Hotel Fusion

The mid-range Hotel Fusion makes for a convenient, contemporary base in the Union Square area, and after a $12 million renovation, common areas like the lobby have been revamped into stylish spaces. The sleek interiors feature an Asian-inspired flair, including cherry blossom designs festooning the lobby and decorative vases adorning illuminated shelves. A large wooden column entwined with a detailed dragon carving is one of the lobby's centerpieces, while mountain silhouettes provide a backdrop on one of the walls. A pleasant seating area offers a place to linger by the large window that overlooks the street. Paired with all of this are sleek and shiny surfaces, like tiled floors, gleaming brass, and marble accents that are sporadically complemented by rustic wooden textures. Cherry blossoms make an appearance in the dining room too, along with more botanics in the form of colorful flowers in vases and potted plants that add color and liveliness to neutral hues and a sleek, modern aesthetic.

These chic, modern areas are a contrast to the guest rooms themselves, and unfortunately do not foretell what's to come. Rooms are small and due for a revamp. But if you're looking to sightsee and spend most of your time exploring the city, this is a decent option, as it's close to some top attractions and well linked by public transit. For something cheaper in this area, consider the historic King George Hotel - a Greystone Hotel, which features elegant rooms with up-to-date amenities. Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf is a good alternative with an excellent location for leisure travelers.

The hotel is conveniently located just two blocks from Union Square and all of its shops and dining options, making it a great, central base in the city -- but note that it's on the edge of the Tenderloin, which remains a bit gritty. There are lots of other hotels in the area, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's very well-connected to public transportation, with a cable car stop a minute's walk away, as well as the Powell Street BART Station a two-minute walk from the hotel, making navigating around the city easy. Chinatown is about a 15-minute walk away, while Fisherman’s Wharf can be reached in around 25 minutes by public transit (or it's an 11-minute drive). The Golden Gate Bridge is around a 15-minute drive from here or about 40 minutes by public transportation. San Francisco International Airport is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel or a half hour via BART.

Rooms here feature lackluster contemporary decor that could use a refresh. They're small in size and can feel cramped, especially the lower-category units; Deluxe Rooms add a bit more space. Colorful accent walls -- navy, mint, pink, or other hues -- are a backdrop to large abstract art paintings hanging over beds topped with white linens and colorful bed runners. Simple dark-wood furnishings include nightstands and desks, while patterned gray carpeting lines the floors. Windows are small and blocked by AC window units, making many rooms feel dim. Guests also complain that the air-conditioning is very noisy.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges stocked with drinks and snacks, electronic safes, coffeemakers, iPod dock alarm clocks, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. DVD players and USA Today newspapers are available on request free of charge. Bathrooms are plain and due for a revamp, with step-in showers or shower/tub combos that have old showerheads. Individual toiletries are provided, as are bathrobes. Note that street-facing rooms can get noise.

This hotel doesn't offer much in terms of features, but the handful of facilities it does have add a bit of convenience to a stay here. There's a pleasant bar in the lobby with an extensive drink menu, plus breakfast is available (for an additional fee) in the stylish dining room. There's also a small fitness room with a handful of machines, including a treadmill and elliptical. Other amenities include a meeting room with audiovisual equipment, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. Valet parking is available for a fee.