Ramada by Wyndham

Ramada by Wyndham is an American multinational hotel chain focused on midscale accommodations. Marion W. Isbell (1905 to 1988), a Chicago restaurateur, founded the brand in 1953 with investors including Michael Robinson of McAllen, Texas, Del Webb of Phoenix, Isbell's brother in law Bill Helsing, produce magnate Max Sherman, Chicago attorneys Ezra Ressman and Mort Levin, and San Antonio based Frank Lichtenstein and Robert Rosow. The first Ramada hotel opened in 1954 on U.S. Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, with 60 rooms. Its initial corporate headquarters were in Phoenix. The corporate address is now 22 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07030, United States, while Houston, TX is also listed as a headquarters for franchise operations. Ramada operates under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's largest hotel franchising companies. As of December 31, 2022, it had 851 hotels and 120,344 rooms in 63 countries. Other sources report approximately 870 hotels in over 60 countries, more than 900 hotels in over 50 countries, 850 hotels in over 70 countries, and nearly 900 hotels in more than 70 countries. As of February 13, 2026, there were 871 franchise locations globally, including 279 active Ramada franchises in the U.S., while a database record lists 407 total franchised units. The global hotels market was valued at $2,080.57 billion in 2025. These figures give buyers context for the brand's scale and its position in the midscale hotel market.

The global hotels market, the main industry for a Ramada by Wyndham franchise, was valued at USD 2,080.57 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3,931.42 billion by 2034, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.54%. Demand for midscale lodging serves business and leisure travelers and is supported by global travel growth, especially in emerging economies. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market, with a projected CAGR of 9.57% and a 2025 valuation of USD 477.20 billion. Europe held a 36.04% market share in 2025. The U.S. hotels market was estimated at USD 263.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing at a significant CAGR. Travel recovery after the pandemic, higher disposable incomes, and a growing global middle class support hotel demand. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts also uses artificial intelligence in hospitality, including the Wyndham Connect chatbot for guest questions and check ins. The industry includes independent operators alongside large brand families such as Wyndham. Its essential service model and recurring revenue potential continue to attract franchise investment, while global economic stability and urbanization support expansion opportunities.

The initial franchise fee is $35,000, although other sources report $35,000 to $39,500. For a new construction or conversion facility, the fee is the greater of $35,000 or $350 for each guest room. Applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $2,500, which is credited against the initial fee if the application is approved. Reported total initial investment ranges include $7,690,420 to $11,568,277, $212,973 to $14,150,558, and $235,322 to $23,100,147. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document reports $209,364 to $18,275,703. In India, the capital range is approximately ₹20 to ₹40 crore, or roughly $2.4 million to $4.8 million USD, covering development, furnishings, and operating setup. The typical royalty is 5% of gross sales, although one source cites 4.5%, and general ongoing franchise fees range from 4% to 8% of gross sales. An additional ad royalty fee is 4% of gross sales. Required liquid capital is $547,300. A specific database net worth requirement is not stated, but web research reports $212,973, while India requires net worth exceeding ₹1.78 crore, approximately $214,000 USD. Buyers are advised to have liquid capital well above these amounts, hospitality experience, and knowledge of local market conditions. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts provides corporate support. Qualified veterans may receive a 50% discount on application and franchise fees plus a development incentive of up to $4,000 per room.

The operating model serves business and leisure guests through midscale lodging. Daily work can include reservations, front desk service, housekeeping, maintenance, and food and beverage operations, depending on the property. Although specific staffing requirements are not provided, hotels require labor coverage for 24/7 guest service and property upkeep. Available formats include Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham, Ramada Encore by Wyndham, and Ramada Resort by Wyndham. Franchisee training includes 3 to 4 days of on the job instruction and 4 days of classroom training, followed by regional workshops and property specific sessions. Owners can participate in Wyndham Rewards, which lets members earn and redeem points across thousands of properties worldwide. The system also updates safety protocols and cleaning standards. The Wyndham Advantage combines marketing, distribution channels, and operating resources. Ramada staff are described as welcoming and attentive, supporting guest satisfaction and online reviews. Wyndham's technology support includes the Wyndham Connect chatbot, which answers common questions, verifies information, speeds check ins, and supports operating flow. Ramada is a mature brand that identifies selective growth opportunities. Buyers should check market availability because exclusive territories are not explicitly specified. Absentee ownership may be possible with strong management, but the investment and daily hotel demands generally favor an involved owner or closely engaged manager.

It also reports 79% total U.S. central contribution and says Wyndham Rewards members generated 45% of total stays. The identity and performance of a specific Chain Facility will not be disclosed without the franchisee's prior written consent, and results may vary significantly by facility. The franchisor says it cannot estimate results for any particular facility or Ramada franchise.

Ramada reported 851 hotels as of December 31, 2022, approximately 870 hotels in over 60 countries, and 871 franchise locations by February 13, 2026. In 2020, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced two Ramada openings in Spain, at Madrid Tres Cantos and Valencia Almussafes. Its European portfolio also included Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands. In 2024, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan opened in Armenia, marking Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' first hotel in that country. Other 2024 openings in the Middle East and South Asia included Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium Motera, Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarai, and Ramada Resort by Wyndham Gilgit. Ramada Encore by Wyndham expanded across EMEA, meaning Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa, with openings at Konya Karatay, Rajbagh Srinagar, Bhiwadi Phool Bagh Chowk, and Viramgam. Wyndham's global development pipeline grew 5% year over year in 2024 to 252,000 rooms. The company's EMEA portfolio reached approximately 680 hotels and 93,000 rooms. Ramada's competitive advantages include global brand recognition, Wyndham Connect technology, Wyndham's purchasing scale, and Wyndham Rewards. The brand also uses updated safety protocols, cleaning standards, and digital tools.

A suitable Ramada franchise candidate understands hotel operations and local market conditions and has liquid capital well above the stated minimum. Specific experience requirements are not provided, but management, real estate development, or hospitality experience can support hotel operations. The investment range can reach $18,275,703, so multi unit operators and sophisticated investment groups may be well suited, although no specific multi unit requirement is stated. Ramada selects growth opportunities and asks prospective owners to check market availability. Recent expansion activity includes Spain, Armenia, the Middle East, South Asia, and the broader EMEA region. The U.S. has 279 active Ramada franchises, leaving potential for selected infill or conversion projects. The time from signing to opening varies by construction or conversion status and local permitting, and no specific timeline is available. The database does not provide the franchise agreement term or renewal terms. Transfer and resale provisions are also matters for review during due diligence.

A Ramada by Wyndham investment warrants detailed due diligence because of its global brand, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts affiliation, and expansion record. The global hotels market is projected to grow from USD 2,080.57 billion in 2025 to USD 3,931.42 billion by 2034 at a 7.54% CAGR. Wyndham's 2024 global development pipeline grew 5% year over year to 252,000 rooms. PeerSense provides franchise research that includes SBA lending history, a Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side by side comparison tools. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders. It is not a lender.