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Fusion is a low-cost, beachfront hotel that's great for bringing the kids to. Relaxing, simple and uncomplicated. However, singles should look elsewhere.
Calle 6 Nte. Entre 5 Avenida y Zona Federal Maritima
Beach
Fusion is a small family-run hotel located near the center of Playa (off of Calle 6). It's located (literally) on the beach and while it's far enough away from 5th Avenida that you won't hear any noise spilling over from Playa's nightlife, it's still only a short walk to good restaurants and stores.
The hotel was purchased by new owners in 2005 after being destroyed by a hurricane. Since then, the hotel has been repaired and even completely rebuilt in some places. The property has bounced back. With only 30 rooms and affordable prices, Fusion tends to be very busy most times of the year and it can be difficult to make reservations, so plan ahead.
Fusion has a family-friendly atmosphere, and there are typically lots of kids running around and enjoying themselves on the hotel property and the beach. You'll find few singles here.
Although all of the hotel rooms are accessed from a single level, they are 2-level duplexes, many with loft beds on the 2nd floor. Some of the rooms have very pretty ocean views. Most have new mattresses with king-size or double beds, air conditioning, television, and the basics that you'll need to enjoy your stay (note: no mini-bars). One of the nice features of the rooms are kitchenettes, so you can stock up on groceries and cook your own meals if you'd like. Being a beach hotel, you probably won't spend much time in your room and that's a good thing, as most tend to be sparsely decorated and dull (some of them almost seem run-down, although we found the property to be very clean).
The hotel commons consist of a beautiful garden area with a newly rebuilt deck and log furniture, while the beach area has plenty of tables, grass umbrellas, and deck chairs. The beach area is very busy, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. It's great if you are with the kids and are looking for a family experience, but you'll need to go elsewhere if you're looking just to relax.
One problem with the hotel is a lack of a pool. While the ocean is certainly good enough for most people, we did notice that there are spots on the beach that are very rocky and where metal sticks out of the sand, so if you do bring the kids be sure to scout the area out first.
What you won't find at Fusion are all-inclusive style amenities. There are no workout centers, tennis courts, upscale lounges, or gourmet dinners. Instead, you'll find a friendly little Carribean hotel that's perfect for budget-minded travellers looking to enjoy some quality time with their families.
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Reader Reviews
Our family - husband, wife and 3 grown 'kids' spent 5 nights at this great little hotel (in mid October). We loved it! Being there in the off-season offered us reasonable rates. The Fusion is located right on the beach - it's wonderful to get your coffee in the morning and sit at the tables or on the beach chair and soak up the lovely view of the Caribbean Ocean. The rooms are not fancy - but are simple and very clean. The beds are comfortable - linens are nice (I tend to get fussy about worn out sheets and towels). As well, lots of big beach towels are provided. Our maid not only cleaned daily, but left us an assortment of circus critters created with towels each day on one of the beds. Our daughter, who speaks Spanish, was able to express our delight to her in seeing the daily creations.
We had room #28 - it accommodated us all comfortably - the air conditioning was appreciated, even though we generally enjoy fans - it was very hot while we were there. The small fridge accommodated our snacks and drinks easily. There were two queen sized beds on the main level and a king bed in the upper level, with a small balcony outside. There was a tv on each floor, which would be appreciated for those who like to have contact with the 'real' world while on vacation. We had our evening cocktail sitting out on the small balcony, and enjoyed a partial ocean view, as well as a lovely garden view below us. The garden was well taken care of, as was the outside eating areas, restaurant and beach area.
Breakfast - a very simple continental, was included each day, and this sustained us to our next meal. Although this breakfast is included in your room price, it was simple and you could easily order a full meal, if desired or add something - which we did, ( for an extra fee) such as a large fruit plate, to supplement the toast/rolls, juice and coffee. We had lunch a few times at the hotel, not dinner, and the meals were just fine. We were just down a block from 5th where we could venture for meals - yet it was very quiet at our place - in the way of street noise.
The evening atmosphere was lovely if you wanted to sit out on the beach and have a drink. Drink prices are typical for the area.
Staff were all friendly and helpful - particulary Kim, a lovely young gal from the Netherlands, who was very helpful. The restaurant/bar staff got to know us quickly and always greeted us with a smile. The manager was a keen surfer and he and our son had a few chats about conditions - comparing a few notes on the sport! We spent a lot of time in the ocean - it was fabulous - no need for a pool - although I'm sure younger families would appreciate it (and it seems future plans may include putting in a pool).
We would go back anytime and will recommend the Fusion to our friends. The owners advise that some new upgrades will be taking place in the future. Nope, it is not the Ritz, but for a very relaxing, simple and uncomplicated stay - you should check it out.
Posted by: zinck2 | November 16, 2006 5:51 PM