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Hotel in Ocala on the way to Port Canaveral

Grandmother, mother and 3 year old twin girls are heading to Port Canaveral for a Disney Cruise. We are driving from Mississippi on Sunday, May 18 and plan to drive to Ocala to spend the night. The cruise leaves Monday and we have to be in Port Canaveral by 11:00 A M. Monday. Looking for a hotel in Ocala along our route that is nice, clean and safe. Need recommendations, please. Will pay the price for the amenities we need, but don’t have to have the very top most expensive. Thank you

Ocala is a convenient stopover for travelers driving from Mississippi to Port Canaveral, as it sits roughly halfway and offers several clean, safe, and family-friendly hotels. Given that you are traveling with a 3-year-old and a grandmother, comfort, amenities, and safety are key priorities. Staying in a hotel near the I-75 corridor will make your morning drive to Port Canaveral easier, taking roughly 2.5–3 hours from Ocala.

Recommended Hotels in Ocala:

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Ocala: Modern, clean, and family-friendly. Offers complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and comfortable rooms. Conveniently located near I-75 for an easy departure in the morning.
  • Hilton Ocala: Slightly upscale with spacious rooms, indoor pool, and a restaurant on-site. Known for excellent service and quiet atmosphere, suitable for families.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocala: Offers a free breakfast, indoor pool, and comfortable accommodations. Family-friendly and generally praised for cleanliness and safety.
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ocala: Clean, modern property with complimentary breakfast and a pool. Convenient access to major roads and reliable for a quick overnight stay.

Tips for Your Overnight Stay:

  • Book early, as hotels along I-75 can fill quickly, especially on Sunday nights before holiday travel periods.
  • Request a room on a higher floor or away from the highway for quieter sleep, particularly important with young children.
  • Check if the hotel offers early check-out options or express check-out, so you can leave promptly for Port Canaveral.
  • Have breakfast ready at the hotel or nearby to ensure a timely departure, as you need to arrive at the cruise terminal by 11:00 AM.

Staying at any of these hotels will give you peace of mind with a clean, safe, and comfortable environment, while keeping your drive to Port Canaveral manageable and stress-free for your family.

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