Titusville in Florida is home to the Kennedy Space Center and has been associated with all things space since the dawn of the space age in the United States in the 1950s. If you’re visiting Titusville and after an affordable hotel close to the Kennedy Space Center, TownePlace Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center is exactly what you’re looking for. Even better, it’s one of the newest hotels in town. Our family’s main reason for choosing TownePlace Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center was its prime location less than 15 minutes’ drive from the Kennedy Space Center plus it was the newest accommodation in Titusville.

Free breakfast was also included with every room which helped make our holiday dollar go a whole lot further. On arriving at the hotel one of the first of the many good things we noticed was the modern, clean feel. There was free car parking available in the hotel carpark and a fire pit where hotel guests could sit and relax outside, even when the weather was chilly. This was a good spot to chat with other travellers and get the latest tips about the surrounding area.

Inside there was a nicely decorated lobby area with a small Grab Bar stocked with tempting treats such as chocolate bars, chips, health bars and soft drinks, wine and beer. Adjacent to the lobby there was a small computer nook with free internet access (free internet is also available throughout the hotel) and the lounge and breakfast area which was also decorated in a modern style. In the evening, complimentary hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream and biscuits was available in front of reception as well.

We were given a warm welcome, a run down on all the hotel facilities and the key to a large studio room. Our first impression of our accommodation was ‘Wow!’ as it was much larger than we were expecting with a stunning amount of space and a large kitchen with all the required appliances, including a coffee machine. Big tick of approval there, and also for the large bedroom and excellent water pressure in the bathroom. I wasn’t a fan of the shower/bath combo as I prefer a stand-alone shower cubicle. However, I know having this makes sense in such a family-friendly destination as a bath is great when you’re travelling with young children.

Given the kitchen even had an oven, we could have easily eaten in but then l pointed out that Dixie Crossroads (Titusville’s famous shrimp restaurant) was only a 10 minute drive away, so that quickly ended that idea. If you do decide to dine in or need to pick up supplies, there is a Walmart two minute’s drive up the road. There are also plenty of attractions in addition to the Kennedy Space Center within easy reach of this hotel. We spent the afternoon before we checked in at Valiant Air Command warbird museum which was a must-visit and one of the highlights of our visit to the United States. Our family was sorry we didn’t have more time when we arrived and found out how much there was to see and do in Titusville.

After a great sleep in our lovely king size bed (our 15 year old son had a large sofa bed which was apparently ‘super comfortable’), we headed downstairs for our complimentary breakfast. I am a little wary of complimentary breakfasts at well-priced hotels as they often involve watered down juice, sump oil masquerading as coffee, stale bread and a dodgy toaster. However, the free breakfast at TownePlace Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center was the exact opposite.

We were greeted with a warm smile by the staff member on breakfast duty who chatted with us about our plans for the day and asked our son if he would like some waffles. She also pointed out the urns filled with excellent freshly brewed coffee featuring different roasting strengths, and where to find the juice which turned out to be great quality, not cheap and sugary. Besides the waffles, there was a section of cereals, yogurts, muffins and fruit on offer plus savoury options like scrambled eggs, bacon and hard boiled eggs.

TownePlace Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center is an excellent hotel that over-delivers, especially for the price. Add a list of facilities including a guest laundry, gymnasium, pool and – best of all when you’re travelling as a family – complimentary breakfast and you can’t go wrong with a stay here. Just don’t make the same mistake we did and only spend one night in Titusville.

Disclosure: The writers visited Titusville as guests of Florida’s Space Coast. They are hoping that TownePlace Suites will soon become available in Australia as they loved this affordable Marriott hotel brand.

Don’t miss Valiant Air Command and Kennedy Space Centre if you are visiting Titusville. Disney World is also just a 45 minute drive away from here.