Ramada by Wyndham Boston

Ramada Boston is a budget-friendly hotel with a homey decor. The grandfather clock, drawings of the Boston Harbor, and a wooden display cabinet give the lobby an old-fashioned vibe, as does the connected lounge, with its blue-and-gold floral carpets, striped couches, ship replicas, and wooden fireplace with built-in bookshelves. The breakfast room is a little more up-to-date in terms of style with wooden tables and a sea-green carpet with brown dots. Hallways in worn green carpeting are slightly cramped, and some guests find the layout confusing. Overall, it's an old-fashioned look, and points to the hotel's need for renovation. The majority of clientele are families who can be seen congregating in the breakfast room.

Despite its name, Ramada Boston is located south of Boston, far from the bustle of the city. But the city's attractions are easily accessible if guests are traveling with a car or willing to take public transportation. To reach downtown Boston, and attractions like Franklin Park Zoo, it’s a 15-minute drive. The nearest metro station, JFK, is a six-minute drive and Boston Logan International Airport takes 14 minutes to reach by car, though guest can opt to use the hotel’s shuttle service to reach either destination. University of Massachusetts Boston is a seven-minute car ride away. There’s a park and a beach area six minutes' walk from the hotel, and Boston Bowl, a bowling complex that also has an arcade and batting cages, is just a one-minute walk away. There are also a few dining options and a convenience store on surrounding streets in this commercial area of Dorcester. 

Travelers who care more about value than style won’t be put off by the basic decor of the guest rooms in this Ramada. White linens with gold covers and bed skirts, cherry wooden furniture, maroon curtains, and picturesque paintings or drawings amount to a homey look, though many of the items are dated, especially the plush chairs. There’s plenty to appreciate about these spacious rooms beyond aesthetics, however. Each room has a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea facilities, and air-conditioning, and some have microwaves and mini-fridges. There’s a safe in every room, however, they cost a fee. And complaints have been made about maintenance and cleanliness issues, plus bothersome noises permeating thin walls. The bathrooms are simplistic, and some are quite small, with cream counter tops, tiles, and shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided, and sinks are located outside bathrooms.

The seasonal, outdoor saltwater pool is a notable feature of this budget-friendly hotel, as is the free breakfast buffet that includes hot and cold items, such as scrambled eggs, waffles, and fruit. For those needing a late-night snack, the hotel has vending machines, but there's no full restaurant for other meals. A lounge with a fireplace, cozy chairs and couches, and a public computer with a printer (with fees) encourage guests to gather. There’s free Wi-Fi, though some have noted spotty connectivity. The coin-operated laundry room is convenient for those with long stays. Free parking is available, and the hotel offers park-and-fly packages.