Ramada Draper: Your Salt Lake City Getaway Awaits!
Ramada Draper: Where the Salt Lake Dreams (Sometimes) Take Flight! - A Review That's Actually Lived
Okay, so, the title promised a “Salt Lake City Getaway,” huh? Let’s see if the Ramada Draper delivers on that promise. This review? It's gonna be less a perfectly manicured brochure and more a rambling, honest, and hopefully hilarious account of my recent stay. Buckle up, buttercups.
SEO & Metadata (because apparently, that's important):
- Keywords: Ramada Draper, Salt Lake City, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Family-Friendly, Fitness Center, Spa, Draper UT, Hotel Deals, Utah Travel, Accessible Rooms, Pet-Friendly (ish, see below!), Breakfast, On-site Parking, Airport Transfer (possibly), Business Travel, Vacation, Spa, Restaurant
- Meta Description: Honest review of Ramada Draper in Salt Lake City, Utah. Explore accessibility, cleanliness, amenities (pool, fitness, restaurant!), and overall experience. Find out if this hotel is your perfect Utah getaway!
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle - Ugh, Elevator Drama!
Alright, pulling up… the exterior? Hmm, a solid "meh." Not exactly thrilling, but hey, it's a Ramada, right? The lobby was… well, it had a lobby. And a front desk, which is kinda important. The check-in? Smooth enough. Contactless? Yep, they've got that down pat, which I appreciate considering the current state of things.
Accessibility is a big deal for me, so let's dive in. Now, the website claims accessibility, and I'm here to say, it's a mixed bag. I needed a room with specific access, and while the room itself was okay, the elevator… oh boy, the elevator! Picture this: I pressed the button, waited… and waited… and WAITED. Felt like it took an eternity. Turns out, it was slow. Like, molasses-in-January slow. Fine for me, but if you’re relying on it, plan accordingly. And, just a heads-up: Wheelchair accessibility is listed, but I'd recommend CONFIRMING specific needs directly with the hotel BEFORE booking. Seriously. Call 'em.
Rooms and Comfort - The Bed: A Contradiction!
Ah, the room. Pretty standard Ramada fare. Clean-ish. The air conditioning? Thank God, it worked. Very. That Utah sun can be brutal. The bed, though… that’s where things get complicated. The mattress? Surprisingly comfy! (Happy dance!) But the pillows? Flat as a pancake. Seriously, I'm a giant, the pillows were a huge let down and I ended up sleeping awkwardly all night.
Room amenities: Standard stuff: Coffee maker (essential!), mini-fridge (bonus!), and a decent-sized TV. Free Wi-Fi? Yes! And in all rooms! That's a definite win, especially when you want to binge-watch something on a lazy afternoon. I even had a desk, which was fine for a quick email (or, okay, maybe an hour or two of work before giving up and hitting the pool)
Cleanliness & Safety - They Tried (mostly)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so cleanliness is HUGE for me. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products and offer Room sanitization opt-out available. I certainly felt like the room had been cleaned, but let's be honest, you can never truly know, can you? They did have Hand sanitizer readily available, and that's always a good sign. Daily disinfection in common areas? Sure. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. I spotted the Fire extinguisher near my door, which is good. Smoke alarms? Check. There's CCTV in common areas and outside, so that’s a comfort. And they do their best with the sterilizing equipment. Overall, I'd give them a solid… B. Could be better, but it could be worse.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Breakfast Buffet Bliss (and a Few Letdowns)
Okay, the food. Let's be real, I'm a sucker for a good Breakfast buffet. The Ramada Draper did have one… and it was decent. Buffet in restaurant? Yep. Scrambled eggs, bacon (always a win!), okay pastries, and the all-important coffee. They also had Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, and things like Salad in restaurant and Desserts in restaurant.
Breakfast takeaway service? Sadly, no. Which was a bummer since I was running late for my appointment! The coffee in the restaurant was self-serve, which I prefer, and the coffee shop had a quick, simple menu. They also had a Poolside bar. One of the best things about this Ramada? The Poolside bar. I was there when they had a Happy hour. A very nice touch after a long day.
Poolside bliss - A glimpse of heaven!
