Airport hotels typically aren’t much to get excited about, though one of my two favorite such properties in the United States has just undergone a full refresh, and that’s something I’m happy to see.
In this post:
The Grand Hyatt DFW is now better than ever
Over the past year or so, the Grand Hyatt DFW has been undergoing a $34 million renovation, and that’s now complete. On the most basic level, the Grand Hyatt DFW is awesome for two reasons:
- It’s located directly on top of Terminal D, so you can’t beat the convenience of not having to take a shuttle in order to get to the hotel
- As an aviation geek, I love the fact that the hotel has amazing views of the apron and runway, thanks to its location on top of the terminal
The Grand Hyatt DFW first opened back in 2006, and there’s no denying that over the past 20 years, the property has lost a bit of its shine, in terms of design. Fortunately that has now changed, thanks to the renovation that has taken place.
The renovation includes everything from the lobby, to the guest rooms, to the restaurant and bar, to the pool. The property’s room count has even grown, from 298 to 315 keys. Rooms also have new technology, including better TVs, blackout shades, new lighting controls, and fully refreshed designs. Rooms are described as having an aeronautical theme that “incorporates the style of Texas landscape,” using wood.
I’d say this is one of the two best US airport hotels
I’ve written in the past about what I consider the best airport hotels to be. In the United States, I tend to think that the Grand Hyatt DFW and Grand Hyatt SFO are the top two properties. The latter is no doubt my favorite between the two, in terms of views and design.
However, with the Grand Hyatt DFW having been fully renovated, I imagine it’s once again in the league of the Grand Hyatt SFO. I also love how the Grand Hyatt DFW includes room service breakfast for Globalists (or at least did?), and is also pretty good with elite upgrades.
Of course when thinking of US airport hotels, the TWA Hotel JFK probably comes to mind. While it has a very cool and historic design and it’s worth visiting the public spaces, the owners of the hotel nickel-and-dime to no end, and they’ve forgotten that they’re in the hospitality industry.
I just can’t get over the prices they charge, all while trying to find any possible way to screw guests, while just not investing in the soft product. It’s a property I refuse to support.
Bottom line
The fully refreshed Grand Hyatt DFW has just been unveiled, after a pricey makeover. As before, the hotel has an amazing location and nice views, but now it also has a modern design, which no longer feels years past its prime. I’ve always enjoyed my stays here, and look forward to returning.
Anyone else happy to see these updates to the Grand Hyatt DFW?
Ben, out of curiosity, have you stayed at the DEN Westin? Not saying it's better than these, but curious how you think it compares. Its location is great, views ok from what I can tell (DEN's airfield is just so spread out you don't have close views of anything), and dining options are ok, but being in Denver, I don't have much reason to stay there.
I don’t understand how/why the Hilton ORD is still such a dump! Perfect location, presumably good “bones”.
This is an awesome airport hotel (for the US). Feels tight, contemporary, complete. Contrast this with the Hyatt Regency DFW which is one of the worst!
TWA Hotel at JFK was at its best when it was about six months old. By then, they had worked out most of the kinks but it was before the nickel and diming had begun.
Finally! Hyatt ditches its weird blonde wood decor that looks half-Nordic and half-Japanese.
The Westin at DTW is both one of the better in-terminal airport hotels and one better Westins in the country.
The convenience of this hotel can't be beat. I've given it two stays though, and both times found the staff to have an arrogant attitude - as if we we were lucky to stay there. They don't have coffee makers in the rooms, because they say they offer barista coffee for free in the lobby. But sometimes I need a cup of coffee to get a cup of coffee, and by the time I leave...
The convenience of this hotel can't be beat. I've given it two stays though, and both times found the staff to have an arrogant attitude - as if we we were lucky to stay there. They don't have coffee makers in the rooms, because they say they offer barista coffee for free in the lobby. But sometimes I need a cup of coffee to get a cup of coffee, and by the time I leave the room for a flight, I don't have time to drink the lobby coffee since it has to be thrown out in two minutes at the TSA line. Both times I requested a coffee maker I was told they don't provide them because their hotel is "different".
