Ramada by Wyndham East Orange

For individuals searching for "Hotels Near Me" in the East Orange, New Jersey area, the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange, located at 120 Evergreen Pl, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA, may appear as an option. You can reach them at (973) 609-5688 or via mobile at the same number. This establishment operates as a 2-star hotel under the Ramada by Wyndham franchise. When considering this hotel, it is important for prospective guests to have a comprehensive and objective understanding of its offerings and the experiences of previous customers, based on available information.

The hotel's location in East Orange offers a degree of convenience, being within driving distance to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), approximately 5.6 miles away, and offering an airport shuttle service. It is also relatively close to public transportation options like the Brick Church Station, which provides NJ Transit train services, and is within 10 miles of Newark and New York City. Local attractions such as the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Turtle Back Zoo, and Essex County Branch Brook Park are also accessible. While the Ramada brand typically suggests a certain standard of quality, customer feedback indicates that this specific franchise location may present a unique and challenging experience for guests. Online reviews consistently highlight significant concerns regarding cleanliness, pervasive and unpleasant odors, the quality of the complimentary breakfast, and overall maintenance, which are critical factors for any stay, especially for those searching for "Hotels Near Me" expecting a comfortable experience.

The environment of the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange is a blend of its convenient geographical positioning in East Orange and the internal conditions of the property, which have drawn considerable negative feedback from guests.

• Exterior and Location: The hotel is situated on Evergreen Place in East Orange, a suburban area that provides access to major roadways and nearby cities. It offers free self-parking for guests, which is a practical amenity for travelers with vehicles. The area provides access to nearby dining options, though the hotel does not have its own restaurant.

• Internal Ambiance and Pervasive Odors: A recurring and significant issue reported by guests is the strong and unpleasant odors throughout the hotel, particularly in corridors and rooms. Descriptions such as "smokers basement from 1950 that got moldy" and "all corridors smell awful" suggest a deeply ingrained problem that impacts the comfort and overall perception of the hotel's environment. Despite advertising non-smoking rooms, the smell of smoke is reported to be present in non-smoking areas, indicating either ineffective policy enforcement or structural odor retention.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance Issues: Guests have reported substantial cleanliness concerns, including "stained sheets," "dead roaches found in the bathroom upon entry," and "roaches in rooms and bathrooms." These accounts point to significant deficiencies in housekeeping and pest control. While some rooms may have "new flooring," the presence of pests and general dirtiness suggests that deeper maintenance and sanitation issues prevail, leading to comments like "I've never been in a place that dirty and smelly even traveled in 3rd world countries $5 hotels."

• Physical Condition: The property was last renovated in 2011, and reviews suggest it is "run down." Reports of "toilet tissue on the floors of the lobby" and "poorly installed hallway rugs that make you stumble" further illustrate a lack of consistent upkeep. There are also mentions of only one elevator being operational, causing delays and inconvenience.

• Safety Measures: A notable feature is that the front desk is secured behind bulletproof glass, which some guests might view as a safety measure, while others might perceive it as an indicator of the neighborhood's safety concerns or a deterrent to direct interaction. The hotel also lists safety features like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security systems in rooms.

The Ramada by Wyndham East Orange provides a range of basic services typically expected of a 2-star hotel, including a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast. However, the quality and execution of these services have been a frequent source of guest dissatisfaction.

• Front Desk and Guest Interaction: The hotel operates a 24-hour front desk. While some reviews mention receiving a "partial refund," suggesting some capacity for issue resolution, overall sentiment points to "rude staff" and a lack of responsiveness to significant problems, such as a broken room lock or pervasive odors.

• Complimentary Breakfast: This is a heavily criticized service. Described as "a joke," guests consistently report a pre-packaged "box with a chips packet, some juice and a spoiled orange" that is repetitive and of poor quality. This fails to meet even basic expectations for a continental breakfast, impacting the perceived value of the stay.

• Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public areas, which is a standard and essential amenity for most travelers.

• Housekeeping: The recurring reports of dirty rooms, stained sheets, and pests indicate significant issues with daily housekeeping standards. Guests suggest that rooms are not adequately cleaned between stays, leading to an uncomfortable and unhygienic environment.

