After spending a night at the W Hotel San Diego, I decided to move a bit closer to the bay and spend a night at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. The only Hyatt property I’ve stayed at in the area is the Andaz San Diego, which I quite enjoyed.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is massive, with two huge towers and over 1,600 rooms, so I’ve long avoided it since I’m not really into Vegas-style hotels.
But I figured I might as well check it out for a night, and booked it using a Hyatt “My Elite Rate,” which was $140 for the night. I’m really amazed by how consistently that rate has been available, as it’s an incredible deal, offering 20% off the Hyatt Daily Rate. For reference the Manchester Grand Hyatt is a category five Gold Passport property, making it 20,000 points per night. Paying was clearly the better option in this case.
Anyway, I walked from the W Hotel to the Manchester Grand Hyatt at around 3PM, which was a nice 15 minute walk.
The massive lobby is located between the two towers of the hotel, and the entrance really does feel like a Vegas hotel based on the dozen plus bell carts outside the front door.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego exterior
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego exterior
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego exterior
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego lobby
While there was a short queue for check-in, there was also a Gold Passport Platinum & Diamond line with no wait, so I was quickly helped. The associate checking me in was friendly. He confirmed I’d receive complimentary internet access and Grand Club access as a Gold Passport Diamond member, and offered me my choice of Diamond amenities (I selected the 1,000 points). He also upgraded me to a Premium View King room on a high floor in the Harbor Tower.
The Harbor Tower is located to the left of the lobby, so I headed in that direction towards the elevators.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Harbor Tower entrance
The Harbor Tower has two sets of elevators — one set for guests staying on the 28th floor and below, and one set for guests staying on the 29th floor and above.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Harbor Tower elevators
My room was on the 31st floor, room 3107.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego hallway
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego room entrance
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego floorplan
The room had typical renovated Grand Hyatt decor. It was clear the room was recently renovated, so the decor was almost identical to every Grand Hyatt in the US that I’ve stayed at recently.
The room featured an entryway with the bathroom to the left, and a counter-top of sorts to the right.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room entryway
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room entryway
The room featured a king bed, and couch/daybed… I’m not really sure which it was.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room bed
Then there was a flat screen TV and desk with a comfortable rolling chairs.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room desk and TV
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room sofa
Next to the TV was something that was either a massive throne seat or intended for luggage… or probably both.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room
I loved the views from the room, which faced the bay and marina.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room
The bathroom was typical for a Grand Hyatt as well, and featured a sink, shower-tub combo, and toilet.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room bathroom
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room bathroom
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room shower
The toiletries were June Jacobs branded, which I feel pretty indifferently about. I don’t hate them but also don’t like them in the least. At least it’s not Portico!
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Premium View King room toiletries
Wifi in the room was fast, and I think it’s worth noting that there were plenty of power adapters all over the room, including near the desk and bed. That seems so simple, but it’s an area where other hotels fall short.
One of the most impressive aspects of the hotel was the Grand Club, located on the 33rd floor.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
The Grand Club was huge and also newly renovated, with a variety of seating options.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club
The Grand Club’s hours were as follows:
Soft drinks, coffee, and nuts were available throughout the day.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club drinks
By US standards the Grand Club spread was really impressive I thought. In the evenings from 5-8PM there was cheese, veggies, pasta salad, bread, a variety of bite-sized snacks, and one hot option.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
Wine and beer were available for purchase using the “honor system,” as usual.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club evening spread
The breakfast spread was even more impressive, and served from 7AM till 10AM on weekends. It featured cereal, bread, pastries, cheese, salmon, fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and two hot options.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Grand Club breakfast spread
In terms of the hotel’s facilities, unfortunately the fitness center was closed for renovation, and will remain closed till February 15, 2014. They have an arrangement with the Marriott so that Hyatt guests can use their gym, though that just didn’t seem worth it to me.
The hotel also has two rooftop pools, on the third and fourth floors. The main pool is on the fourth floor, and features a large outside area though not an especially huge pool given how big the deck is.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego pool
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego pool
Meanwhile there was an adults only pool on the third floor, which was a bit nicer.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego adult pool
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego adult pool
I do like the location of the Grand Hyatt since it’s right on the water. Admittedly that’s a really touristy area, but there are great restaurants in the area and I do love the views from there. Generally I don’t like at staying at 1,600+ room hotels, but this was definitely one of the better run “mega” hotels I’ve stayed at. They did a nice job with the renovation, as I really liked the room, even if it was generic. Beyond that, not only was the Grand Club physically beautiful, but for a US lounge it had an impressive breakfast and evening spread.
All else being equal I’d probably return to the Andaz since it’s a bit more “boutique,” but this is definitely a solid option in San Diego.
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