Weekend Getaway: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Last updated on August 15, 2026
With its prime location on the waterfront, expansive bay views and proximity to the city’s popular attractions, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is an ideal hotel for families visiting the Bay Area!
San Francisco Waterfront Hotel
Featuring sweeping views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a great place to call home base on your next trip to Bay Area.
My son and I spent three fantastic nights here on our recent trip to San Francisco. We could not have asked for a better stay! Although the hotel opened in the early 1970s, it remains gorgeous and contemporary, all while holding on to a little bit of that retro charm.
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco has a dramatic 17-story atrium lobby (it is literally the world’s largest hotel lobby), fantastic restaurant, and – if you are so inclined to upgrade – a Club Level that offers breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres with an honor bar, and nighttime desserts.
It was great to not only be able to start our day with a quick and convenient continental breakfast, but also end it with a relaxing glass of wine (for me) and hot cocoa (my son) and cookies overlooking San Francisco Bay. I learned that in its early days, what is now the Club level on the top floor actually used to be a revolving bar. While it no longer revolves, the views remain spectacular!
Hyatt Regency San Francisco At-A-Glance
- Ideally located on the Embarcadero
- Many rooms have views of the water and Bay Bridge
- A variety of room sizes and floor plans
- Business Center
- Club Level
- Car rental desk onsite
- No pool
- Pets are welcome
- 24-hour fitness center
- Several restaurants and lounges
- Close to shopping, restaurants, attractions and transportation
Transportation Options
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco sports easy access to all transportation; the cable cars, F-line street cars, BART and ferry are all steps away!
There is a stop for the cable cars’ California line right outside the hotel, as well as the F-line street cars, where you can catch a ride to Fisherman’s Wharf. The Embarcadero BART station is right outside the doors, and you can cross the street to the Ferry Building to catch the San Francisco Ferry for a day trip to Oakland.
As far as access to public transportation, I dare say the Hyatt Regency San Francisco has the most and best options nearby!
Rooms at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco has 821 rooms, including 45 suites, many with balconies and/or water views.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s new King Water View rooms. These rooms are only 185-square feet in size, and perfect for two people max. The room may sound small, but with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay and historic Ferry Building and a surprisingly spacious bathroom, the size was not an issue for us at all! (Trust me, we’ve taken lots of cruises and this room was grand compared to cruise ship cabins!)
Although the room is compact, the space is designed with thoughtful and unique storage solutions, including under-bed drawers, an open closet, ample shelving and a luggage bench that doubles as seating.
What makes these rooms even more special is that they are chock full of smart technology! The Hyatt’s new rooms include a 65” flat-screen TV (compared to 47” TVs in the hotel’s traditional rooms), Alexa voice-controlled thermostat, lighting, and blackout curtains, Google Chromecast and more! A virtual concierge with streamlined voice command allows you to easily contact room service, the valet or front desk.
As a fun added bonus, these waterfront rooms feature binoculars and a selfie stick to help make the most of the view!
Obviously, these rooms are not for everyone, especially if you are traveling with your whole family! Need more space? Other room options include standard king or two double bed rooms, each around 385 square feet in size. Balcony rooms are also available!
No matter which room you choose, all come with a refrigerator, coffee maker, deluxe bath amenities, and access to concierge service.
Dining
Located in the hotel’s soaring lobby, the Eclipse Kitchen & Bar offers an array of California cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. The Eclipse bar offers daily happy hour with seasonal cocktails and bar bites.
The Market serves a variety of options that will please most diets, from vegan to vegetarian to meat lovers. Beverages are also sold, including beer, wine, soda, water, tea, as well as coffee, lattes and cappuccinos.
Holidays at the Hyatt Regency
In addition to its gorgeous Christmas tree and festive lights and decorations, during the holiday season the hotel has a daily snowfall in the atrium lobby. Snow falls three times a day, near the front desk, at 1, 6, and 8 p.m. every day.
Ice skating is also an option if you are visiting during the holidays! The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency and across from San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building.
► Planning a family vacation to San Francisco? Check out these top things to do in San Francisco with kids and teens.
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The hotel has an excellent location on the Embarcadero! If the weather is not cooperating or you are short on time, there is also a fitness center off the hotel lobby. some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com only recommends products and companies that we use and love! Thank you for sharing.