Introduction

Last year, I selfishly proclaimed that the Grand Hyatt at SFO was probably one of the best airport hotels in the world right now. In fact, If I had a somewhat long layover at the airport or near SF, I’d actually recommend taking the Grand Hyatt SFO as an alternative rather than a lounge, since the food and service is 100% better, and the hotel has day rates that one can use to brush up or rest up on. In addition, the quality of food at night is even better now! Well, I’m back for a 2nd time a year later, and wanted to see how it stacked up!

The Grand Hyatt SFO is currently a Category 5 World of Hyatt property, meaning that a free night here costs 20,000+ World of Hyatt points, which is kinda steep, but given the pricing for this hotel has been short of astronomical, points actually make for good use here on a busy season, especially when rates during my check-in were around $450-500 a night!

Check-In

Given I had arrived directly from SFO after my trip to Singapore, I was able to take the Air-tram directly from the International terminal to the hotel. It’s pretty much a 4 minute train ride from terminal to the hotel, which is awesome. A simple escalator down and you’re immediately guided into the hotel check-in, which is a nice touch. Do note if you’re checking in from the typical lobby, it’s actually reversed, which is a slight trek to the front desk, but the bellhops are more than happy to assist with your luggage.

Check-in was easy, and as a Globalist member, I was entitled to free breakfast, 4pm checkout, free valet parking, club lounge access. Given I was already upgraded via our booking, I preferred an early check-in, to which the agent gladly obliged. Mind you, the hotel was sold out on that day, so even this gesture was fantastic and a massive service win for this hotel. So far, so good!

Corner King | Rm 1021

Similar to last time, the hotel provides two water cans (not bottles) that one can easily replenish with a dial of 0 to the front desk. There is an iHome next to the bed acts as as charger and a sound system. The wall outlets were next to the bed and offered a plethora of outlets, which was fantastic. In addition, there are light sensors under the bed, which has been a nice addition to all the latest hotels - its fantastic if you get up during the middle of the night and don’t want to wake up the missus or the kids.

The bed remains top notch and I was able to fall asleep within minutes at night. There is a working desk with plugs built into the floor. Overall hard product remains relatively strong and looks brand new. Inside the closet was another space to store luggage, along with another set of bathrobe, ironer and a foam roller, which is always a plus when stretching out those muscles after a long flight. Lots of charging ports can be found all across the room, so no need to worry about charging your backpack’s worth of electronics!

All the necessities were there - from Nespresso machines to free bottled waters in reusable metal bottles to mini fridges, business and leisure travelers can rest well knowing that the hotel also provides comfy slippers, bathrobes and a few extra towels.

Dining

There are several dining options on property depending on what type of meal you’re looking for. Here is how Hyatt described them:

Quail + Crane Restaurant | Open from 6:00am to 11:00am for breakfast; 5pm to 10:30pm for dinner daily. Reservations are recommended, though I don’t really see a need for it on the weekdays.

Twin Crafts Bar | Open daily from 4:30PM to 11PM. (Great place to unwind)

Twin Crafts Market | Open 24 hours daily, and for added convenience, we also offer “Market to-go” delivery directly to your room.

Grand Club | Grand Hyatt at SFO

It would seem like the Grand Club this time around was a bit more quiet - perhaps the timing was more on the offseason? Nevertheless, it still represents itself as a fantastic club lounge option.

The Grand Club offers a series of selections from 5-7pm for small bites and drinks (honor bar system) and 7-9 pm with a series of small desserts and snacks. During the day, you can come in for snacks and drinks, and it was quite empty during my visit.

Honor Bar: 5-9pm
Hors D’oeuvres: 5-7pm
After Dinner Treats: 7-9pm

Like last year, the food spread was fantastic and had a variety of items that ranged from sushi to tonkatsu to salads. There were only a couple of guests that came in and out, but as always - the space is so nice. Overall, this has to be one of the best Grand Hyatt clubs and of any in the US market. The coffee machine there is quite fantastic as well!

Twin Crafts Market

This time around, I spent a bit more time at their more casual dining option, Twins Craft Market. Located on the 4th level where the lobby and bar is, they supply one of the very best amount of grab-n-go options, as well as bar menu food, which is actually restaurant quality! This almost felt like a Target to me! I had their cookies, along with a coffee and breakfast items, to which all were superb. This was a fantastic option and a great place for those looking to get snacks, drinks or some toiletries along the way. I’d honestly say the food here gives other hotel restaurants a run for their money.

If you’re opting to relax and enjoy a drink or food with friends and family, there are plenty of seating that range from comfortable couches to communal tables.

Conclusion

If you are transiting or resting up at SFO, I’d go straight for the Grand Hyatt SFO with urgency. Even a year later, and the food, hard product and service is impeccable.

Gorgeous airport views, fantastic hard product, amazing dining and drinks service and a spectacular staff team makes this a must-have for those with a long layover in San Francisco. There’s so much to enjoy about this hotel, from the plane spotting activities in your room to the satisfying Grand Club lounge. Once again, I highly recommend this hotel to those with the points or the budget permitted.