Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Newark International Airport

The lobby at the Ramada is refreshingly modern and tastefully decorated with three seating areas and a large front desk. Stylish red-and-bronze tones permeate the front desk and carpets. Colorful vases, pleasing lighting, and other contemporary furnishings dot the space.

Off the lobby are two eateries, a 24-hour coffee shop and Ted’s Bar and Grill. Since there aren’t any restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, Ted’s is a popular spot for grabbing a bite to eat or a drink at the end of the day.

The Ramada has a plethora of meeting spaces and it’s common to see conference-goers and other business professionals in the restaurants and common spaces. The guests at the Ramada mostly comprise business people using the hotel’s event spaces, or travelers coming in and out of Newark Airport, who stay only a night or two.

The Ramada is located right next to Newark Liberty International Airport. The hotel runs a free, frequent shuttle to and from the airport.

Even though the hotel markets itself as a "home base for exploring New York City," it is difficult to get into Manhattan without a car. The hotel is located on a small, gritty side road off of Interstate 76 and Route 1. There is one bus that runs once an hour to Newark Penn Station, where travelers can then take PATH or New Jersey Transit trains into Manhattan. The bus station near the hotel is unmarked, located around a dangerous bend in the road, and faces the highway. The alternative is a $25 cab ride (flat-rate) from the hotel to Newark Penn Station.

The similarly priced Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel or the slightly more expensive Courtyard Newark Downtown are located close to Newark Penn Station and are only half an hour away from Manhattan.

There are almost no restaurants or amenities within walking distance of the hotel, and a car is recommended for exploring the area, as taxis are expensive. There is a daily charge for parking.

The rooms at the Ramada are stylish for a mid-range hotel. The beds have modern white bedding and a funky tan dotted bedspread with red trimming. Each room has sleek black furnishings, including a desk, dresser, end tables, and a flat-screen TV. The walls, carpet, and curtains are a neutral tan color.

There is a small entry space in each room that houses an iron and ironing board, as well as a small marble counter with a Keurig coffeemaker. Below the counter is a mini-fridge. The bathrooms are small but up-to-date with attractive tile finishings and a modern vanity.

The hotel is located next to a prison, and there have been some guest complaints about noise from the prison loudspeaker.

The free shuttle to and from Newark Airport, which runs twice an hour, is a big perk. 

The Ramada has a large variety of meeting spaces that can accommodate both small groups and larger events. The meeting/event spaces include:

• Crystal Ballroom: can fit up to 850 people
• Four Divided Ballrooms: can fit up to 180 people
• Junior Ballroom: can fit up to 250 people
• Sutton Room: can fit up to 110 people
• Eight conference rooms: can fit 12 to 45 people

The ballrooms are set up as all-purpose spaces, and even include a dance floor. They can accommodate both professional events, such as business functions, assemblies, and theater events, and personal celebrations, such as weddings. The Ramada has a free business center with three computers and a comfortable seating section with two couches, a table, and a small area with coffee. The hotel also has a large fitness center with treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength machines.

The lobby contains a well-stocked gift shop that has a number of convenience items, including toiletries and food. Outside the gift shop is an ATM and a parking pay station.

The Ramada has two on-site eateries -- a busy 24-hour coffee shop with snacks, drinks, and other small items, and Ted’s Bar and Grill. Serving typical American bar food including pizzas, burgers, salads, and wraps, Ted’s is a popular spot for an evening drink or a bite to eat, especially considering the lack of restaurants in the surrounding area. The restaurant is stylish, with red walls, modern lighting, and a large bar.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests staying more than a night or two may find that there is a lack of things to do in and around the hotel. With the exception of Ted’s restaurant, the Ramada lacks common spaces. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel next door offers similar amenities and has a swimming pool.