A few weeks ago I headed to San Francisco for a semi-mattress run at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. There is one other Hyatt property (the Grand Hyatt San Francisco), and both are Category 4 properties that require 15,000 points per night. I don’t recall what went into the picking process, but I ended up at the Hyatt Regency. It’s an older property that’s definitely showing its age.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco lobby
It has a bit of a convention center feel, partly due to the escalators you have to take to get to the lobby – and partly due to the large and bustling atrium.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco parking
Parking rates at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco are downright obscene: $60 per night! Yes, for the cost of a Country Inn & Suites stay, you can park your car at the Hyatt Regency. There is a parking structure behind the hotel that charges just $20 per day. Save $45 and put that towards Vanilla Reload fees. I’m still shaking my head at the ridiculousness of the parking fee…
At check-in, the agent informed me I had been upgraded to an Embarcadero Suite with a panoramic view. Not only was this my first stay as a Diamond member (on a trial basis), but it was also the first time I was upgraded without being asked for a fee – I’m looking at you Dubai!
Hyatt Regency San Francisco location
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco is located right across from the Ferry Building, within walking distance of the pier, the Financial District, and Union Square. I had no issues getting around. There is also a BART station about a block away, making it convenient for trips to the airport and outside the immediate area.
I ended up heading to the Westfield Shopping Center and on the way back, I stopped at a CVS store where I loaded up on Vanilla Reloads. I walked a couple more blocks and came across yet another CVS store. Next door was a 7-11 where the clerk sold me two Reloads without issues. I came away earning half of the points required for a stay at the Hyatt Regency.
Overall, this was a successful outing. I had an enjoyable day in the city, got to stay at a nice hotel, scored a ton of Vanilla Reload cards, and got closer to Diamond status. The minor annoyances here and there don’t overshadow the fact that I had a bed to sleep in and a room service menu to keep me fed. That certainly wasn’t the case for the homeless teenager sleeping on the sidewalk around the corner from the hotel.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Embarcadero Suite
The Embarcadero Suite was a bit worn – the carpet was dingy and the wallpaper resembled stains on a wall. It had a narrow hallway with the bathroom to the right and the layout was angular and a bit impractical. The bathroom was nice and featured a tv in the mirror, but the amenities were practically nonexistent. It reminded me of the bathroom at the Doubletree Old Town Istanbul.
The room had floor-to-ceiling windows that featured a great view of the Bay Bridge. You could open the glass doors and the cement railing would prevent you from falling into the street, which is always a plus.
The one major issue I had with the Embarcadero Suite at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco were the sliding doors. The one on the left side of the room made the loudest, most otherworldly  screeching sound you will ever hear.
Every time the door was opened, I thought it was Gabriel announcing judgment day. It honestly felt like my eardrums would rupture every time the door was opened. Not a pleasant feeling.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco club lounge
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco’s Regency Club Lounge sits at the top of the building and was once a spinning restaurant, similar to Al Dawwar at the Hyatt Regency Dubai.
Aside from tables not being cleared, what I found off-putting was the putrid smell of the cold cuts that were laid out. I think if they’re going to leave any kind of food out, it should be covered to avoid the unpleasant look and smell that developed. The staff was friendly though.
The lounge wasn’t well maintained, but it was a good place to sit back and enjoy the view.
Would I recommend the Hyatt Regency San Francisco?
I would recommend the Hyatt Regency San Francisco for it’s location,. But I think at the standard rate you can certainly find a newer property with better amenities and equally impressive views.
Thanks for the trip report.
Sure! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Ok, probably not the best hotel stay ever but MAN what a view……
Agreed!
price line had the hotel for $95.00 a night, the BART is a block away, Lot of noice at night in the area, ourv2rooms were nice, stayed there 5 days
Wish I could get that rate now to finish up my status challenge…
This is my least favorite Hyatt hotel. The rooms are dark, dingy, and in dire need of a total renovation. The noise from the street, especially in the rooms facing Market Street is very loud and it lasts almost the entire day and night. I much prefer the old Park Hyatt, which has been a Le Méridien since 2006. Too bad it was sold and the management contract was lost to Starwood.
Agree with you about the rooms being dingy and needing renovation. The noise wasn’t too bad in this room, unless the doors were opened – even then, I kind of enjoy the sounds of the city. The city definitely needs a Park Hyatt hotel.
When I was there last year, a homeless person on Market Street (right next to the hotel) was banging for hours on a large upside down plastic pail. Literally drove me up a wall. Sounds of the city? Yes, I suppose, but not the kind of sounds you were referring to, which I too enjoy.
Yikes! I can imagine that wouldn’t be pleasant at all.