I NEEDED that pool. It was hot, I was tired, and I just wanted to chill. So I did. The Swimming pool was nice… clean, a good temperature, and the view wasn't bad. There’s also Swimming pool [outdoor] so, win-win. I spend a very nice day by the pool.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little)
- Free Car parking? Yes! HUGE bonus.
- Elevator? Yep, the slowpoke.
- Air conditioning in public areas? Thank goodness.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning? Check and check!
- Cash withdrawal? Absolutely.
- Business facilities? Seems like it. A Meeting/banquet facilities, and they even have Audio-visual equipment for special events if you're hosting something.
- Concierge? I didn't actually see one, but they claim to have it.
- A Convenience store? Nope. Darn it.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Does it Deliver on the "Getaway"?
Okay, so, is this place a getaway? Well… maybe. The pool helped. Spa/sauna? Nope. But, they do have a Fitness center. I didn’t use it (duh), but it looked like it had the basics. Massage? Didn't see that. Steamroom? Nope. Sauna? Nope. Spa? Sorry, no. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath? Okay, no. So, not exactly a spa retreat.
For the Kids - Babysitting available?
They seem to have a Family/child friendly vibe. Kid's menu? Maybe? I didn't see any kids around. Babysitting service? Don't know. I think it's more geared towards business travel/quick stop-overs, but hey, maybe I’m wrong.
Pets - The Unforunate truth
Pets are listed as Pets allowed unavailable, which is a bummer if you're traveling with your furry friends.
Getting Around - Can I Get Out of Here?
- Airport transfer? Possible, check with the hotel.
- Car park [free of charge]? Yes, and that's a huge plus!
- Taxi service? Probably.
- Valet parking? Unlikely.
- Bicycle parking? Didn't notice any.
Overall Verdict - Worth a Stay? Maybe!
The Ramada Draper? It's not perfect. It's not a five-star luxury experience. But it's a decent, reliable option. It's got the basics covered, the pool is great, and the free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver. The accessibility is a bit of a gamble, so check before booking. The breakfast buffet? Worth getting up for.
Ultimately, if you need a clean, convenient place to crash while exploring Salt Lake City, the Ramada Draper will do the trick. Just keep your expectations realistic, pack some extra pillows (just kidding… maybe).
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Smile Hotel Nakanoshima - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Utah, baby! And we're staying at the Ramada by Wyndham Draper Salt Lake City. Don't judge the choice… it was on sale, okay? And maybe I'm just a sucker for that vaguely comforting, universally familiar Ramada smell. You know the one. Let's dive in:
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Taco Predicament
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown! Salt Lake City International. The air is crisp, the mountains are majestic, and I'm already convinced everyone in Utah is secretly extremely healthy and gorgeous. Clearly, the altitude is getting to me.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Pray to the car gods I don't end up with a rusty clunker. I hate the rental car shuffle. It's such a mind-numbing process, and you know what, I'm going to say it: The upselling is relentless! "Do you want the extra insurance? The premium fuel? Are you sure you don't need the GPS? It's guaranteed to save you time and money!" Ugh. Finally, I'm free! It's a silver sedan. Okay, cool. Decent.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at the Ramada. Okay, now this is where it gets real. The lobby smells like… well, Ramada. But actually, it's not awful… and the lady at the front desk seems genuinely happy to see me. Points for that. The room is… functional. Clean enough. The bedspread looks like it's seen better days, but who am I to judge?
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Taco emergency! Google Maps, you are my guide! I'm craving authentic tacos. I NEED them. I've heard whispers of amazing taco trucks in… Draper? Alright, Draper, let's see what you've got.
- 6:00 PM: Fail. Apparently, finding a truly stellar taco truck on a Sunday in a slightly suburban-ish area is more challenging than I thought. I ended up at a (decent, but not wow) chain taco place. The salsa was kinda weak. I'm already starting to question my life choices. But hey, the margaritas were strong.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the Ramada. Sinking into the bed. That Ramada smell is starting to grow on me. Maybe. I watch some terrible cable TV. The hotel pool is closed. A tragedy. I'm already exhausted.
Day 2: Hiking, and the "Almost-Bear" Scare
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! (By wake up, I mean stumble out of bed, squint at the sunlight, and then contemplate going back to sleep for another hour. But no. Must. Hike.)
