Stay at Newark Liberty IA or not?

[fischymom]

We are going to be flying into Newark Liberty IA May 29th 2013 for a 9 day Bermuda/Caribbean Cruise. When considering safety, fair prices, included transfers (if possible in room quote) and closeness of dinning options would we be better off to stay near Newark Liberty IA or near Cape Liberty Pier area? I have researched both options but I have never been in the area so I would like to get someone else's recommendation or warnings as it may be

[138east]

There's no place to stay near the pier, so that option is out. There are only three hotels that we recommend that offer transportation packages - Country Inns in Elizabeth and Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden on Staten Island. Most folks book a hotel and a car service to the port. Dining options are poor. Many hotels that offer free breakfast do not have restaurants and with the exception of Country Inns, Elizabeth Courtyard, and Residence Inn on Glimcher Realty Way, there are no restaurants other than the hotel restaurants whether in the hotel itself or in a neighboring hotel. The offerings on Glimcher Realty Way are Ruby Tuesdays, IHOP, the restaurant in the Courtyard, and the food court in the Jersey Gardens Mall. All the hotels have take out menus.

[njhorseman]

You don't have a choice...there are no hotels near the cruise port. All hotels will be in the general vicinity of the airport (or further away in places like Jersey City and Secaucus). Certain of the areas near the airport are somewhat better than others...for example you might want to consider the hotels on Glimcher Realty Way, which is adjacent to the Jersey Gardens Outlet mall, and has a couple chain restaurants in the vicinity.