• Laundry Facilities: The hotel offers laundry facilities, including a guest laundry room and potentially laundry service, which can be a useful amenity for guests staying for more than a couple of nights.

• Airport Shuttle: The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service, which is a convenient feature for travelers flying into or out of Newark Liberty International Airport.

The hotel attempts to provide standard hotel room features, but their operational condition and placement, as well as the overall maintenance of the property, are significant drawbacks.

• Room Amenities: Rooms typically feature flat-screen televisions with satellite/cable channels, air conditioning, work desks, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Microwave and refrigerator are also provided in rooms, offering convenience for guests to store and reheat food.

• Coffee/Tea Makers: While coffee/tea makers are available in rooms, their reported placement "beside the Toilet" in the bathroom raises significant hygiene concerns for guests, making the feature less appealing and potentially unusable for many. The hotel's alleged "adamant" stance on this placement further compounds the issue, indicating a lack of regard for guest hygiene preferences.

• Fitness Center: The hotel advertises a well-equipped fitness center, providing a recreational opportunity for guests to maintain their workout routines during their stay.

• Meeting Rooms: There are two meeting rooms available, totaling 5,200 sq ft of event space, which can accommodate up to 250 people. This suggests the hotel caters to business travelers or small events, though the overall property condition might impact event planning.

• Room Types: The hotel offers various room configurations, including Standard King, Standard Double, and Jacuzzi Suites, with options for smoking and non-smoking rooms. However, the effectiveness of the non-smoking policy is questionable given the odor complaints.

• Accessibility: Mobility accessible rooms are available, indicating an effort to cater to guests with disabilities.

• Check-in/Check-out: Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out is 11:00 AM, with express check-in/check-out options available.

When considering the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange for a "Hotels Near Me" search, potential guests should temper expectations by cross-referencing advertised benefits with the substantial amount of negative customer feedback.

• Brand Association vs. Franchise Reality: The hotel operates under the "Ramada by Wyndham" brand, which typically implies a certain level of consistent quality. However, the explicit mention by guests that it is "NOT A RAMADA BY WYNDHAM, it's a franchise" underscores a common issue where franchise operations may not always adhere to brand standards, leading to a significant discrepancy between brand expectation and actual guest experience. This is a critical piece of information for managing expectations.

• Value Proposition: As a 2-star hotel, it is positioned as a budget-friendly option. However, many reviews state it is "definitely not worth the price we paid for," even at a lower cost, due to the severe issues with cleanliness, smell, and inadequate services like breakfast. This suggests that the perceived value for money is very low for many guests, making it a potentially poor investment despite a low initial price.

• Target Audience: Given its price point and amenities, it primarily targets budget-conscious travelers, including business travelers, groups, and individuals seeking a quick stay near Newark or with connections to New York City. However, the negative reviews indicate that even this target audience is frequently dissatisfied, which is a strong indicator of significant operational challenges.

• Online Reputation: The hotel has a very low average rating across various booking platforms, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. The detailed negative comments from real customers serve as critical "promotional" information, alerting prospective guests to potential problems before booking. These reviews often provide more realistic insights than official marketing materials.

• Direct Contact for Inquiries: Despite the online issues, the hotel provides phone numbers ((973) 609-5688) for direct inquiries. This allows potential guests to call and ask specific questions, though it might not fully convey the on-the-ground experience described in reviews. It is recommended to use these numbers for specific questions about amenities or policies, but to also cross-reference with numerous guest reviews.

In conclusion, for local users searching for "Hotels Near Me" in East Orange, NJ, the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange is a property that offers fundamental amenities like free Wi-Fi, parking, and a fitness center, along with proximity to transportation and key locations. However, it is crucial for prospective guests to be fully aware of the overwhelming and consistent negative feedback from past customers. Reports of pervasive unpleasant odors, significant cleanliness issues (including pests and stained linens), and a highly inadequate complimentary breakfast are recurrent themes. The hotel's status as a franchise and its overall dated condition appear to contribute to these discrepancies. While the price point might initially seem appealing, numerous reviews suggest that the quality of the stay does not justify the cost, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Therefore, potential guests should manage their expectations carefully and consider these serious concerns before making a reservation at the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange.