Spokane's BEST Downtown Hotel: Ramada Wyndham Review & Deals!
Spokane's Ramada by Wyndham Downtown: My Honestly Messy Review
Alright, folks, let's dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of Spokane's hotel scene with the Ramada by Wyndham Downtown. I'm not gonna lie, I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism. "Ramada," I thought, "that's… reliable, right? Predictable? Maybe a little blah?" Well, buckle up, buttercups, because while reliable rings true, "blah" it ain't. This place has its quirks, its charm, and yes, a few forehead-slapping moments, but that’s what makes it human, right? Let's get messy with it.
First, the Essentials: Accessibility, Safety, and Cleanliness (the Boring Bits, We Have To Do First)
Okay, okay, before we get to the juicy bits, let's get the "responsible adult" stuff outta the way. Accessibility: They've got elevators, which is HUGE in my book (I'm a big fan of not climbing stairs, frankly). I didn't personally scrutinize the wheelchair accessibility, but the website says they've got appropriate rooms, so… take that for what it's worth. Safety: Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, CCTV cameras pointed at everything… I felt mostly safe. The 24-hour front desk is a definite plus. Cleanliness: Okay, this is where things get interesting. They claim all the COVID precautions, including daily disinfection of common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. I saw the hand sanitizer and, frankly, I hope they were blasting rooms with anti-viral cleaning products. I’d like to believe they did the “professional grade sanitizing services” but I didn't exactly run around sniffing for bleach. It seemed reasonably clean to my admittedly untrained eye, but hey, who truly knows? Important caveat: I opted out of room sanitization. Because, look, I'm not a germaphobe, and frankly, I wanted to see how "clean" things naturally were.
Now, the Fun Stuff! Things To Do, Relax, and Get Your Swerve On (or Don't)
Let’s talk about things that actually matter! Pool and Views: The outdoor pool… is there. I didn’t see anything that screamed "pool with a view" but hey, it's a pool! The water wasn't suspiciously green, and that’s a win in my book. Fitness Center: Gym/fitness is advertised. I didn't partake. I was on vacation, people, not a prison sentence! Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope, not here. Sorry, self-care fanatics. Ways to Relax: They have a terrace. I think it was a place to sit outside. Beyond that, you're on your own. Things to do nearby: Well, that's where the Ramada's location actually shines. It's in downtown Spokane, which means… things. Restaurants, bars, shopping… It’s all within a manageable distance, and honestly, that's a huge selling point.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Not)
Alright, let's talk about the most important thing: FOOD. Ramada offers the convenience of a restaurant (or restaurants).Restaurants: There's a bar, a coffee shop, and places for Asian/International/Western cuisine. I did find it a bit of a maze to navigate – not gonna lie, I got lost trying to find breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, here’s where things get… memorable. I opted for the “American” breakfast. It was… well, let’s just say it was reminiscent of the food from my grandma's "I try" cooking, but missing the crucial element of love. Eggs that were, shall we say, "formed" rather than "cooked". The sausages were, shall we say, "generic". The pastries were dry enough to start a fire. There was coffee, though, which is a win in my book. I ate it because I was hungry, but don't go in expecting gourmet. Room service [24-hour]: I didn't try it, because frankly, I was afraid it’d be the same breakfast. However, the idea of a late-night snack delivered to my room is a tempting thought.
Services and Conveniences: The Underappreciated Heroes
Daily housekeeping: Yes. Thank god, 'cause I'm a slob. Laundry service/dry cleaning: Sweet relief for a guy like me who lives in a suitcase. Concierge: Nope, didn't see 'em. Cash withdrawal: Apparently available. Food delivery: The website claims it, but I didn't take advantage of it. Wi-Fi [free]: THANK YOU, sweet technology gods! It worked… mostly. There were a few moments of dropped connection, but hey, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Score! Business facilities: I didn't need them, but they’re there… whatever the hell a "Xerox/fax in business center" is. Stuff for Disabled guests: They have Facilities for disabled guests. Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge] Nice. Pets allowed unavailable: Not exactly pet-friendly. Smoke alarms: Yes, it's there.
My Quirky Observations: The Ramada's Personality
Alright, this is where I get really honest. The Ramada has a certain vibe. Imagine a hotel that's comfortable in its own skin, even if that skin is a bit faded and slightly… dated. The decor isn't exactly cutting-edge, but it is functional. The hallways have that distinct hotel smell (you know the one). The staff were generally friendly and helpful, though there was one guy who was more efficient than friendly. There was a distinct lack of pretension, which I appreciated. It's not the sexiest hotel in Spokane, but it's got a solid, reliable charm. The elevator, I suspect, has seen some things. It hums a tired tune, but it gets the job done.
Room Revelations: My Personal Space
My room was…adequate. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check. A desk so I could pretend to work (I didn’t)? Yes. A bed that was comfy enough to pass out in after a long day? Absolutely. But the bathroom… ah, the bathroom. It was clean, yes, but the showerhead could barely muster a weak dribble. The water pressure was… anemic, really. Water dripping to the floor. I’m not saying the shower was a total disaster, but it certainly wasn't the invigorating experience I was hoping for. There was a fridge, thank God, because I always need a cold beverage. Also, there was a scale! Yeah, I probably shouldn't have used that.
For the Kids: Maybe?
They have kids facilities, like babysitting service. They sound family/child friendly.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Would I stay at the Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Spokane again? Honestly… yeah, probably. It's centrally located, reasonably priced, and it gets the job done. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's reliable, clean (mostly!), and has a certain… character. Plus, the location is fantastic. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want a solid, functional, and unpretentious base of operations for exploring Spokane, the Ramada by Wyndham Downtown is a perfectly acceptable, and sometimes even delightful, choice. That's my brutally honest, messy review. Now, go book your room and decide for yourself!
Escape to Grasheden: Sweden's Hidden Gem Hostel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, a chronicle of my impending Spokane adventure, slated to be headquartered at the Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Spokane. Prepare for chaos. Prepare for over-caffeination. Prepare for… well, me.
Spokane: Operation "Get Me Out of This Routine" - A Highly Subjective Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Coffee Quest (and a Mild Panic)
Morning (Before 12:00 PM):
- 6:00 AM (ish): Alarm clock. Screaming. My cat, Mittens, judging me. Packing. Did I pack enough socks? Probably not, because honestly I’m geographically challenged, so it's 50 / 50 if I even remember them.
- 7:00 AM: The airport. Smelling overly sweet perfume / body spray and feeling the mild anxiety of air travel. I can never figure out which security line is the correct one. Then I get the usual, "Sir, please remove your laptop from your bag." – Why is this always needed?
- 9:00 AM (give or take a delayed flight): Touching down in Spokane. The Pacific Northwest air hits me like a cool, damp hug. Lovely. Luggage retrieval: the usual dance. Hoping I haven’t accidentally grabbed someone else’s bag AGAIN. (I have a bad habit… once in Italy I walked off with a suitcase that was definitely NOT mine and had to run it back!)
- 10:30 AM: Check into Ramada. Praying my room isn't haunted. (Last time I stayed at a budget hotel, I swear I sensed a spectral roommate. Nope to that.) Immediately assess the coffee situation. Make a mental note of the nearest Starbucks for a caffeine safety net.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- 1:00 PM: Coffee emergency resolved. Starbucks acquired. I am ready to face the world. (or at least, the hotel lobby.)
- 2:00 PM: A tentative stroll downtown. My goal? Finding the perfect souvenir. Something… unique. Perhaps a taxidermied squirrel wearing a tiny lumberjack hat? Okay, maybe that’s a bit much.
- 3:00 PM: Encounter #1 with the Riverfront Park. Decide to ride the Looff Carrousel. It feels a bit… touristy. But screw it, I’m a tourist, and I deserve some childlike joy. Plus, the horses are gorgeous – each one with its own character.
- 4:00 PM: Snack Break! (Food is mandatory.) Find a local bakery. Hopefully something that isn't just generic bread, I want more. Get a slice of something with fruit, a good cup of coffee and find a public bench.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Trying to find a good restaurant. I am starving. Yelp reviews are both helping and hindering the decision. I'll flip a coin.
- 7:30 PM: The restaurant choice: a roaring success. (I hope.)
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Ramada. Contemplating the meaning of life. (Or at least, deciding whether to watch TV or read a book.) Exhaustion sets in. I’m already thinking I need a nap and I’ve only been at this for half a day.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep, because I'm old and need it.
