Ramada by Wyndham: A Legacy of Comfort and Global Hospitality
Ramada is a prominent international hotel chain and a key player in the midscale lodging segment, operating as a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's largest hotel franchising companies . With a history dating back to its founding in 1953, Ramada has built a reputation for providing reliable, comfortable, and welcoming accommodations for both business and leisure travelers across the globe.
The brand's name is derived from the Spanish word rama (meaning "branch"), evoking the image of a "ramada"—a traditional open-air structure in the Southwestern United States that offers a cool, shady resting place. This concept of a welcoming retreat from the sun's heat has been central to the brand's identity since its first 60-room inn opened on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1954 . Founder Marion W. Isbell envisioned a chain of roadside motor hotels that offered hotel-like quality—including amenities like air conditioning, swimming pools, and on-premises restaurants—at near-motel rates, a formula that fueled the chain's rapid expansion throughout the 1960s and 1970s, making it the second-largest hotel chain in the U.S. at the time.
Today, Ramada by Wyndham boasts a vast global footprint, with over 850 hotels operating in more than 60 countries across the world. This extensive network includes a significant presence in urban centers, suburban areas, resorts, and, notably, airports, making it a preferred choice for world travelers. The portfolio is diverse, offering a range of experiences tailored to different guest needs. These include Ramada Limited for budget-conscious stays, the full-service Ramada Inn & Suites, and the more upscale Ramada Plaza properties, which provide enhanced amenities like business centers and concierge services . In many international markets, travelers can also find the stylish and modern Ramada Encore brand, designed for guests seeking high-value, contemporary accommodations.
Under the ownership of Wyndham, Ramada benefits from the powerful Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which drives significant guest loyalty and occupancy . The brand is guided by a service philosophy encapsulated in the "I AM" promise—a commitment to being Ready, Anticipating guest needs, Making a connection, being Aware, remaining Delightful, and Appreciative . This focus on personalized service, combined with local touches in décor and flavor at each unique property, reinforces the brand's core promise: to take care of the details so guests can simply relax and enjoy their stay.