The Ramada Inn Mandarin 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 Ramada Inn Mandarin is an upscale, suburban interstate property. Fun and entertainment occurs each Tuesday through Saturday might at the Comedy Zone. Gigi’s restaurant specializes in Friday and Saturday prime rib and seafood buffets. Other amenities include high-speed wireless Internet complimentary breakfast buffet, business classrooms and suites and an outdoor swimming pool. The Ramada Inn Mandarin is located in Jacksonville, Fla.