3155 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, Florida, United States | (888) 273-7116
A 15-minute drive to most Orlando attractions
Rooms have balconies with decent views of surrounding area
Suites have separate living area
with extra beds
Outdoor pool plus small fitness center
Ample convention and meeting space
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free on-site parking
Rooms and bathrooms could use an
update
Maintenance and cleanliness issues throughout
Nothing much within walking distance
Breakfast not included in room rates
The 205-room, two-pearl Ramada Orlando Downtown is situated near Millenia Mall, within easy driving access of downtown Orlando and most area
attractions. Rooms are bland but feature balconies with decent views of the surrounding area, mini-fridges, and microwaves; suites have separate living areas with
extra beds. There's a pool and ample space for conferences and
conventions, but overall this is not one of the Ramada chain’s nicest properties and is in need of some serious upkeep. Travelers looking for a more inspiring budget option should consider La Quinta Inn & Suites Orland Convention Center, which has fresher rooms and a free breakfast, though rates will be a bit higher.
Scene
Budget-friendly hotel that has seen better days
The bargain rates at this property keep guests coming despite its flaws, but make no mistake: This hotel has seen better days. The open lobby has high ceilings, but decor throughout feels half-hearted, mismatched, and outdated -- there's almost an abandoned vibe to some of the common areas. A tile staircase winds up from the reception area lined with
potted plants, oriental rugs, and gaudy vases plus antique-style chairs and side tables. There is a convenience store
next to the lobby as well as vending
machines and an arcade game -- it appears there was once a cafe here, but it's no longer open. Elevators are narrow, with wood paneling
and the expansive ballroom is routinely reserved by everyone from business
travelers to religious groups. Guests here include families and couples as well as business travelers.
Location
A 15-minute drive to most Orlando area attractions
Situated in a quiet, green area
between Interstate 4 and suburbia, this hotel is within easy driving access of
Orlando attractions, but there's not a lot within walking distance. The Millenia Mall is a seven-minute
drive away and the Universal theme parks are less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Disney World and SeaWorld are just over 15 minutes away by car, and Orlando International Airport takes about 20 minutes
to reach by car depending on traffic.
Rooms
Bland and dated rooms with balconies and decent veiws
All 205 rooms are virtually
identical, bland, and outdated. Expect to see cheap white furniture, patterned bed runners, yellow walls, and generic abstract prints
on the wall. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges as well as coffeemakers and outdated sets of rattan tables with chairs. Each room also has a small balcony with a pair of plastic chairs
and most have nice views of the surrounding area. Bathrooms are spacious but plain, with
shower/tub combos -- fixtures could use updating. Guest complaints are numerous and include malfunctioning air-conditioning and cleanliness issues.
Features
Outdoor pool with hot tub, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
In keeping with it's budget rating, the hotel offers a limited number of features, though other area hotels in this category can be found that offer a lot more for guests on site. The fitness center is small, with only a pair of treadmills and bikes. There is a large outdoor pool with plenty of plastic lounge furniture and some Greek-inspired sculptures, though it's not the cleanest or most inviting for a dip. The pool area includes a small hot tub as well. Hotel-wide Wi-Fi and parking are free, and there's a bar and restaurant on-site, though the hours can be irregular. Breakfast is available for a fee. It's worth mentioning that when we visited we spotted many issues demanding immediate upkeep, and that cleanliness throughout wasn't up to par with other area hotels.