Rarely do people get excited about airport hotels, though there’s also no denying that there’s huge variance in terms of the quality of them.
On one end of the spectrum you have the jaw-dropping TWA Hotel at JFK, which is in a league of its own in terms of design. Even beyond that, you see some airport hotels that are actually pleasant to spend time at, while some clearly don’t care much about repeat business.
The TWA Hotel JFK
Well, within the past week a US airport hotel has opened that I’m especially excited about.
In this post:
Now Open: The Grand Hyatt SFO
The Grand Hyatt SFO has opened within the past week, which is now the most convenient (and almost undoubtedly nicest) hotel at San Francisco International Airport.
Grand Hyatt SFO exterior
The $237 million hotel has a total of 351 rooms and 22 suites. It’s directly connected to all airport terminals, and even has a dedicated AirTrain station.
The hotel has two dining concepts:
- Quail & Crane, which is the 108 seat signature all day dining restaurant, described as offering a “multicultural menu that speaks to both the bounty of Northern California and the cooking practices and traditions of Asia”
- Two Crafts Market & Bar, which is a 24/7 market for “on the go” provisions; it also has a cocktail bar open from 10AM until 12AM, serving burgers, oysters, and more
Grand Hyatt SFO Quail & Crane
The Grand Hyatt SFO also has a Grand Club, so Globalist members will receive access to that.
The pictures of the hotel look gorgeous, and I can’t wait to check it out.
Grand Hyatt SFO lobby
As an aviation geek, perhaps what’s most exciting is that the hotel will have views directly of the airport and apron, so you could have a plane-view room (it looks like they’re charging $50 for an upgrade to a runway-view room, though as an elite member you should be able to score an upgrade to one of these rooms, pending availability).
Grand Hyatt SFO runway view room
Redeeming Points At The Grand Hyatt SFO
San Francisco is a really expensive market, to begin with, including airport hotels. As you might expect, this hotel will be commanding a premium given that it is connected to the airports. Rates for base rooms seem to vary from $250 to $600.
If redeeming points, the Grand Hyatt SFO is a Category 5 World of Hyatt property, meaning a free night will cost 20,000 points. That’s steep, though I guess also not too surprising. It would be nice if it were a Category 4 so you could use a Category 1-4 free night certificate, but oh well…
If you’re looking to earn World of Hyatt points you can redeem towards a stay here, the good news is that points are pretty easy to come by.
In addition to being able to earn World of Hyatt points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card (review), you can also transfer over points from Ultimate Rewards.
Bottom Line
I’m looking forward to staying at the Grand Hyatt SFO, in particular given the views. Personally, I hugely value being able to stay at a hotel connected to the airport, as you’ll often save about an hour roundtrip compared to a hotel that requires a shuttle ride (often the hotel is a 10-minute drive from the airport, you have to wait 30 minutes for the shuttle, etc.).
I love the Grand Hyatt DFW as well, so hopefully, this hotel is in a similar league. One major difference is that the Grand Hyatt SFO has a Grand Club, so Globalist members won’t get restaurant breakfast (instead they’ll receive continental breakfast and snacks in the evening in the lounge). Meanwhile, at the Grand Hyatt DFW, there’s no Grand Club, so Globalist members receive restaurant or room service breakfast.
Anyone planning on staying at the Grand Hyatt SFO? What are your expectations?
Wow the interior looks very bland and uninspired. Welcome to 2003...
Love a great airport hotel. Had several very nice stays at Grand Hyatt DFW. Upgraded to a runway view large room every time. Quiet clean, comfortable and bell man walked our bags to our check in counter. A great airport hotel with great staff.
@Gene there is no low season in the SF bay area.
Re: Hyatt room check policy. I would expect that an airport hotel that overlooks the runways will likely have tighter security policies than the one away from the airport. It's about guns, drugs, and sex trafficking.
https://www.meetingstoday.com/newsevents/industrynews/industrynewsdetails/articleid/31803/title/-do-not-disturb-policy-updates-spark-debate
@Tom -- "Many hotels will enter your room daily as a matter of policy. They want to know you’re not up to anything sketchy."
Yes ... especially after that Las Vegas Mandalay Bay mass shooting?
Roberto
Many hotels will enter your room daily as a matter of policy.
They want to know you're not up to anything sketchy.
I have an overnight stay planned for just over $300, with tax just short of $350. I'm paying cash not worth using points..
$170 AAA rate available during the Christmas week.
Very nice! I do love a great airport hotel like DFW or even BOS. I just remembered that I have a trip to SFO in January and need a hotel one night before picking up rent car next day...perfect choice. Although I once lived in SF for many years I usually avoid going into the city unless meeting friends. What a pleasant surprise and an upgrade from the dated Doubletree.
I have had issues at the Hyatt Regency SFO where they insist on entering your room every 24 hours. I am glad to have an alternative through Hyatt when staying at SFO.
Do a SFO meetup when you're there!
Looks swanky. DFW slightly more convenient, at least for D terminal.
Stayed at this amazing property two nights ago after Alaska cancelled my flight. Scored a runway view room on the 10th floor. Great view of the international A gates apron, but mostly only saw narrow bodies. Room comes with binoculars and a plane spotting guide for easy ID of aircraft. They even give the very first guest of a room a souvenir wooden "key card" showing you are the first guest ever of that room....
Stayed at this amazing property two nights ago after Alaska cancelled my flight. Scored a runway view room on the 10th floor. Great view of the international A gates apron, but mostly only saw narrow bodies. Room comes with binoculars and a plane spotting guide for easy ID of aircraft. They even give the very first guest of a room a souvenir wooden "key card" showing you are the first guest ever of that room. Such a cool experience, and even better that Alaska picked up the room tab. Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? :P
@ Ben -- Me too! This hotel looks spectacular. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. Maybe they will offer some good deals in low season (whatever that is...).