There aren’t a lot of hotels in San Francisco with a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi in a private courtyard setting.
Nor are there many where diners have use of free iPads and private televisions during their meal.
Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf offers both of those distinctive perks, and plenty more.
On a recent visit to the 313-room hotel -- which is blessed by one of San Francisco’s most enviable locations -- I was able to savor its unique selling points while enjoying the results of its recent $6 million renovation.
A Warm Welcome
The check-in process set the tone for the entire stay. Thanks to the low pod-like design of the front desk, the service felt intimate while highly efficient. The renovated lobby looks great with smooth white leather walls offset by a welcoming fireplace, and its new business center stands ready with two computer terminals with printer services.
My room, fresh from the renovation, echoed the lobby’s contemporary residential mood with its signature Hyatt Grand Bed, workstation with ergonomically designed chair, wi-fi access and 32-inch flat-screen LCD television. Just down the hall from my room was the newly expanded fitness center, open round-the-clock with cardio machines, yoga mats and weights.
While San Francisco is chock-full of amazing restaurants, I was too tired from my travels to venture out on my first evening. Happily, the Hyatt’s full-service restaurant -- Knuckles at the Wharf -- stood ready to please. A classy sports-oriented gathering place with big screens over the bar, it specializes in comfort food and barbecue dishes. But what really won me over was what awaited in my booth: a personal TV and iPad for my entertainment and planning pleasure.
Next to Knuckles is the new Enoteca Musto, a classy club-like lounge with California wines and small plates of artisan cheeses, cured meats and local seasonal products.
When It’s Time To Do Business
Marianne Milton, director of sales and marketing for Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, told me that 23 percent of the hotel’s market is comprised of business travelers. For them, the property stands ready with 19,000 square feet of function space and 6,696 square feet of pre-function space including 16 meeting rooms. Skylights give the ballroom a bright airy ambiance, and a fountain and fireplace create a mood at once sophisticated and relaxing.
The hotel also can host exclusive outdoor poolside functions, complete with thematic menus and décor.
For clients doing business off-property, the Hyatt is located just minutes from the city’s financial district. On weekdays, clients can zip from the hotel to downtown meetings and appointments courtesy of free car service.
With business travelers in mind, the hotel recently introduced a new Hyatt Gold Passport program called Possibilities. Guests get 10,000 bonus points after staying five nights and 5,000 bonus points for every two nights after that. The promotion runs through June 30, 2011.
Location, Location, Location
Since I was playing tourist in San Francisco, I loved the hotel’s proximity to the coveted waterfront. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Web site SFGate.com, Fisherman’s Wharf drew 12 million visitors in 2010, making it the city’s top destination.
Just a few steps from the hotel took me to the heart of the wharf action, from restaurants selling fish and chips and chowder to street performers, bay cruises, souvenir shops, the aquarium, the wax museum, people-watching and beautiful views of the bay.
Better yet, the Hyatt provides the perfect location for sightseeing the rest of the city. Nearby attractions include the Mason/Powell Cable Cars, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and North Beach.
Additionally, the hotel is ideally situated near pharmacies, grocery stores, espresso shops and plenty of restaurants and nightlife.
When the sightseeing got the better of me, I retreated to the hotel. There, in that one-of-a-kind heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, I reflected on the day’s excursions and rejuvenated the mind and body for adventures to come in the City by the Bay.
The Details
Hyatt At Fisherman's Wharf
www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com
Nightly Rates: From $179-$399 through 2011.
Commission: 10 percent
Packages
-Amour Romance: breakfast for two, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, turndown service and late check-out (from $239 per night).
-Awaken: breakfast for two ($219).
-Balance Relaxation: breakfast for two and valet parking ($239).
-Explore: two cable car passes for unlimited one-day use ($214).