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Little Cottonwood Canyon: Hiking, baby! Aiming for a moderate trail. I'm not an expert hiker (my cardio is… let's say "under construction"). The scenery is unbelievable. Seriously, I'm stopping every five minutes to take pictures. The mountains are HUGE. The air is thin. I'm panting like a dog, but I'm in awe.
- 11:00 AM: The "Almost-Bear" Incident: Okay, so it wasn't actually a bear. More like a very large, very furry, somewhat-bear-shaped bush that I startled myself by bumping into. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. Screamed like a banshee, I'm not going to lie. The other hikers on the trail probably thought I was nuts. The point is: It was scary! It kind of ruined my serene mountain vibe, but hey, I lived.
- 1:00 PM: Food! Post-panic-attack lunch. Found a cute little cafe in the canyon. The sandwich was delicious. The coffee was strong. I needed all of that.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Window shopping in downtown. I love the architecture. I get bored quickly.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Trying to find something… not Mexican food? I'm getting taco-ed out. Found some sort of American bistro. The food was… ok. A little bland. Back to my room in my head. Decided to just order delivery and hang out.
- 7:00 PM: Hotel room. Watching TV.
Day 3: Temple Square and the Search for Redemption (and Really Good Ice Cream)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! (Finally!)
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Temple Square. Okay, so I'm not religious. But the architecture? Stunning. Seriously, the Salt Lake Temple is a marvel. I tried to be respectful, even though I was probably gawking like a tourist. The gardens are beautiful. Even though I don't believe it all, I can appreciate the history and the effort people put in.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch! (Salads were on my mind…)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Great Ice Cream Quest. I heard there's amazing ice cream in this town. The stakes are high. The pressure is on. Turns out, the first couple of places I tried were closed! Or had flavors that just didn't speak to me. I was starting to see ice cream as a metaphor for my disappointing taco experience.
- 5:00 PM: Success! I found a local ice cream shop. It was a religious experience. The flavors were outrageous. I got a waffle cone. I almost cried. Maybe the altitude is getting to me.
- 6:00 PM: Pack. I hate packing. It always feels like I'm trying to squeeze an entire life's worth of stuff into a suitcase.
- 7:00 PM: Final dinner. Something simple. Pizza. Because I was tired.
- 8:00 PM: One final wander around the hotel. The Ramada smell… I kind of like it now? I don't know.
Day 4: Departure and Existential Dread
- 7:00 AM: Okay, wake up. Time to pack.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental breakfast" is… well, continental. But hey, free carbs!
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Ramada.
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Driving to the airport.
- 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Airport shenanigans. Security lines. The endless waiting. The overpriced snacks. The impending feeling of returning to the real world after being in a place that can't feel real.
- 12:30 PM: On the plane. Window seat. Look at the mountains. Think about tacos. Think about missing the ice cream. This entire trip was a blur. I'm exhausted, a little sunburnt, and oddly… content.
- 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM: The End.
And that, my friends, is my Utah adventure. It wasn't perfect. There were taco disappointments. There were near-bear encounters. I embraced the Ramada. I saw the mountains, and I got my ice cream. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Do I need a nap? Absolutely. And now, I need a vacation from my vacation.
Escape to Grasheden: Sweden's Hidden Gem Hostel!
Ramada Draper: Your Salt Lake City Adventure, Maybe? Let's See...
Okay, I'm thinking of booking. Is Ramada Draper actually *in* Draper? Because, geography is hard, you know?
You know, that's a fair question. Life is a series of geographical misunderstandings, isn't it? Yes, mostly. Ramada Draper *is* situated in the general vicinity of Draper, Utah. It's like, in Draper-adjacent territory. Think of it as Draper's cool, slightly less-known cousin. You'll *get to* Draper, but it might involve a short drive. Don't rely on walking, unless you enjoy a long, scenic stroll involving a lot of cars. (Pro tip: Don't.) Honestly, its location is pretty convenient for hitting up I-15. But more on that later... Consider it strategically placed for adventures, or maybe just a quick exit when things get hairy.
The reviews... they're a mixed bag. Should I be running for the hills?
