Ronrocks!

No problem! :) If I'm not mistaken, I do believe everything was $5.00.....5$5 to get in, $5 each for chair and umbrella. I could be wrong but I believe that's what it was while I was there. It was some of the most beautiful water we've ever seen!!!

Where you been? We didn't scare you off did we?? I sure tried did it work??:D <ducking>

I am looking to book the IOS for New Years Eve. It will be me, GF, and two teenage daughters 16 and 18. I look forward to reading all about her this year!! Can't wait till we can afford to book!

Wasn't there just a thread like this a couple of weeks ago? I think it was called "If I Were Ceo......"?

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

You may want to check out the "I Live in Charleston" thread. It was started by my DH. I would look into hotels in the Historical District downtown. A few that I would recommend are: Double Tree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Francis Marion, and Holiday Inn. I know the Embassy Suites has a free cook to order breakfast in the morning plus a free managers reception in the evenings with free drinks for a couple hours. The Hampton Inn may offer something like that also. I would call them and ask if they have any parking specials or discounts.