Finding a place to crash near New York City without selling a kidney is a legitimate struggle. Honestly, most people looking at the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange are doing so for one specific reason: the price point. It sits right in that sweet spot where you aren't paying Manhattan rates, but you're still close enough to the action to feel like you’re part of the tri-state buzz. But let's be real for a second. East Orange isn't Times Square. It’s a gritty, lived-in part of Essex County, and if you go in expecting a five-star resort experience, you’re going to be disappointed.
Located at 120 Evergreen Place, this hotel is basically a utility play. It’s for the traveler who needs a bed, a shower, and a decent connection to the city via the New Jersey Transit lines. You've probably seen the mixed reviews online—some people love the value, others complain about the age of the building. Both are usually right.
The Reality of Staying at Ramada by Wyndham East Orange
Here is the thing about this specific property: it’s an older building. You can tell by the architecture and the layout. When you walk into the lobby, it feels like a classic mid-range hotel from a decade or two ago. Some call it dated; others call it "vintage" if they're feeling generous.
The rooms are generally spacious, which is a massive plus compared to those tiny "micro-hotels" popping up in Brooklyn or Long Island City. You get space to actually open your suitcase. Most rooms come equipped with the standard Wyndham kit—a desk, a flat-screen TV, and usually a coffee maker. If you get a room on a higher floor, you might even catch a glimpse of the skyline in the distance, though you're mostly looking at the urban sprawl of Northern Jersey.
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One thing that surprises people is the parking. Finding parking in this region is a nightmare. This Ramada offers on-site parking, which, while sometimes requiring a fee depending on your booking package, is a lifesaver compared to hunting for a spot on the street in East Orange. Seriously. Don't try to park on the street overnight if you aren't familiar with the local ordinances.
Location and The "Commuter Secret"
Most guests at the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange are commuters in disguise. They aren't there to tour East Orange; they are there to use the Brick Church Station. It's about a 10-minute walk—maybe less if you’ve got a long stride—from the hotel. From there, the NJ Transit train takes you straight into New York Penn Station.
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes on the train.
Think about that. You can be standing in Midtown Manhattan in less time than it takes some people to get from Upper Manhattan to Downtown. That is the "secret" value of this hotel. You’re paying a fraction of the price for a room that is geographically closer to the heart of the city than many parts of the five boroughs.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
There's a lot of noise online about safety in East Orange. It’s a city with challenges, sure. It’s urban. It’s busy. But the area immediately surrounding the hotel is largely commercial and administrative. You’ve got the Social Security Administration building nearby and several other offices.
Is it a "walkable" tourist paradise? No.
You aren't going to find boutique coffee shops or artisan bakeries on every corner. It's a "get in, get out" kind of neighborhood. Use rideshares if you’re coming back late at night or just be aware of your surroundings like you would in any major metro area. If you're looking for a suburban park vibe, this isn't it. But if you want easy access to the Garden State Parkway or I-280, you are perfectly positioned.
Amenities: What’s Actually Functioning?
Wyndham usually guarantees a certain baseline. You've got free Wi-Fi, which is usually decent enough for a Zoom call or Netflix, though it can get throttled when the hotel is at 90% capacity.
- The Fitness Center: Small. It’s got the basics—treadmill, some weights. It’s fine for a quick sweat, but don't expect a Gold's Gym.
- The Breakfast: It's a hit or miss situation. Sometimes it’s a full spread; other times it’s more "grab and go" depending on current management policies or staffing levels.
- Meeting Space: They actually have a decent amount of event space. You'll often see local business meetings or small community events happening in the ballrooms.
The Price-to-Value Ratio (Let's Talk Numbers)
Why stay here instead of the Newark Hilton or something in Jersey City?
Simple math. On a weekend where a Manhattan hotel is charging $450 a night, the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange might be sitting at $140. Even after you factor in the $15-$20 round-trip train ticket to the city, you are still saving over $250 a night. For a three-night stay, that’s $750 back in your pocket. That's dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant or tickets to two Broadway shows.
It's a trade-off. You are trading luxury and "cool factor" for raw, cold hard cash savings.
Why the Reviews Are So Polarized
If you look at TripAdvisor or Google Maps, you'll see one-star reviews right next to five-star reviews. Why? Because expectations are everything.
The people who give it one star are usually travelers who didn't do their homework. They expected the "Ramada" name to mean a brand-new, shiny building and were shocked by a leaky faucet or a carpet that’s seen better days. The five-star reviewers are usually budget-savvy travelers who spent all day in NYC and only used the room to sleep. To them, a clean bed and a working shower for $120 is a massive win.
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Maintenance can be an issue. It’s an older property, and things break. If you get a room with a funky AC unit, ask to switch immediately. The staff is generally used to these requests and will move you if they have the vacancy.
Nuances You Should Know Before Booking
Checking in can sometimes be a bit of a wait. Since this is one of the more affordable spots in the area, it gets busy. Front desk staff are often juggling a lot, from phone calls to "walk-ins" looking for a room late at night.
- Request a high floor. It’s quieter. The street noise from Evergreen Place and the nearby highway can be a bit much if you’re a light sleeper on the second floor.
- Check the train schedule. NJ Transit doesn't run 24/7 like the NYC Subway. If you miss the last train from Penn Station, a Lyft back to East Orange from Manhattan will cost you a pretty penny—potentially wiping out your savings for that night.
- The "Pre-authorization" Hold. Like most Wyndhams, they will put a hold on your card for incidentals. Make sure you have the extra cushion in your bank account so you don't get a surprise "insufficient funds" notification at dinner.
Comparing Nearby Options
You have the Comfort Inn in Newark and a few spots near the airport (EWR). The airport hotels are often nicer, but they are a nightmare to get to if you aren't flying. You have to take a shuttle to the terminal, then the AirTrain, then the NJ Transit.
The Ramada in East Orange beats the airport hotels on "city accessibility" because of its proximity to the Brick Church station. You avoid the whole airport transit loop entirely.
The Verdict: Is It For You?
This hotel isn't for everyone. If you’re on a romantic honeymoon, maybe skip it. If you’re a business traveler who needs a sleek, modern aesthetic to feel productive, keep looking.
But if you are a family on a budget, a student visiting friends at Seton Hall University (which is very close by), or a solo traveler who wants to see New York without going broke, this is a solid, functional choice. It’s a "no-frills" base of operations.
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The Ramada by Wyndham East Orange represents a specific kind of travel. It’s the "smart-utility" choice. You aren't paying for the brand; you're paying for the coordinates on the map.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Download the NJ Transit App: Don't faff around with the ticket machines at Brick Church. Buy your tickets on your phone.
- Eat in Newark: If you want good food, take a quick 10-minute Uber into the Ironbound district of Newark. Some of the best Portuguese and Spanish food in the country is right there.
- Inspect the room immediately: Walk in, check the water pressure, check the AC, and look at the sheets. If something isn't right, go back to the lobby right then. It's much easier to switch rooms at 4:00 PM than at 11:00 PM.
- Skip the hotel coffee: There are local spots or even the Dunkin' nearby that will provide a much better caffeine kick than the in-room packets.
Staying here is about strategy. You’re sacrificing the "glamour" of a hotel stay for the "utility" of the location. As long as you keep that in mind, the Ramada by Wyndham East Orange does exactly what it's supposed to do: provides a roof over your head near one of the greatest cities in the world.