Originally Posted by
SNA_Flyer
I'm not surprised. This reflects the broader issues facing San Francisco. The Union Square, Market Street, and SoMa areas have become increasingly lawless and unsafe, driving away travelers and shoppers. As a result, retail businesses have left in large numbers, hotels are struggling to maintain occupancy, and some—like the Hilton, Parc 55, and HR Soma—are defaulting on their loans. This hotel is choosing to cut services to Hyatt Place levels to survive. While new elected officials are working to address these challenges, it will take time for the city to recover.
I stayed here a couple of nights over NYE. I was glad the protesters were gone, but sad to see the lounge closed. Breakfast in the restaurant was meh. I used to hold this hotel in high regard - I don't any longer.
Hyatt can't afford to go down the route of Marriott and let the hotel owners act with impunity with regard to brand standards. I have a feeling this hotel is not long for the Hyatt world.
You know, this reflects the conventional wisdom about San Francisco, which I found to be incorrect when I was there. In contrast to all the doom and gloom stories, the only part I found true was the excessive closure of stores and businesses. Otherwise, it was much improved from earlier visits: far cleaner, fewer people lying around, in better repair. I didn't notice any evident crime wave, and the BART station finally didn't smell like pee.
Too bad about this lounge. The views were the real reason to visit. Maybe they should re-brand it and return it to being the Hyatt on Union Square again. That would make more sense, anyway. Just a vanilla "Hyatt."