Hyatt Gold Passport - Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad REVIEW - MASTER THREAD

While the previous Upcoming thread had this property on watch for years, it appears to finally be open. I am going to take a stay here next week, but did not know if anyone has already had a chance to try the property.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hyatt-place-san-diegovista-carlsbad-celebrates-official-opening-2012-07-10

Opened July 10th, 2012

Of course, this property is not to be confused with the Hyatt House nearby.

I did not realize how new it was until I started trying to figure out why I had not heard of this property before. I looked for another thread, but did not see one.

Rasheed

Well, I visted this property last weekend, here are some notes:

GP Notes: There is really not much recognition of status at HP properties as most already know. There are 'studio' rooms which are slightly different in style than the non-studio rooms, but otherwise you should know what to expect for a HP.

Review: This property at the time of my visit was open less than a month. The area surrounding is filled with lower/mid-tier chain hotels, so it fits in quite well. With HP's upgraded breakfast offering, it fits in well, and I think offers a decent alternative to the CY, HI, and other chains in the region. In the past, I have only visited renovated properties that were turned into HPs, this was my first one that was built as a HP. In general, some good layout including a massive flat-screen that can rotate to either the sofa-bed or regular bed and good wet bar area with a minifridge. The concept of a walk-in shower is great, but I think there is something wrong with how the handles are set on the sliding doors and the door between the bathroom and sink area seems awkward. A walk-in shower is by far better than the tub option. While one might think it would take awhile for a new property to get to high occupancy, my visit was very crowded with folks on vacation with their families. This location also has a pool, exercise area, and a decent lobby. Still, the HP sign on the back of the building was already partially non-functional so there are the construction punch list defects.

The breakfast service was good within the HP standard. Is it just me, but I am not really capable pouring the milk/juice/water from the HP-issued pitcher under the protection glass (and taking out of the glass area is hard too). I do like the new hot options, and the staff is accomodating to making special versions if needed.

Nearby: There is a relatively new shopping plaza with a Stater Bros and Trader Joes (both are recommended and were recently ranked top 10 supermarket chains in the nation). That plaza has a bunch of experimental Chipotle-like chains, but applied to different foods like salads, kabobs, Indian food, etc. There is also an Elevation Burger which you can research what that is all about. Most people staying here are coming for work purposes or Legoland. I do not recommend it for people who want to spend most of their time in San Diego city proper, but a San Diego day trip is fine too.

Getting There: Really, does not have good interstate/freeway access. You will have to drive a few miles on city streets to get regardless. There is an airport nearby, but I suspect very few people would land at that airport typically.

Rasheed

I recently stayed here for 3 nights over a weekend and I would rate it as an excellent Hyatt Place! Probably the best HP experience I have had chain-wide thus far. It was great AAA rate as well.

Highlight was the excellent service and great attitude from all employees. Breakfast experience was wonderful. Lots of food, frequently replenished, quick clean up

Wish all HP's were run this well!!

Stayed there last weekend. Excellent Hyatt Place. Wonderful management and staff. Excellent recognition of diamond status. Tried very hard to find the best room available. Very early check-in and no problem. Will definitely stay again.

Best HP I've stayed in, not that I admit staying in HPs.

I need to book 5 nights for my family at this Hyatt Place and am utterly confused about the room descriptions; they all seem generically written. We need the biggest room possible, what do you recommend?

Is a "Studio King" bigger than a "King Bed" room? Should we go with an ADA King room? If so, should get a tub or the shower option.

Ugh, they make it so difficult sometimes to tell the room sizes and amenities apart.

Thanks for any help!