Sunset Fishermen Beach Resort

This intimate beachfront property offers a tranquil escape, distinguished by its prime location directly on a beautiful, swimmable beach within a secure, gated community. This setting makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful retreat, families desiring a relaxed beach vacation, and travelers who appreciate a serene atmosphere while remaining close to local attractions. Guests consistently highlight the attentive and friendly staff as a top feature, contributing significantly to a welcoming, family-like ambiance. The delicious and varied food also receives frequent praise, enhancing the overall experience. To maximize your stay, consider utilizing the complimentary bicycles for exploring the nearby area and be prepared for a low-key, relaxed pace, as this is not a high-energy party resort. Bringing small change for tips is also recommended, as it can be difficult to obtain locally.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort features well-maintained pools that are generally clean and uncrowded, often enhanced with attractive fountains and a waterfall, though the "hot" tub is typically only warm. Guests enjoy direct access to a relatively private beach equipped with comfortable loungers and readily available towels. A variety of activities are offered, including catamaran rides, kayaks, bicycles, aquaerobics, and stretching classes, providing ample entertainment. Many rooms are equipped with a convenient kitchenette, featuring a sink, stove, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort and even on the beach, though some guests noted occasional glitches. However, a recurring concern is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues. Some also noted a lack of sufficient shade or umbrellas around the pool area, and the removal of a dedicated lobby bar has reduced social gathering spaces.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is generally positive, with many describing the accommodations as clean, spacious, and offering beautiful ocean views from private balconies. The beds are often noted as comfortable and firm, contributing to a restful sleep. Bathrooms are typically well-appointed with large showers and ample toiletries. Many rooms also include a kitchenette, adding convenience for guests who wish to prepare their own meals or snacks. However, a significant number of guests found the pillows to be excessively hard or overstuffed, impacting sleep quality. Some reviews also point to signs of the resort's age, such as rust spots, cracks in walls, flaking paint, and detached weather stripping, indicating a need for maintenance. Inconsistent hot water supply and a noticeable sewage smell in certain areas, particularly near the entrance and pool, were also mentioned as drawbacks. Additionally, some rooms were reported to have few electrical outlets, and isolated instances of dirty bathrooms were noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort's dining experience receives considerable praise, with guests frequently describing the food as delicious, excellent, and of high quality, often highlighting the varied menus. The breakfast is a popular feature, offering a comprehensive buffet with an egg and omelet station. Dinners are particularly well-regarded, often featuring different themes nightly and gourmet options, with some special events even taking place on a rooftop deck. For lunch, the beach-side bar provides a convenient "pub food" style menu and good snacks. While many enjoy the exquisite cocktails and bar service, some guests expressed disappointment with the quality of certain mixed drinks and the limited beer selection. A few guests reported instances of food poisoning, and some noted that the minibar was not consistently refilled as promised, impacting the all-inclusive experience for some.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts an excellent location within the secure, gated community of Playacar, offering a peaceful environment. Its central location provides easy walking distance to many popular attractions, including 5th Avenue, various shopping opportunities, diverse dining establishments, and the ferry to Cozumel. Guests appreciate the direct beach access and the ability to explore nearby Mayan ruins just across the street. While the walk to town is generally pleasant, some guests with mobility challenges found the cobblestone paths difficult. Taxis are readily available, though they can be expensive. The hotel's position on a beautiful, swimmable stretch of beach, largely unaffected by erosion seen elsewhere, is a significant advantage, allowing for long walks along the shore. The overall accessibility to both natural beauty and urban amenities is a major draw for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort consistently receives high praise for being excellent, friendly, attentive, and professional, often making guests feel like family. The reception team generally provides a warm welcome and is helpful, though some guests reported extended check-in times and unhelpful attitudes from specific individuals. The restaurant staff is particularly commended for their attentiveness and ability to enhance the dining experience. Housekeeping is noted for daily service and creative towel arrangements. The activities staff is engaging and offers a variety of options. However, a significant and recurring negative theme revolves around the resort's timeshare sales tactics, with many guests reporting aggressive pressure, misleading information, unexpected extra charges, and feeling scammed. Some also noted instances of slow service in the restaurant and a perceived lack of sufficient staff, leading to employees appearing overworked. The concierge is helpful for arranging tours, but some guests reported being misled about tour inclusions and overcharged.

Additional Information
It is important for prospective guests to understand the resort's nature as a timeshare property, which significantly influences the guest experience. While many long-term members express deep loyalty and satisfaction, others report aggressive sales pressure and misleading information regarding membership, leading to unexpected fees and a sense of being scammed. The resort cultivates a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, making it unsuitable for those seeking a high-energy party environment. Guests can enjoy observing local wildlife within the secure, gated community. However, some areas of the resort, particularly sidewalks, present safety concerns due to uneven surfaces and a lack of handrails, with reports of guests experiencing falls. An environmental issue is the occasional presence of sargassum, which can cause a noticeable odor, though it tends to dissipate. There is no convenience store on-site, so guests are advised to bring their own snacks and essentials.