Every time we sail out of Port Canaveral my husband and I stay at the Days Inn, Cocoa Beach. We have always been very satisfied with this hotel and will continue to stay there in the future. It is nothing fancy but definitely is not a rats hole as you put it. It is clean, the beds are comfy and it is within walking distance to a lot of different amenities. The Cocoa Beach Pier is right across the street which includes 4 different restaurants. There is a Dunkin Doughnuts just down the street. Across the street is a Publix, a Walgreens, a Jersey Mike's and a few other stores that I can't think of right now. It is also a 5 minute drive to the cruise port. The staff at the front desk have always been pleasant and helpful. The hotel has a very nice pool and a laundromat with 2 washers and dryers. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy!!