Yes I have read all the threads and some online reviews, but wanted everyone’s opinion. The Grand Hyatt is a whopping 29,000 points, while the Hyatt regency SFO is just 15,000 points and I could use a 1-4 certificate (interestingly enough cash prices are only like $150 apart, both over $500).

Arriving at 11 PM from PHX and the flight is noon the next day to Asia… would probably spend the morning relaxing at the hotel as I’d assume it’s more comfortable than the centurion lounge. 15,000 points is worth like $240 to me which is pretty steep, but not having to take the shuttle that runs every 15 minutes (although traveling light, no bags to check in) and potentially having runway views to plane spot sound good. I’ve read the crab omelette is no longer available at the Hyatt regency.

Thoughts from anyone who’s stayed at both?

Getting in that late I’d choose the grand Hyatt every time. I’ve only stayed at the grand Hyatt when leaving early so I’ve never even had the breakfast but it’s so worth the convenience. Every time I’ve arrived that late I’m grateful to be a few stops on the air train to the hotel vs being at the mercy of a hotel shuttle.

I have stayed at both. Fond of both properties. With a late arrival, I choose Grand Hyatt SFO every time. The peace of mind is worth it. Safe travels.

Check the Airtrain schedule as quite often the red line does not operate late at night requiring a journey to the car rental station and back to get to the Grand Hyatt.
(Would always do the GH for a later arrival, none the less, although the price is significantly higher than the HR on most dates.)

Admittedly I have not stayed at the GH, but this debate feels very similar to the GH DFW vs. HR DFW, where the former is almost always way more expensive on points than the other and only moderately more convenient. Which is why I have never been able to justify the GH at either airport. I've only stayed at the HR SFO once, but recall the shuttle working smoothly and on time in both directions.

Personally, the ability to use a cat 1-4 cert on a >$500 one night stay that I needed to have anyway would be reason enough to choose the HR.

GH every single time. Not even a second thought for me.

HR is a sub-par property and the wait for the shuttle pick-up can be a real drag, especially late at night.

I've not yet stayed at the GH, but have been staying at the HR since 2010 and I would tend to choose the GH for your particular scenario. With a late arrival, the last thing I would want to do is have to wait for the shuttle, especially if you get delayed, etc. The HR is comfortable, and I've never had a bad stay, but recent issues surrounding the lounge, the age of the property, etc., would make me choose the GH if you don't mind the higher rate.

Appreciate everyone’s intelligent comments, GH it is! Will be compatible with JAL J experience the next day. Looking forward to the spam friend rice.

It’s just that this hotel costs as much as Andaz fifth Avenue NYC London or Great Scotland Yard london, so had to ask…

It's one of the nicest Hyatts in the US.

I'm not saying I laughed out loud, but I did giggle and smile. I see a new post in the AA SLS thread coming!

I've never stayed at the GH SFO, but have stayed at the HR SFO several times (and have a couple of upcoming GH SFO stays booked at the previous Cat 5 points rates).

I don't necessarily disagree with any of the above (and don't really have a basis for doing so, given that I have not yet stayed at the GH).

But just wanted to note that of course you could skip the wait for the shuttle to the HR by taking a $15–20 Lyft (which I recognize may also involve a bit of a wait, but usually no longer than the wait for the Airtrain, especially late at night). The HR has its downsides but I have found the elite recognition generally to be good (upgraded to at least the business suite every visit but my first visit, although you may have to ask on the app or at check-in), breakfast is decent even without the crab omelette, and great views of aircraft approaching 28L/R (even better if you're willing to go across the street). The real kicker, though, as OP and krazykanuck flagged, is being able to burn a Cat 1-4 certificate, which I otherwise have a hard time using. So if the effective points difference is 0 points vs. 29,000 points, then I think this is a harder call than others suggest.

All that said, very much looking forward to my first GH SFO stay in a couple of weeks!

I got rid of my 1-4 certificates which made the decision easier. I had a friend who couldn’t use two 1-7 certificates and gifted them to me; I’ve offered 1-4 in the past but he finally has use for them so just sent both his way. Why can’t I have more friends like that?

I also thought I found PHX-SFO-NRT with a two hour layover for 60,000 AA points so I could leave 9 AM and skip the hotel, but unfortunately it was ghost inventory, will keep checking….

The GH has been spectacular for me. I would highly recommend it.

The GH is obviously the nicer hotel. It is the best airport hotel I've ever stayed at and one of the best GHs in the US probably. However, I find the HR at SFO to be a perfectly fine hotel. I've never had an issue with the shuttle, with the caveat being it can get packed in the early AM departing the hotel. The rooms are showing their age but are still comfortable, IMO. If on a tight overnight, I do think it's justified to splurge on the GH. If a longer layover, the HR comes into play more, personally. I always enjoy walking along the bay watching SFO arrivals and departures.

While i havent done that in recent years but that late i would just take a taxi to HR - i think they still operate - no need to wait for shuttle, no booking/sorting out ubers and for $20-30 you are saving a lot of points..