Best value in San Francisco is the Regency SFO at 8k (actually one of the best values systemwide) , followed by the Regency Downtown at 15k. Rates fluctuate heavily in San Francisco, so you might want to double-check whether it makes sense to use points, rates at the Regency and Grand Downtown fall to the mid 100's in off-season, but can also easily be in excess of $400. All things considered, the Regency is the place to go in town, but all three hotels are not really known for great suites. Saving points for a stay at the Highlands Inn (25k) in Carmel is also an option.
Using points in LA is not really an option, first and foremost there is no Hyatt in the Downtown area of Los Angeles and the ones closer to Hollywood are overpriced at 20K (Century City+Andaz) The only good option is the Regency Valencia, close to an hour north of Downtown at 8k (no club lounge) Personally, I always liked the Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks, very calm and leafy neighborhood, but also close to an hour away.
I strongly suggest renting a car, the best hotel in the area is very likely the Resort at Huntington Beach, but again an hour away this time to the south.
2 days at Huntington Beach + 2 days at the Park Aviara north of San Diego might offer the best combination of good hotels and good locations to get you started (with a car)