We are driving from Knoxville to Jacksonville and thought about driving all day Friday and then spending the night near the port. I don't want anything crazy expensive, just somewhere nice to sleep and maybe have breakfast the next morning before boarding. Any suggestions?

I was thinking preferably somewhere that might let me park there while we are gone or do hotels do that?

Amanda, what expressway will you be driving in on? I used to live in Jacksonville, so I know the area a bit. There isn't a lot of choices coming down from the North on 95. The first hotels you will reach will be the Jax airport, which typically are rather pricey. Same for the downtown area. You might want to consider some hotels just north of the Florida border in Georgia. Further south there are numerous choices, but that would be out of your way for sure.

I forgot to add, those choices further away would cause you a logistics problem if you were looking to leave your car as well.

do you suggest one next to the airport that I could check out? I basically can't see very well driving at night, which is why I want to drive down the day before. I don't mind to be a little bit away as long as there are some restaurants, etc close by and we are no longer than an hour at most away. I also don't mind being right at the airport...I'm all over the place sorry, I appreciate your help and best suggestions.

Here are some of the most reasonable at the airport.

Days Inn (904) 741-4000
La Quinta (904) 751-6960
Hilton Garden Inn (904) 421-2700

From the airport, you are 20-30 minutes from the terminal, depending on traffic. The hotels are very freeway friendly, right off of I 95. Only one airport exit, and all the hotels are in a row.

Parking at the cruise terminal is $12 a day, or at least it used to be.

Hope this helps!

I have been recommended to Holiday Inn Express Blount Island by another forum i visit...do you have any thoughts on it?

I can't comment on the Holiday Inn there, but it is but definately closer to the port for sure. I would say probably a very good choice!

Hi sunshine:

My husband and I are cruising from JAX in June and we are staying at the La Quinta at the airport, $62. We will drive to the terminal and park there. Hope this helps! Have a GREAT trip and write when you get back, we will all want to here about your trip.

Thanks so much carlg for everything...apparent the holiday inn is right next door to the port...92 a night and 10 dollar a day parking...they will shuttle us with our bags as well....that sounds doable to me, don't ya think?

That's a no brainer Amanda! Good price and no hassle!! That was a great suggestion!

Enjoy your cruise as well snoopgirl!!! I realize your username is a reflection on Snoopy, but I can't help but say Snoop Dogg in my head every time I ready it...as in the rapper...I'm a fan

sunshine - I don't usually stay in a hotel when I cruise out of Jax because it takes about 2.5 hours for me to drive there.

BUT - was in Jax two weeks ago to see the Lion King on stage and I stayed in the Red Roof Inn -

I NEVER book the Red Roof Inn because I think of it as a cheap (too cheap if you ask me) place to stay.

I was surprised. It was new, clean and very inexpensive. Right off 95. I think it cost us $59.00 a night.

I have attached the link.

http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_details.asp?num...zzgw4523zxag45&redi=

Maybe this will help. You could stay and then drive over to the port in the morning and park there.

Sunshine-I have stayed at Le Quinta,Red Roof and the Holiday-I think Holiday will be the most convenient,relaxing and stress free for your cruise needs. All three are nice,reasonably priced accomodations!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

thank you everyone for helping me out!!! Hope I can be of assistance once I get some cruises under my belt

HAHAHAHAHA!
Yes, I like Snoopy, but I also am a fan of Snoop D-O-doubleG

Nice! My first outloud laugh all day!