In January I decided to take a trip to San Francisco just to get away for a few days. Luckily, one of my best friends lives in San Jose, only a short car ride away. My original planned date was President's weekend in February when California ended up getting torrential downpours, hurricane winds, and flooding all over the state. That was when I changed my plans and decided to stay close to home and did a night at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach which was beyond phenomenal. So, two weekends ago I finally got to make my long awaited trip to San Francisco a reality. I booked a room at the Grand Hyatt Union Square in downtown San Francisco and made the long trek up there.
Los Angeles traffic always being what it is (Sig-alerts and all kinds of crazy things happening), it took me longer than anticipated to get into San Francisco. When I got into downtown, it was a madhouse. I didn't know it at the time, but the whole city had been without power from 9:00 am to just a little bit before I got there. The traffic was crazy. If you have ever driven in San Francisco before, you know that one way streets are their signature layout. With GPS in the car, it's usually an easy thing to navigate. With the power having just returned, everyone was panicky and lights were flashing red all over the city. I finally got to the front of the hotel and there is NO turnout for valet. It's a lane on the street in front of the hotel. That's it. You miss it (like I did) and you get taken around another block or so of one way streets to get back to the front of the hotel; the only entrance. When I finally made it up there I thought to myself, "With the extravagant valet fees they charge ($67 a night), there should be a better system." That being said, the valet attendants were right on top of it: no waiting; they grab your bags immediately, give you your ticket, and you are on your way. They are seasoned veterans and know just how to get you up to the curb and get your car out of the way quickly.
Getting to check in was quite the whirlwind, but I was able to stop and take a breath while standing in the quick line. Check in was also fast. Their front desk area is set up more like an Apple store with many sleek and streamlined tables for each individual instead of one long check in counter, but they were quick and efficient, even offering me a bottle of water. I was off to my room in no time.
Finding my room was easy; opening the door was not. (They have a keyless entry that works great but the door handle is a little hard to push down). The room was very modern and really nice. There was a huge flat screen TV, nice sitting area, a vanity table outside the bathroom, and a really fancy looking, modern bathroom sink that was more of a elongated deep plate than a bowl. My favorite part: an automatic shade that can be operated from both sides of the bed and the front door. However, I paid an extra $30 a night for a city view. When I think of city view, I think a view of the actual city, not of the building next door. I was disappointed and called up to the front desk to talk to them about it. This is something I NEVER do. But when you are paying $60 plus taxes for something you aren't really getting, you make an effort. They offered to move me to a higher floor, but it would be facing the same building. I ended up taking a credit for $30 for at least one of the nights. My suggestion for anyone wanting a city view is to skip the "city view" and spring for the Union Square view.
Having recently stayed in the Hyatt in Huntington Beach and realizing they had wonderful options for room dining on a gluten free diet, I was severely disappointed that this Hyatt didn't have the same. No gluten free options at all, except one dish on the kids menu. Since I got there later than planned, I walked around Union Square for a bit and then just ordered in room to rest up for the next day. Sadly, I ended up paying $40 (salad, drink, delivery, tip, etc.) for a Cobb salad that had just lettuce, a chicken breast, avocado, and egg. It was the only meal I ate from the hotel. Luckily I always come prepared and I had instant GF oatmeal with me. I called down to the front desk and had them send up some water and a tea kettle. Breakfast handled.
The only other complaint I have about the hotel was the noise. The windows are not insulated the way an expensive city hotel should be. I was next to the ocean during a horrible storm in Huntington and could barely hear what was going on out there. This hotel allowed you to hear pretty much everything going on down on the street (and I was 17 floors up). The toilets were also so loud that every time my neighbor flushed, it was a jolt to my senses, actually waking me up from a dead sleep the first night.
Overall, it was a great hotel. The staff was absolutely amazing. They were quick, thoughtful, and so nice. Everything you asked for you got. I was most impressed with the valet service. If you are looking for something in the heart of the city that is really nice and accommodates your every need, I highly suggest it. Just bring ear plugs.
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