The last time we were there the hotel restaurant was still using covid-style computer tablets for menus, and you get scoffed at if you asked to have a paper menu. And the lights in the guest room were operated from a master console, which for us was complicated to figure out. Again, when we called for help, the front desk seemed oblivious and said no one was available to help.
For us, the Hyatt Regency - also at the airport - and even closer than the Grand Hyatt if you're arriving at Terminal C - is a much friendlier option. It won't show up as one of the best airport hotels in the country, but the rooms are great, the service is sincere, they work much harder than the Grand Hyatt, it's often 1/3 the points that the Grand Hyatt charges for a room, and every room has a coffee maker.
Agreed about the HR, they bend over backwards for their elites much more so than the GH. And the bfast buffet at the HR is the better breakfast option! Very interesting history lesson of Texas if you ever go down to the mtg level & check out the walls
Grand Hyatt SFO still #1. Well said, Ben!
(No love for InterContinental MSP?)
InterContinental at MSP is a below-standard, franchised property. No lounge. No turndown service. No robes and slippers.
No love for the Hyatt Regency MCO? Surely it's #3.
No club lounge, limited amenities and very poor mediocre F&B offerings outside breakfast.
I like the hotel for the reasons stated. On the other hand, I don't like it if I stay there. I've stayed there a few times because of points routing. Flying from the Pacific NW to Europe, especially Northern Europe, I'm not really any closer to my destination after flying 4 hours to DFW. And the one time I flew to ICN stopping in DFW added 8 hours of flying each way. In retrospect, I should have just paid the $6000 for Delta J r/t and not flown to Dallas. Go points!
@ Ben -- The GH SFO is a truly top-notch hotel. I just wish the rooms weren't so small.
Not a fan of the new decor it reminds me of the new AMERICAN airlines lounge renovation
The hotel dining was once excellent
Seems they lost their way since COVID
Breakfast really took a nose dive as did dinner and room service
"incorporates the style of Texas landscape"
Excited to see oil rigs dotting the wallpaper I guess
In the same vein of airport hotels, I still remember you enjoying the Fairmont Vancouver especially with their telescopes! I also remember your stay at the Sofitel Heathrow connected to Terminal 5.
I personally enjoy airport hotels that are connected to the terminal and not by shuttle. The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has some fantastic views of the centre runway and gates 5-9. I've also enjoyed the Crowne Plaza Changi .I've stayed at...
In the same vein of airport hotels, I still remember you enjoying the Fairmont Vancouver especially with their telescopes! I also remember your stay at the Sofitel Heathrow connected to Terminal 5.
I personally enjoy airport hotels that are connected to the terminal and not by shuttle. The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has some fantastic views of the centre runway and gates 5-9. I've also enjoyed the Crowne Plaza Changi .I've stayed at various hotels in Narita, the Hyatt Regency Incheon, Pan Pacific KLIA (now Sama Sama), Novotel Bangkok Airport hotel and none offer the runway or even apron views compared to the former.
I haven't stayed at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport since 2019. I used to stay there when Delta flew to Singapore because the flight from Tokyo-Narita arrived so late at night that it made zero sense to head into Singapore's city center. It was a very nice Crowne Plaza -- almost resort-like. Although if I recall, some hallways were open-air and the IHG recognition was limited. Still, the standard was high. Of course, the problem...
I haven't stayed at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport since 2019. I used to stay there when Delta flew to Singapore because the flight from Tokyo-Narita arrived so late at night that it made zero sense to head into Singapore's city center. It was a very nice Crowne Plaza -- almost resort-like. Although if I recall, some hallways were open-air and the IHG recognition was limited. Still, the standard was high. Of course, the problem is Crowne Plaza as a brand has went pretty downhill. Just like IHG writ large.
I have always loved the hotel for the design, rooms and location. But I had to sit for my surgical oral board exams here in these rooms and now I’m traumatized every time I come through here (even though I passed).