Perfect location across from the Ferry Building
We recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency for a family vacation. We booked 2 rooms and were upgraded to the 17th floor, with magnificent views of the Bay Bridge from one room, and the waterfront and Ferry Building from the other room. Our rooms were modern and clean, if oddly shaped. The sleeping quarters were not large, but there was enough room for a desk, large TV (on the wall) and a sofa/chaise. My parents lucked out and got a room with a huge balcony, complete with deck chairs for lounging.The bathrooms were roomy, and the kids loved the tv screen embedded in the bathroom mirror. There was an iPod dock for charging our phones and plenty of spare outlets (at desk level) for charging the rest of our electronic gear. I can't tell you how many times at other hotels I have had to move beds or dressers hunting for an outlet in which to plug my computer or phone charger. The only problem with the room is the lack of a digital thermostat. Getting the room the right temperature using a hot/cold switch and some fan settings is a bit antiquated in this day and age.
The Regency Club on the 18th floor has amazing 360 degree views of the city, and they really put out the spread for their club members (continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, dessert in the evening, massage chairs, board games and free wi-fi). I wish the Regency Club still revolved, but I was told that they stopped that some 5 years ago.
The location was right in the Embarcadero, which means the Ferry Building is right across the street; the Bart stop is also right across the street; and the cable car stop is just outside the lobby. So we were essentially able to use the hotel as a home base from which to see the rest of the city.
The lobby is cavernous. We took plenty of photos of the large sculpture and hanging lights inside the space. The kids were happy to find several hands-on exhibits from the Exploratorium. They couldn't get enough of those. The only drawback to the amenities was the lack of a swimming pool.
The staff was unfailingly polite and helpful, from check-in to check-out. We had a little hiccup with access to the Regency Club, but we were able to iron all that out quickly and efficiently. Staff can really make or break a hotel stay, and I thought the staff at the Hyatt lived up to the hotel's star level (and then some).