Ramada Inn and Conference Center-Ocala is a part of Ramada Worldwide, which owns and operates the Ramada brand of hotels that began in 1954 when a group of investors opened its first inn in Flagstaff, Ariz. In 1959, the group adopted the name Ramada , a Spanish word for a shaded resting place , and sold its first franchise. Since then, the Ramada chain has grown to more than 1,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The conference center features a variety of amenities, such as Pinstripes Bar & Grill, Yankees Sports Bar, outdoor swimming pool, poolside fitness room, hot tubs, business center with high-speed Internet access, playground and guest laundry. The hotel also has one of the largest convention centers in Ocala. The Ramada Inn and Conference Center-Ocala is located in Ocala, Fla.