to enjoy a little city time before they sail.
Element Miami International Airport (Airport)
I personally stayed at Element Miami International Airport before a cruise and loved it. It has a bright, modern feel with apartment-style rooms that are perfect if you like a little extra space.
- About 2 miles from Miami International Airport
- Complimentary breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
- Easy rideshare or taxi to PortMiami in the morning
This is a great pick if you are flying in later in the evening and want to keep things simple and stress free.
Hampton Inn Miami Airport East (Airport)
Hampton Inn Miami Airport East is a classic pre-cruise favorite. It is not fancy, but it is very reliable, which is exactly what most travelers want the night before a cruise.
- Less than 2 miles from MIA
- Free hot breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
- Simple Uber or Lyft ride to PortMiami
If your priority is value and convenience, this is a solid choice.
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell–Port of Miami (Near Port)
If you prefer to stay closer to PortMiami and enjoy downtown before your sailing, Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell–Port of Miami is a solid, affordable alternative to the more expensive Brickell hotels.
- Easy access to the cruise terminals
- Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the Miami Riverwalk
- Complimentary breakfast
- No multi-night minimums like some Brickell hotels
A great pick for travelers who want to be near the action without paying luxury prices.
Orlando / Port Canaveral: Best Pre-Cruise Hotels
Most cruises from this area sail out of Port Canaveral, but many travelers fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). That means you will either stay near the airport and transfer in the morning, or stay in Cape Canaveral the night before.
Hyatt Place Orlando Airport (Airport)
Hyatt Place Orlando Airport is a comfortable option if you are flying in and want to stay close to MCO.
- Near Orlando International Airport
- Free breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
From here, you can take a shuttle service, private transfer or rental car to Port Canaveral the next morning.
Holiday Inn Orlando – International Airport (Airport)
Another good airport option is Holiday Inn Orlando – International Airport.
- Less than a mile from MCO
- Complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle
- On-site restaurant and bar
This works well for families and anyone who would rather have everything in one place after a long travel day.
Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port (Near Port)
If you prefer to wake up close to the ship, Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port is one of the most convenient mid-range options.
- Located in Cape Canaveral, just a few miles from the port
- Free hot breakfast
- Cruise port shuttles and park and cruise packages often available
This is especially good for drive in guests who want to leave their car and bundle hotel, parking and port transportation together.
Seattle: Best Pre-Cruise Hotels for Alaska Cruises
Seattle is a popular departure port for Alaska cruises, with sailings from both Pier 66 (downtown) and Pier 91 (Smith Cove). Your choice of hotel depends on whether you want an easy airport stop or time to explore the city.
Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown (Near Piers / Sightseeing)
My clients have really liked Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown, and I can see why.
- Located in the Queen Anne area
- Short ride to both cruise terminals
- Easy walk to the Space Needle and Seattle Center
- Free hot breakfast
If you want to see a bit of Seattle before your cruise, this is an excellent home base.
Coast Gateway Hotel (Airport)
For very late flights or early arrivals, Coast Gateway Hotel near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a practical choice.
- Near SEA airport
- Free 24 hour airport shuttle
- Free breakfast
From here, you can head to the port in the morning by taxi, rideshare or arranged transfer.
Seattle Marriott Waterfront (Right by Pier 66)
If being as close as possible to the ship is your top priority, look at Seattle Marriott Waterfront.
- Located on the waterfront across from Pier 66
- Beautiful views of Elliott Bay
- Restaurants and attractions within walking distance
Breakfast here is typically paid rather than complimentary, but the location is hard to beat for convenience.
Galveston: Best Pre-Cruise Hotels for Texas Sailings
Galveston is the cruise port, but most people fly into Houston Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). You can either stay near the airport and transfer to Galveston in the morning, or go straight to Galveston and stay on the island.
Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 (Near Port)
Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 is one of the most “cruise-centric” places you can stay in Galveston.
- Located at Pier 21, near the cruise terminals
- Many rooms overlook the harbor and cruise ships
- Short walk or quick ride to The Strand historic district
This is perfect for travelers who want to soak up the seaside atmosphere and be steps from the port.
Comfort Suites Galveston Cruise Port Area (Port / Park and Cruise)
For a budget friendly option with cruise perks, Comfort Suites Galveston Cruise Port Area is a smart choice.
- Near Galveston’s west beaches
- Free hot breakfast
- Park and cruise packages and shuttle service to the terminal often available
It is especially good if you are driving to Galveston and want to leave your car in one place.
Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport (Airport)
If flights and timing are tricky, Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport can make your trip smoother.
- Near Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Free breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
You can fly in, stay the night, and then head to Galveston the next day by shuttle, private transfer or rental car.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Best Pre-Cruise Hotels
San Juan is one of my favorite cruise departure cities, because you can easily extend your trip with extra nights in Puerto Rico. There are two main cruise areas here: the Old San Juan piers and the Pan American Pier near the convention center.
Hyatt Place San Juan (Near Pan American Pier)
Hyatt Place San Juan is located near the convention center and is convenient for many ships that use the Pan American Pier.
- Short drive to the cruise terminal
- Free breakfast
- Family friendly pool area
It is a great option if you want a comfortable, modern hotel and easy access to both the port and nearby neighborhoods.
Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Port/Old San Juan)
Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is the new identity of the former Sheraton Old San Juan after a multimillion-dollar renovation. It sits right in the heart of Old San Juan, steps from the cruise piers and waterfront, and blends historic charm with contemporary style, perfect for a pre-cruise night.
- Steps from Piers 1–6 and the Port of San Juan
- Walking distance to historic sites, shops, and restaurants
- On-site dining options and stylish modern rooms
- About 15–20 min from the airport (SJU) by taxi or rideshare
This is an excellent walk-to-the-ship choice and great for travelers who want to enjoy Old San Juan’s vibrant atmosphere before boarding.
Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar (Between Airport and Port)
Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar sits in a convenient “in between” spot.
- Located in the Miramar area near Condado Lagoon
- Short taxi ride to both the port and the airport
- On-site dining and nearby restaurants
This is a nice balance if you want an easy arrival and departure without being directly in Old San Juan.
Final tips for choosing a pre-cruise hotel
A few things I always consider when helping clients choose a pre-cruise hotel:
- Flight timing: Late arrival or early morning flight usually means an airport hotel.
- How much exploring you want to do: If you want to sightsee, pick a hotel near the port or in a fun neighborhood.
- Breakfast and shuttles: Complimentary breakfast and included shuttle services can save a surprising amount for families and groups.
- Park and cruise options: Great for Galveston and Port Canaveral if you are driving in.
Need help planning your cruise?
If you would like help choosing the best pre-cruise hotel, arranging transfers, or planning your entire cruise vacation, I would love to help.
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