The Ramada Hotel Chain
 
Ramada (meaning ‘a shady resting place‘) is now a large hotel chain owned and operated by Wyndham Worldwide. Founded as Ramada Inns in 1953 by a Chicago restaurateur Marion W. Isbell and a group of investors. The idea was to develop a chain of roadside motor hotels conveniently located near major highways that would provide hotel quality accommodation at motel rates. The first hotel, with television, air conditioning, swimming pool and on-site restaurant opened in 1954 on U.S. Route 66 in Arizona.
 
Ramada’s hotels and their logo have been rebranded several times over the years. Their logo is now a single white ‘R’ on a red square background. Under Isbell’s leadership, Ramada grew into one of the largest lodging chains in the USA, expanding with new hotels worldwide. The chain offers different hotel choices based on price and services offered, from budget to high-end hotels. There are currently more than 900 hotels in over 50 countries.
The Ramada Hotel name is now owned by Wyndham Worldwide, though the hotels are mostly independently owned and operated. All hotels carrying the Ramada name adhere to the trademark philosophy “you do your thing, and leave the rest to us.”