Day 2: Embracing the Unexpected (and Possibly Getting Lost)
Morning (Before 12:00 PM):
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! Coffee! Possibly a second cup because I've decided to become a true explorer.
- 8:00 AM: Attempt to use the hotel gym. I’m going to regret this the moment I start. I usually give up after 10 minutes.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Hotel's continental spread? Or brave the outside world and find a diner? The siren call of pancakes might win.
- 10:00 AM: Decide to visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC). Seems educational. Hopefully, it won't bore me to tears. I’m pretty sure I’ll get lost at least once. I have a knack for it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- 1:00 PM: Deep dive into art and history. Find a painting that inexplicably moves me. (Or maybe it’s just the coffee talking.)
- 2:00 PM: Get lost. At the museum, or perhaps on a random side street. It's impossible to say.
- 3:00 PM: Embrace the disorientation. See what happens.
- 4:00 PM: Find a local brewery and sample some local beers. If there is a brewery tour, I shall go. I would love to see the process.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- 6:00 PM: Another restaurant adventure. Sushi? Mexican? Burgers? The possibilities consume me.
- 7:30 PM: Write. Journal. Try to capture the essence of the day. (Probably just end up scribbling “Got lost. Drank beer. Ate food.”)
- 9:00 PM: Relaxing in the hotel room.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. I'm going to dream of coffee beans.
Day 3: Waterfall Wonders and the Descent into Souvenir Madness
Morning (Before 12:00 PM):
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! Coffee! (Repeat.)
- 8:00 AM: Check-out of the hotel. (Always a bittersweet moment.)
- 9:00 AM: Visit Spokane Falls. Take photos. Be amazed by the… water falling. I'll probably slip on a rock.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- 1:00 PM: The Grand Finale – Souvenir Shopping. Scour every shop for the perfect memento. (Remember the taxidermied squirrel?)
- 2:00 PM: (More or less) Lunch.
- 3:00 PM: Realizing I've spent way too much money. Regret. (But the squirrel will be worth it.)
- 4:00 PM: One last beverage. A final Spokane beer? A fancy coffee? It deserves a reward for existing.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- 5:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 6:30 PM: Airport Debrief. Reflect. (Did I have fun? Maybe. Did I learn anything? Probably not.)
- 7:30 PM: Fly home.
Imperfections and Realities of This Itinerary:
- Spontaneity is King: This is more of a suggestion than a rule. Expect deviations. Embrace them. If a quirky art gallery catches my eye, I'm diving in.
- Caffeine is Fuel: Expect multiple coffee stops. I’m not a monster.
- Navigation Challenges: I will get lost. Often. Ask the locals for directions.
- Food is Essential: I eat… a lot. All the time.
- Mood Swings: I may get giddy. I may get grumpy. It's all part of the fun.
- The Squirrel: My souvenir search might have gone too far.
- Journaling: I'll probably forget half of what happened. But hey, that's life, right?
This is my Spokane adventure. I have zero expectations. Prepare to be surprised. And wish me luck, because I'm going to need it.
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Spokane's Ramada Downtown: The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable – A FAQ (Because You Need to Know!)
Alright, let's be real. You're looking at the Ramada Downtown in Spokane. You've seen the pictures, read some reviews (probably… *definitely* read some reviews), and now you're here, sifting through *another* FAQ. Listen, I get it. I've been there. So, buckle up. This one's gonna be a little... different.
1. Is the Ramada Downtown REALLY "Downtown?" Because, let's be honest, Spokane's "Downtown" can be… generous.
Okay, this is the first thing you need to know. Yes, it's *technically* downtown. Like, you *could* walk to things. Emphasis on *could*. It's not smack-dab in the thick of the Riverfront Park action. Think of it as… downtown-adjacent. You'll probably need a car (or a solid pair of walking shoes and a healthy dose of optimism) to get to the main attractions. I walked, once. To the park. And back. Let's just say my calves felt like they'd run a marathon. So, Downtown-ish? Yes. Ultra-convenient? Maybe not.
