Jacksonville to San Juan

We are driving to Jacksonville, have an early flight to San Juan to pick up Carnival Elation that will be ending in Jacksonville. We are thinking about staying near the airport at a park and fly hotel. We would then take a cab or shuttle back to the hotel to pick up car after ship arrives in Jacksonville. Is this our best option or does anyone have another suggestion? Any idea on hotel?

That is going to be your best option.

Most of the major chains are around the airport which is about 10 miles from the port. We usually stay at the Hampton Inn.

The port area is mostly industrial so not much close....

Just be sure to double check the total cost of the hotel with parking versus without or at a less expensive hotel away from the airport plus the $15 per day JAXPort parking rate. And don't forget to add in the cost of taxi fare to and from the hotel to airport or JAXPort. For any minor differences ($10-$15) consider the convenience of coming back to JAXPort and being on your way home versus a taxi ride.

Another alternative is to stay somewhere on the road close to but not in Jacksonville (Kingsland, GA area, perhaps?) then drive to JAX, park in the long term parking @ $5 per day. head to the terminal catch your flight and then grab a taxi back to JAX when your cruise returns.

I booked a room at Springhill Marriott for $151.00 that includes parking, breakfast for 5 and shuttle service to and from the port.