Hyatt hotel for 3 night stay

Question

First time visitor, July 12 to 15. Staying at Hyatt on points and trying to decide between Grand Hyatt on Stockton or Hyatt Place on 3rd Street. Which would you choose? The Regency downtown and Centric at Fishermans Warf are not available. Thank you in advance for your reply.

Answer

Great question — both hotels have pros, but for a first-time, three-night stay in San Francisco (July 12–15), I lean toward the Grand Hyatt on Stockton Street / Union Square, and here’s why, plus a few trade-offs. Then I’ll compare it with the Hyatt Place on 3rd Street so you can pick what fits your travel style best.

Why I’d choose Grand Hyatt (Stockton / Union Square):

Prime central location: The Grand Hyatt is right in the heart of Union Square, one of San Francisco’s most iconic and walkable districts. From there, you're a very short walk to high-end shopping, theaters, Chinatown, and the Powell Street cable cars.
Upscale amenities and feel: This is a full-service, upscale Hyatt. The rooms are large, modern (renovated), and many offer city or bay views. There is a 24-hour fitness center and good in-hotel dining (OneUP Lounge, etc.)
Walking convenience: Because of its location, you can easily walk to major tourist spots, restaurants, and shops without relying heavily on transit — great for a first-time visitor wanting to soak in the city. Reviewers frequently cite how walkable and convenient the location is.

Trade-offs / potential downsides for Grand Hyatt:

Cost on cash nights: While you’re using points, this is a premium property, so it may require more points than other Hyatt options. (Just something to keep in mind for point budgeting.)
Garaging / parking: Parking in Union Square is notoriously expensive / limited, so if you’re driving in the city, it could be a hassle. (Many SF hotels don’t offer cheap or on-site parking.)
No ultra-boutique “local vibe”: While centrally located, it’s very much a big-brand, business / tourist hotel rather than a small, boutique hideaway.

Now, about the Hyatt Place (3rd Street):

More modern, but more basic: Hyatt Place is more of a mid-tier, functional hotel — clean and comfortable, but not quite “luxury.” Reviews cite good service, but some mention noise (thin walls) and less sophistication than the Grand Hyatt.
Location advantages: At 701 3rd Street, it's in the SoMa / downtown area. This means good access to modern neighborhoods, the Embarcadero, Yerba Buena Gardens, and possibly easier transit to certain business / convention areas.
Parking concerns: According to reviews, parking is limited and relies on nearby garages, which may be pricey.
Value proposition: Because it's a simpler property, you might get more “bang for your points” if the cash rate is lower, but it depends heavily on how Hyatt is pricing for your dates.

My recommendation:

Pick Grand Hyatt (Union Square) if: you want a central, walkable base; prefer a more polished, full-service stay; and plan to spend your time exploring the main tourist districts.
Consider Hyatt Place (3rd Street) if: you're okay with a more straightforward hotel, want slightly different neighborhood access (SoMa / Embarcadero), and might prioritize saving some points or cash.

Given it's your first time in SF and you're staying three nights, I think the Grand Hyatt gives you the best “classic San Francisco” experience, both in location and comfort. But either is a solid choice, depending on your priorities.

Hyatt hotel for 3 night stay

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