2. The Rooms... "Modern Amenities?" Are We Talking About... a Toaster and a Dial-Up Connection?
Okay, let's address the elephant (or the slightly-faded floral wallpaper) in the room. The rooms are… serviceable. Don't expect the Four Seasons. Do expect, potentially, a small fridge that's seen better days. The "modern amenities" are… well, they *have* Wi-Fi. And a TV. And… A bed. The bed, thankfully, was pretty comfy. Slept like a log. That's a win, right? Though the air conditioning unit sounded like a jet engine taking off, I'll give it a point for its dedicated attempt.
3. What About the Pool? Is it… Pool-Shaped? Clean? Actually Open?
The pool… ah, the pool. This is where things get… interesting. Look, I wouldn't *guarantee* its spotless. It *was* open when I was there. The kids were having a blast, yelling and splashing and generally living their best lives. Which, honestly, was kind of endearing. But, uh, it wasn't the pristine, Instagram-worthy pool of my dreams. More like "a pool." And you know what? Sometimes, "a pool" is enough. Just bring your own sandals and maybe a hefty dose of chlorine tolerance.
4. Breakfast. Is It Free? And Is It Actually Edible? (Crucial Question!)
Free breakfast. Yes. Edible? Mostly. Okay, let's be honest, it's a complimentary continental. Think: continental comfort food. There's usually cereal, some kind of pastries (don't overthink the provenance), maybe some yogurt. The coffee? It was… coffee. The best thing? The waffle maker. It's your chance to be a breakfast architect. Just… don't expect gourmet. Think "fuel for the day," not "culinary experience." I survived. My arteries? They're probably still recovering.
5. Deals?! Where Can I Find Some Legit Ramada Wyndham Spokane Deals? Because, Budget is Real.
Alright, let's cut to the chase: deals. That's the name of the game. You *can* often find deals at the Ramada Downtown. Check the usual suspects: Hotel websites. Booking websites. Also, sign up for Wyndham Rewards. You can accrue points if you, like, travel at all, which can sometimes lead to savings. Also, calling the hotel directly can pay off, sometimes. But really, the key is searching. And constantly checking. This is not a 'set it and forget it' kind of search. This is 'check every couple of days' kind of search. Otherwise, you might get there, discover someone else booked the place for half the price, and then question all your life choices. I've been there. Don't be me.
6. Parking. Is it a Nightmare? Or Can a Mere Mortal Find a Spot?
Parking. Ah, parking. This depends on the day, the time of day, and the alignment of the stars. There IS parking. Which is a win. It might not be *adjacent* to the building, which is... less of a win. I seem to recall a bit of wandering, once. But I don't remember having to circle the block for an hour like I've experienced elsewhere. It wasn't *free*, either. Budget for that. It's Spokane, not Manhattan. Parking shouldn't break the bank, so don't expect it to. Just... be prepared to walk a little. And don't leave anything valuable visible. Safety first.
7. The Staff. Are They Nice? Do They Seem Like They Enjoy Their Jobs? (Important!)
The staff... I'll give them this: they were *trying*. That’s the best I can say. They were polite. Helpful enough. They weren't, like, relentlessly cheery. But, hey, it's a hotel. And they were probably dealing with all sorts of… interesting characters. So, yeah, they were fine. No major complaints. Though I *did* get a room key that didn't work on the first try. Minor annoyance. Nothing to write home about, unless, maybe, I wanted to write a slightly passive-aggressive, yet ultimately appreciative FAQ about the place. I wouldn't *expect* a concierge to anticipate your every whim, but they certainly weren't rude. Polite. Professional. The bare minimum, maybe, but sometimes, that's enough. Also... good coffee, that makes a difference.
8. Okay, Deep Breath. So, Should I Stay Here? Give Me the Verdict!
Alright. The grand finale. Would *I* stay there again? Honestly? Maybe. It depends. If I'm looking for a budget-friendly option, close-ish to downtown, and I'm not expecting luxury? Yeah, possibly. If I’m after romance? Hell no (unless you're *really* good at creating your own ambiance). If I need a pool to pacify the kids, and I'm willing to overlook a few imperfections, sure. If I'm terrified of breaking the bank on a hotel room in Spokane, then absolutely, it's worth considering. It's not the Ritz. It's not supposed to be. But it gets the job done. Just go in with realistic expectations and a sense of humor. And maybe pack your own pillowLuxury Stay Blog
