Ramada by Wyndham Naples

The bi-level setup (without elevators), external hallways, parking lot-facing rooms, and retro marquee sign give this older Ramada all the motel characteristics, but fresh paint and general cleanliness keep it from looking or feeling rundown. Thoughtful landscaping makes for pretty displays of palm trees, well-trimmed hedges, and tropical flowers winding around the property's exteriors. Despite renovations in 2014, decor inside still looks dated, with vintage lamps and mismatched couches in the lobby and a rather stark breakfast area. However, the well-maintained pool area, plus a pleasant outdoor deck reflect clear efforts to provide an inviting atmosphere for the primary clientele of couples and families.

The hotel’s central location is surprisingly quiet. The beach at Lowdermilk Park and the Coastland Center mall are both a 15-minute walk away, but getting to most other sites requires a car. The Old Downtown area, Village on Venetian Bay mall, and Naples Zoo are five- to 12-minute drives away. The Naples Pier,  Naples Botanical Garden, and Revs Institute are a 15-minute drive away. Naples Airport is a 12-minute drive away. Southwest Florida International Airport takes 35 minutes to reach by car.

Updated rooms are clean and insulated from external noise. Dark wood furniture and pops of red on the bedspreads, blackout drapes, and chairs give the otherwise simple spaces some contemporary flair. All rooms have desks, flat-screen TVs, laptop-compatible safes, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets to charge digital devices. Mini-fridges, tea-and coffee-making facilities, microwaves, and ironing equipment are provided. 

Bathrooms are on the small side. They feature granite sink areas and large mirrors separated by a door from the toilet and shower area. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Past guests have noted that the gray carpets still bear some stains and the large air conditioners are loud. Most rooms face the parking lot, but courtyard-facing rooms provide pleasant views of the pool and its surrounding greenery. 

Features add value to a stay here, but some of them are nicer than others. A free breakfast buffet provides a decent variety of hot and cold items, including scrambled eggs and corned beef hash alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, waffles, and pancakes. However, the quality of the food is mediocre, and the use of plastic plates and cutlery comes off as cheap and wasteful. With limited seating and long lines, the area also gets easily crowded. Lunch and dinner at the adjacent (independently owned) Pompano Surf and Turf restaurant, plus its full-service bar, fares better with guests. A small room service menu is available, and there’s all-day coffee and tea in the lobby.  

The outdoor heated pool is kept clean, and lots of surrounding deck chairs and free towels are available. The indoor gym is small but sufficient. It includes two treadmills, a stationary bike, an elliptical machine, and free weights. 

A small meeting room is available, and a separate business center consists of one computer and a printer. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free, as is outdoor parking. Dry cleaning services are available, but there is no on-site laundry facility.