Ramada is a mid-range hotel chain owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Ramada operates as a mid-range hotel brand under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the same parent company that owns Days Inn, Super 8, and La Quinta. The chain has roughly 900 properties across the United States and internationally. Ramada positions itself between budget chains like Days Inn and upscale brands like Wyndham Grand, meaning room rates and amenities fall in the middle tier of the hotel market.
The brand includes several sub-brands: Ramada by Wyndham (the standard line), Ramada Encore (a limited-service format), and Ramada Plaza (a higher-end version with more amenities). Which version you find depends on the specific property — not every city has all three. Room rates vary by location, season, and day of the week, but Ramada properties typically cost less than Holiday Inn or Marriott properties in the same area.
Key Takeaways
- Ramada is owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and operates roughly 900 properties, mostly in North America.
- Standard Ramada rooms include free Wi-Fi, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV, with some properties offering free breakfast.
- Ramada Encore is a smaller, limited-service format with fewer amenities; Ramada Plaza offers more services and higher-end finishes.
- Loyalty members earn points through the Wyndham Rewards program, which can be redeemed for free nights or upgrades at any Wyndham brand property.
- Pet policies, breakfast inclusion, and specific amenities vary by individual property, so checking the listing before booking is necessary.
Standard room features and what comes with your stay
A standard Ramada room includes free Wi-Fi, a work desk with a chair, a flat-screen television, and air conditioning. Most properties have a private bathroom with a shower or tub. Beds vary — you may get a queen, two doubles, or a king depending on the room type you book. Linens and towels are provided daily.
Many Ramada properties offer a complimentary breakfast, though this is not universal — some locations charge for breakfast or do not offer it at all. The breakfast typically includes cereal, toast, coffee, juice, and sometimes eggs or meat items, but the spread depends on the individual property. Check the specific hotel's listing before booking if breakfast matters to your decision.
Common areas usually include a front desk open 24 hours, a small lobby, and sometimes a fitness center or indoor pool. Some properties have a business center with computers and a printer. Parking is typically free, though a few urban locations may charge a daily fee. Pet policies vary — some Ramada properties allow pets for a nightly fee, while others do not allow them at all.
How Ramada Encore differs from standard Ramada properties
Ramada Encore is a limited-service format, meaning it has fewer staff and amenities than a standard Ramada. Encore properties are smaller, often with 60 to 100 rooms instead of 150 to 200. There is no front desk staff on-site 24 hours — instead, you check in using a kiosk or mobile app and contact a remote desk if you need help. Breakfast is not included.
Rooms in Encore properties are compact but include the same basics: free Wi-Fi, a work desk, a TV, and a private bathroom. The trade-off is lower nightly rates and less staffing, which means no housekeeping during your stay unless you request it. Encore is designed for travelers who want a clean, functional room at a lower price and do not need daily service or on-site amenities.
Ramada Plaza and how it compares to the standard brand
Ramada Plaza is positioned above standard Ramada and targets business travelers and guests seeking more comfort. Plaza properties are full-service hotels with 24-hour front desk staff, daily housekeeping, and more extensive amenities. Rooms are larger and often include upgraded bedding, a work area with better lighting, and sometimes a sofa or sitting area.
Plaza properties typically have a restaurant or bar on-site, a fitness center, and sometimes a pool or hot tub. Some locations offer a business center, meeting rooms, and concierge service. Room rates are higher than standard Ramada but usually lower than Marriott or Hilton properties at the same tier. The specific amenities and services vary by property, so checking the individual hotel's website is important.
Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and how points work
Ramada participates in the Wyndham Rewards program, which is the loyalty system for all Wyndham-owned brands. When you stay at any Ramada property, you earn points based on your room rate. Members also earn bonus points during promotional periods. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active with at least one earning transaction every two years.
You can redeem points for free nights at any Ramada property or at other Wyndham brands like Days Inn, Super 8, or Wyndham Grand. The number of points needed for a free night varies by property and season — a budget property might cost 15,000 points while an upscale location costs 50,000 or more. You can also use points to upgrade your room, extend your stay, or purchase gift cards.
Membership is free to join. Elite members who stay frequently get perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on each stay. You earn elite status by completing a certain number of nights or spending a set dollar amount in a calendar year.
Pet policies and accessibility features across Ramada locations
Pet policies differ by property. Some Ramada locations allow dogs and cats for a nightly fee, typically $15 to $25 per pet. Others do not allow pets at all. A few properties have pet-friendly rooms on specific floors. Before booking, check the individual hotel's listing or call the front desk to confirm whether pets are allowed and what the fee is.
Ramada properties are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means accessible rooms with grab bars, roll-in showers, and accessible parking are available at most locations. The number of accessible rooms varies by property size. If you need a specific accessibility feature, contact the hotel directly before booking to confirm the room type is available.
How Ramada rates compare to other mid-range chains
Ramada's pricing sits between budget chains like Days Inn and Super 8 on the lower end, and mid-range chains like Holiday Inn and Best Western on the higher end. A standard Ramada room typically costs $60 to $150 per night depending on location and season, though rates in major cities or during peak travel times can exceed $200. Ramada Encore properties are usually $10 to $30 cheaper per night than standard Ramada.
The main difference between Ramada and competitors like Holiday Inn is amenities and staffing. Holiday Inn properties are generally larger with more on-site dining and services, which justifies their higher rates. Best Western is a franchise system with more variation in quality and amenities between properties. Days Inn and Super 8 are cheaper but offer fewer amenities. Ramada falls in the middle — more amenities than budget chains but lower rates than full-service mid-range competitors.
Room quality and cleanliness can vary between individual Ramada properties because franchisees own and operate them. Reading recent guest reviews on booking sites before reserving is the best way to assess whether a specific location meets your standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Ramada properties include free breakfast?
No. Some Ramada locations offer complimentary breakfast, while others charge for it or do not offer it at all. Check the specific hotel's listing on the booking site or call the property directly to confirm what breakfast options are available before you reserve.
Can I use Wyndham Rewards points at Ramada?
Yes. Ramada is part of the Wyndham Rewards program, so you can redeem points for free nights at any Ramada property or at other Wyndham brands like Days Inn, Super 8, or Wyndham Grand. Points needed vary by property and season.
What is the difference between Ramada and Ramada Encore?
Ramada Encore is a limited-service format with smaller rooms, no 24-hour front desk staff, and no breakfast included. Standard Ramada properties are full-service with more amenities and staff. Encore rooms cost less per night but offer fewer services.
Are pets allowed at Ramada hotels?
Pet policies vary by location. Some properties allow dogs and cats for a nightly fee of $15 to $25, while others do not allow pets. Check the individual hotel's listing or contact the front desk before booking to confirm their pet policy.
How do I join Wyndham Rewards?
Membership is free. You can join online at the Wyndham Rewards website or at the front desk when you check in. You start earning points when ready on your stay and on future stays at any Wyndham brand property.