Tarmac Views at the Grand Hyatt at SFO

Airport hotels are all about convenience. They make flights that take off long before the sun comes up, easier to bear. But sleeping in a hotel close to the airport rarely comes with bragging rights; guests must often give up luxury and amenities for the perk of proximity. But not in San Francisco. Grand Hyatt at SFO, the only on-airport hotel, provides travelers with thoughtful amenities and stellar convenience.

With an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of San Francisco International Airport, the lobby provides a fun glimpse of what’s waiting for guests in the property’s 351 rooms and suites. Located on the fourth floor, the lobby and adjacent sitting area offers an ideal spot for plane spotting.

Even-numbered rooms look out at the international terminal. Odd-numbered rooms have views of the freeways and mountains. I’ve stayed in both, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either. Odd-numbered rooms may not look directly at the airport, but you’ll still see planes leaving and approaching the airport. All rooms and suites boast triple-pane, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow soaring scenery and natural light to fill the room, but keep sound out.

Opened in 2019, the Grand Hyatt at SFO was built and designed with the modern traveler in mind. Guest rooms have a sleek, but still inviting feel. Electric outlets with USB ports are abundant and within easy reach. Along with a refrigerator, rooms feature a Nespresso machine and tea kettle. Sensor activated night lights are strategically placed below beds and bathroom sinks, ready to light the way when you need them.

You’ll wish you were staying longer when you get your first peek at the spa-like bathroom. Walk-in showers and soaking tubs – some with tarmac views – offer a chance to destress and pamper yourself. Suites feature Toto Washlet toilets with warm seats and lids that lift automatically when you approach.

Whether you’re arriving late or leaving early, try to steal a moment to appreciate the hotel’s art collection. Developed in collaboration with the San Francisco Arts Commission, there are 16 works spread throughout the property. 

Grand Hyatt at SFO is connected to all airport terminals with its own dedicated AirTrain station. On my most recent stay, it took just 18 minutes to go from the hotel lobby to the boarding gate. On a previous stay, it took just 13 minutes.

The pandemic has impacted day-to-day operations at the property. Face coverings are required in all public areas. Guests are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and stay at least six feet apart from others. Elevators are limited to four people at a time.

The onsite restaurant, bar and Grand Club Lounge are closed. The 24-hour Market, located on the fourth floor is operating with a small menu including pizza, sandwiches and salads, along with a selection of hot breakfast options. The fitness center is open, but limited to five people at a time. Face masks are required at all times.

To ease travel to Hawaii and international destinations, the Grand Hyatt at SFO offers the Rest, Test & Go package. It includes accommodations and rapid COVID-19 testing in the International Terminal at SFO. Package rates start at $439 per night. Additional guests sharing the same room can purchase tests for $260 each.

King standard rooms at the Grand Hyatt at SFO start at $179.00, Runway View King Bed rooms start at $229.00. The starting rate for a Junior Suite with a King Bed is $354. You can compare rates at a site like Hotels.com or Expedia and book through there as well.

Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by the Grand Hyatt at SFO, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.