I stayed at a Ramada a few years ago, filled in their club join-up card and sent it in, but they never bothered to reply.

Is their club worth joining at all?

Kremmen -- Since (based on your profile) you're in Australia, keep in mind that Ramada USA and Ramada International are totally separate chains. Ramada International is owned by Marriott and their properties (at least in Europe) are quite decent. Ramada USA is owned by Cendant, and most properties are in a pretty bad shape. Club Ramada is a frequent guest program for the Ramada USA.

<Edited to add URL>

[This message has been edited by Eugene (edited 03-09-2001).]

Also, "A member of either the Club Ramada or the Club Ramada Gold program must maintain a U.S. or Canadian mailing address on file with the Club in order to receive account statements or to redeem Club Points."

Not that you're missing much...

I give lots of US companies a US address ... keeps them happy. However, I'm used to airlines and hotel chains recognising that overseas customers contribute to their earnings too. I don't remember whether I gave Ramada a US mailing address or Australian one. The form at the time didn't say it mattered.

Agreeing with Eugene that Ramada has been going down for about 2 decades now!

Pick your properties carefully!

As to your question...Club Ramada, formerly Ramada Business Card (RBC) used to be alot better. You still earn 10 (12 for Gold) points per dollar spent during stays. But, credit card earning potential has diminished dramatically.

Also, award levels have increased to the point of non-competitiveness. One used to have to charge only $15,000 to earn a free domestic ticket (paid ticket that earns miles). The international tickets were a great deal, as well. I travelled to India and Africa, on free tix, back when the programm was good. Now, it takes far too many points for such an award. As well, they've placed a cap of 20,000 points per month on credit card earning potential($8,000 x 2.5 points/dollar)

As for properties, there are a few very decent ones, in a few big cities. These properties require the same number of points as lousy properties in the worst of cities. That remains Club Ramada's sole saving grace.

They don't even provide online account access.

I was on a business trip in June and the ONLY close place to stay was Ramada (I try to stay at one or two chains to maxamize my point earning, although location is a factor in some cases). I filled out the form and gave it to the clerk at my check in. Two months later, still no card/welcome-pack/info from Ramada. I was so disappointed in the hotel that I have not even followed up on where my membership stands and I usually sign up/keep current all programs that I use no matter how infrequently as I never know where I might have to stay.

Unless Ramada has a big turn around, I will not be staying at this chain again. I will bypass it even if I have to make a hour trip (each way) to where I am working.

This is not a flame on Ramada or which hotel is best post. Just my impression (most of the Ramadas in my area look run down or are changing ownership in my area) of this hotel chain (yes, I know all chains have some bad apples).

Maybe someone can enlighten me as to why my feelings are wrong (I am always willing to listen and learn). But I think I will stick to hotels that I am comfortable with.

George...