The Ramada-Mall of America location 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 Mall of America hotel s nearly 260 rooms feature high-speed Internet and in-room coffee makers, hairdryers, iron and ironing boards and safes. Other amenities include rooms with Native American d cor, shuttle service, indoor and outdoor pools, exercise room, nearly 30 meeting rooms, game room, free parking overnight, full-service restaurant and lounge and room service. The Ramada-Mall of America location is in Bloomington, Minn.