christau

I'm the one who originally started this thread, so I thought I'd come back and post my experience. DH and I just got off the Majesty today. We chose to stay at the Best Western Sweetgrass Inn 2 nights prior to embarkation. The hotel was very nice with recently upgraded matresses, pillows, and bedding. We also received a great rate by booking through this site: http://www.bestwesternsouthcarolina.com/hotels/best-western-sweetgrass-inn/. We also considered the Sleep Inn on Savannah Hwy, which is right next door, as both offer pretty much the same thing at about the same price. The cost of a taxi to and from the port from this location was only $10 each way with Safety Cab. I would recommend this cab company, as well, since their rates are predetermined and not metered. I was told to definitely avoid the Yellow Taxi since they are metered and would have cost a fortune, especially since the wait in line was so long once we arrived at the port. Once we returned to the hotel, our car was waiting right where we left it and in the condition we left it. The hotel had assured us before we left that there is security monitoring the parking lot at night, so we felt fairly safe leaving it there.

Christa

I've gotten so much valuable information from Cruise Critic, I thought I would share what I found after making more than a dozen calls to find a pre-cruise hotel that would allow us to leave our car in their lot for the duration of our cruise, that possibly has a shuttle to the port and breakfast, preferably all free.

Of all the places I called, the only ones that gave free parking and shuttle to the port, but NO free breakfast:

Holiday Inn Riverview

Radisson Charleston Airport

Free Parking, Free Breakfast, NO shuttle:

Wingate Inn Charleston Airport

Sleep Inn Savannah Hwy

Best Western Sweetgrass

Sleep Inn Mt Pleasant

Quality Inn Patriots Point

SpringHill Suites Downtown / Riverview

Marriott Residence Inn Downtown / Riverview

Hampton Inn Patriots Point / Mt Pleasant

Sleep Inn North Charleston

Ramada Charleston (formerly Clarion)

Free Parking, NO Free Breakfast or Shuttle:

Days Inn Patriots Point / Mt Pleasant

Every place I called does allow free parking while on the cruise, so if you find a good rate, just call. Chances are they'll let you. Also, I have heard that the Embassy Suites North Charleston Airport does let you park for free and has a shuttle and free breakfast, but I'm pretty sure they require a 2 nt minimum because when I called and tried to check rates online for 1 night, it was unavailable, but when I tried 2 nights, they then had availability. Anyway, since I was told it was booked, I didn't ask about the parking or shuttle.

I ultimately decided to book one of the hotels that doesn't have a shuttle because the savings of the free breakfast and the lower rates are allowing us to stay for 2 nts to explore Charleston instead of just one, and then we'll take a taxi to the port for around $10 and won't have to wait on a shuttle or worry about how many other people will be riding it.

Christa

Just thought I'd post an update in case anyone else was wondering about handicap parking at the Port of Charleston. I e-mailed and then called the port to find out for sure and got the same answer both times. They DO NOT give free parking or any other discount for those with handicap placards. It is $105 for a 7 day cruise and that is payable in cash, personal check, or money order. NO CREDIT or DEBIT CARDS.

Christa

Has anyone with a handicap placard been able to store their car at the Charleston port for free during their cruise? I heard a while back that they allowed this, but nothing recently.

Thanks!

Christa