Ah, the reviews. The internet's collective wisdom, often sprinkled with hyperbole and the occasional disgruntled customer. Look, let's be honest. No hotel is perfect. Some reviews scream "nightmare fuel," others coo about "a delightful experience." My advice? Read *recent* reviews. Hotel standards change like the weather. A bad experience from three years ago might not reflect the current situation. And remember, people are more likely to complain than praise. If you're expecting the Ritz-Carlton, you'll be disappointed. If you're expecting... a decent, clean place to crash while you explore Salt Lake City and surrounding area? It might be okay. Expectations, people! Manage them! I've stayed in places that would make a prison cell look luxurious (and the prison cell in this comparison *was* a prison cell), so, perspective is key.
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it actually *edible*? Because, let's face it, hotel breakfasts... are a gamble.
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. Let's just say, manage your expectations. "Free" is the key word here. Expect the usual suspects: cereal, maybe some sad-looking pastries, potentially a waffle maker (which, realistically, is the *only* reason to get out of bed). I've had hotel breakfasts that were so depressing; I contemplated just moving to a diet of coffee and spite. Ramada Draper's breakfast... I can't tell you exactly. I haven't *personally* experienced it. But I can tell you, when I was at a similar place... I remember feeling slightly less motivated. Your mileage may vary. I’d recommend bringing your own protein bars. Or, you know, be brave.
Pool? Hot Tub? Gotta know the recreational situation. Because, vacation, people!
Yes! Likely. *Probably.* Check the specific details, definitely. Most Ramadas have a pool, and some have a hot tub. This is crucial. After a long day of hiking or driving, or, you know, just *existing* in the world, a dip in a pool or soak in a hot tub is... essential. Picture it: Bubbling. Relaxing. Ignoring emails for a few blissful moments. I once stayed in a hotel with a *fantastic* hot tub after a horrifically stressful business trip. It erased the day. It saved my sanity. So, yeah, check the website. Confirm it's open. Then plan your glorious, watery escape.
The rooms: Are they clean? I can't handle gross. I *will* lose it.
Cleanliness? The eternal question. Look, I'm going to give you the hard truth: hotel cleanliness *varies*. Again, read those *recent* reviews. Look for mentions of cleanliness, or, you know, the *lack* thereof. Photos can also be helpful (although, beware of heavily filtered Instagram pics). If you're a stickler for pristine perfection, you *might* want to consider something more upscale. But realistically, most people just want a clean bed and a functioning bathroom. I remember one hotel room I walked into... let's just say, I left immediately and demanded a different room. It was a harrowing experience. So, yeah, check the reviews. And bring some Lysol wipes, just in case. You'll thank me later.
Is the location actually *convenient*? I don't want to spend half my vacation in the car.
Ah, location, location, location! As mentioned above, its pretty good, and pretty close to I-15. So, if you're road tripping, great. If you're trying to explore Salt Lake City, and the surrounding area... it’s a solid base. You can easily drive north to SLC. You can venture south to explore outdoor parks. The mountains are a (relatively) short drive away. I mean, it's not *right* in the middle of everything, but it's a pretty good jumping-off point. Just... calculate traffic. Utah traffic can be a beast, especially during rush hour. Plan your trips accordingly, or it might take an hour to drive a few miles.
What about parking? Free? Paid? Nightmare? Because, parking can break or make a trip. (I once spent an hour circling a parking garage in Boston... never again.)
Parking... the bane of every traveler's existence. The good news? Most Ramadas offer free parking. Double-check, of course. But generally, you should be good. Now, whether it's *convenient* parking, or whether you'll be circling the lot for an hour at 11:00 PM after a long drive... that's the unknown. Hopefully, it's straightforward. Look, I've suffered through parking situations that would make a saint curse. So, fingers crossed for easy parking at Ramada Draper!
WiFi? Because, the internet is kinda important these days.
WiFi. The digital lifeline. The way we stay connected to the world, and occasionally watch cat videos. Yes, most hotels offer WiFi. Ramada Draper probably does, too. The *quality* of the WiFi... that's the gamble. Will it be blazing fast, allowing you to stream movies and upload breathtaking vacation photos? Or will it be the digital equivalent of a dial-up modem, making you scream in frustration? Again, check those reviews. Look for comments about the WiFi. Or, you know, BYO hotspot, just in case. Because… gotta stay connected!
