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

Good question. Both hotels you’re considering are solid choices, but they offer quite different vibes and trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide between Grand Hyatt San Francisco (Stockton / Union Square) vs Hyatt Place San Francisco / Downtown (3rd Street / SoMa).

Location & Walkability: - Grand Hyatt (Union Square): Very central — essentially in the heart of Union Square. Easy walking access to shopping, restaurants, Chinatown, and major tourist areas. - Hyatt Place (3rd St): Located in SoMa, near Oracle Park and close to Moscone Center. Good for exploring that part of downtown, but less walkable to Union Square or “touristy” districts.
Hotel Style & Comfort: - Grand Hyatt: Upscale / more premium. Large rooms, modern decor, good amenities, and a very polished feel. - Hyatt Place: More of a “practical” mid-tier stay. Clean, efficient, includes a sofa bed in some rooms (helpful if needed).
Noise and Safety Considerations: - Grand Hyatt: Generally well-reviewed for sound insulation and “useful but not flashy” stays. However, there are some notes from recent guests about strikes / protests outside that could create noise during the day. - Hyatt Place: Guests have mentioned thin walls and street noise. The SoMa area is more of a business / convention district, so parts may feel a bit quieter in the evenings, but some reviews warn about “areas west of the hotel” being less desirable.
Transit & Getting Around: - Grand Hyatt: Very walkable to public transit (Muni / BART) because of its central Union Square location. - Hyatt Place: Also well-connected — close to light rail / bus stops.
Parking / Driving: - Grand Hyatt: Parking in Union Square is notoriously expensive / limited. (Reddit users note expensive garage rates.) - Hyatt Place: Limited on-site parking; guests often use a nearby garage but cost and availability are issues.
Value for Points / Budget: - Grand Hyatt: More of a luxury / premium Hyatt. If using points, it will likely “feel” more like a splurge. - Hyatt Place: More budget-friendly and feels practical if you plan to be out and about a lot. Offers decent value for downtown stays without the frills.

Recommendation:

If you want to be right in the heart of the tourist action — shopping, Union Square, Chinatown — and don’t mind paying a bit more (or using more points) for a fancier hotel, go with the Grand Hyatt. If you’re looking for a clean, functional base with a slightly quieter, more business-district feel, and you’re okay being a little further from the “iconic tourist spots,” the Hyatt Place is a great choice.