SFO update
 

Just completed a stay here 1/6/06
Items to note
1-Parking is now $17.00(OUCH !!!)
2-RC club closed till 1/10
3-Knuckles closed till 1/20
4-remodeling the front desk area

While they are remodeling the front desk they could remodel all the rooms too! These are getting quite tired. RC was nice when I was there around Dec 15th but like the OP stated it was closing until January the day after we were there. Don't think I'd stay here if I could find a way to make downtown work. Oh, avoid the buffet - very ho hum.

Hyatt Regency strip mall (yes, named after the hotel) is right across the street with cinema/shops/open parking for free.

I wouldn't do the parking for free there if you are staying at the hotel. They got posted warnings.

Given that the rooms had a soft upgrade recently, I doubt you're going to see any major room renovations any time soon.

They basically upgraded the bedding, added some bolsters and decorative pillows, maybe redid some of the carpeting.

-David

meanwhile the rates are $170+ almost every night, so they must still be doing well.

There is on street parking on the side street just (half block) north of the hotel. For those of you geographically challenged, make a left out of the hotel driveway and another left at the next sidestreet.

If you really need to park to unload luggage, there is free 20 minute parking on the hotel grounds along the curb that is just outside the side exit that is closest to the parking garage (near the elvators).

Update
 

Stayed there last night (1/11). RC is open as well as Knuckles. Still remodeling the front desk area.

Hyatt SFO mini report
 

Stayed one night this week.

Hotel looks nicer on the outside than on the inside. Essentially a glorified Embassy Suites (you know, with a 9 story innter atrium), small rooms, and without the usual ES suites.

Half the rooms look into the atrium, the others face outwards.

Bedding was Holiday Inn style: thin, short sheets!

Private gym on Regency Club floor.

Regency club was nice, wide expansive views looking north to the airport and the city in the distance.

Wireless internet in the rooms. Free wired access at every table in the RC (nice).

Usual Diamond amenities. I took the points.

Overall, an average Hyatt, with a nice staff.

I stay often at this hotel. The manager is working very hard to improve service and has been doing a good job. I always request a king room on the RC floor. Thr king rooms have a small sofa as well as a comfortable chair.
I'm surprised at the bedding problem. I thought all the rooms have the "Heavenly bed" which we like and have gone so far as to identify the bed with thoughts of getting one for home.
A good rumor from one of the employees is that Scalinis will reopen in about a month. This was a great restaurant but closed after 9-11.
Bob