Ramada by Wyndham Denver Downtown

This Ramada Denver Downtown's lobby is spacious and dark, with low ceilings and recessed lighting. The dark natural-wood paneling and shiny brown slate floors lead to the wood and hammered copper front desk. Lots of leather sofas and armchairs are grouped about the lobby, and a stone fireplace adds cozy warmth. Western theme artwork, including an old wagon wheel chair and brass sculptures of elk and buffalo, are hallmarks of the decor. While this rustic, Western theme has a distinctive charm, it feels a bit dated. Given its proximity to the state capitol and other sights, the hotel draws business travelers, and vacationing couples, families, and solo travelers.

The Ramada is located on the southeastern edge of downtown Denver, east of the state capitol, which is a 15-minute walk or a three-minute drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the hotel, which takes in most of the city's sights. It’s located on busy East Colfax Avenue in the historic Capitol Hill District. Several restaurants are within a five-minute walk, with a popular Irish pub and coffee shop right across the street. It’s a vibrant spot with two concert venues within walking distance, but there's a noticeable homeless population in the immediate area, which bothers some guests. The Colorado Convention Center and 16th Street Mall are an eight-minute drive or shuttle ride, and Coors Field is 11 minutes away. Sports Authority Field at Mile High is a 13-minute drive, and Pepsi Center sports arena is 15 minutes away. The Red Rocks Amphitheater a 30-minute drive, and Denver International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.

Ramada Denvier Downtown's 150 rooms are large, with beige and soft-gold walls, and dark-brown wood furniture and headboards. But the rooms are drab and show wear: Walls and some of the furniture have nicks, and the two-tone carpeting looks worn and stained in places. Some guests have complained about housekeeping and maintenance, including a lack of hot water, malfunctioning TVs, clogged drains, and stained sheets. On the upside, the rooms do come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, and are furnished with brown leather armchairs. Rooms come with one king bed, and two or three double beds. Suites add sitting areas with sectional couches. Faux-marble vanities are outside the small bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos. Many rooms have balconies or patios that overlook the pool and courtyard. Rooms pick up ambient noise from neighboring rooms and the busy street.

The Ramada Denver Downtown has a nice range of amenities for its pearl rating. They include free parking and a free shuttle service within a three-mile radius, which covers most sightseeing attractions. The property's Wood River Restaurant and Bar offers both hot and cold breakfast buffets (not included in rates), and serves lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor covered seating is available in the lovely courtyard. Between meals, guests can make use of the hotel's vending machines or help themselves to free coffee/tea, which strangely is set out in the business center instead of the lobby. Aside from hot beverages, the business center has multiple PCs and printers, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The Ramada also offers 4,000 square feet of event space. A modest fitness center provides both cardio and weight-lifting equipment, but there aren't many machines. A more pleasant space for exercise is the lap-style outdoor pool, which also has an adjacent whirlpool. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available, along with a guest laundry room. The lobby has an ATM and free ice water.