Looking for a top hotel near San Francisco’s waterfront? The Hyatt Regency San Francisco stands prominently along the Embarcadero, offering bold architecture, sweeping Bay views and a revitalized guest experience. Known for having the world’s largest hotel lobby featured in several films over the years, the 17-story atrium stuns with its soaring glass elevators and a kinetic steel sculpture that catches and reflects shifting daylight like a living artwork.
Located within 20 miles of both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), the hotel is a stylish and accessible launch point for exploring the best of the city — whether you're headed to the Financial District, Ferry Building Marketplace or beyond.
Luxury Accommodations With Bay Views and Modern Comfort
Celebrating its 51st anniversary, this historic San Francisco hotel seamlessly blends futuristic design with contemporary sophistication. Originally envisioned by architect John Portman, its dramatic atrium remains a striking landmark.
Following a $50 million renovation, all guest rooms and suites have been reimagined with clean lines, calming neutrals and natural textures that create a refined, modern ambiance.
With 821 non-smoking rooms and 45 suites — many featuring private balconies and sweeping views of the Bay or city skyline — the hotel pairs comfort and style with thoughtful amenities like Chromecast-enabled HDTVs, blackout curtains and eco-friendly Pharmacopia® bath products.
Guests can also maintain their fitness routine at the hotel’s 24-hour, 3,200-square-foot studio, equipped with Peloton bikes, TRX trainers and Life Fitness machines.
Exclusive Rotating Lounge: Revolve at Regency Club
Among the standout upgrades is the return of the rotating Regency Club, formerly The Equinox. Open to World of Hyatt Globalist members or guests booking the “Revolve at Regency Club” package, this sky-high lounge completes a slow 360-degree rotation twice daily while serving gourmet breakfast and evening bites — paired with some of the best views in San Francisco.
Dining Options in the Heart of the Lobby
The Hyatt Regency’s expansive lobby also offers two convenient food and beverage outlets:
- Eclipse Kitchen & Bar serves modern American cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish setting, perfect for casual meals or post-meeting drinks.
- The Market provides grab-and-go options including coffee, pastries and snacks, ideal for travelers on the move.
Art and Light in a Legendary Atrium
At the center of the atrium sits The Phoenix, a gleaming steel sculpture that feels like the hotel’s heartbeat. Subtle lighting effects change throughout the day as sunlight filters in through glass walls, casting shifting shadows across the tiled floor and sculpture itself. During the holiday season, the entire space is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, with a 30-foot tree and over 300,000 lights drawing visitors and locals alike.
Outside, the city’s creative spirit continues. Currently on display in Embarcadero Plaza, the 45-foot sculpture R-Evolution by Marco Cochrane creates a striking, walkable cultural moment just steps from the hotel’s entrance.
Walk to the Ferry Building and Bay Area Flavors
Food lovers staying at the Hyatt are just a short stroll from the Ferry Building Marketplace, a mecca for local cuisine and artisanal products. On Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays until 2 p.m., the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market offers a seasonal bounty curated by Foodwise, which also runs cooking demos and programs connecting guests to local farms and fresh ingredients.
Just outside the building, catch a ferry to Sausalito for an afternoon of seafood at Scoma’s, local wine tastings at Bacchus & Venus and a scenic return via the Golden Gate Bridge.
Explore San Francisco by Day or Night
From the hotel, it's easy to reach North Beach, where Park Tavern on Washington Square offers classic American cuisine with neighborhood charm. For something interactive, Exploratorium After Dark mixes science, cocktails and stunning waterfront views for an adults-only night out just minutes away.
Whether you’re visiting for business, sightseeing or a little of both, the Hyatt's prime location puts Union Square, Chinatown, Oracle Park and SFMOMA within easy reach. Public transit — including BART, Muni and historic cable cars — is right outside, making it simple to get anywhere in the city.
Access to Nature and Outdoor Adventures
The Embarcadero’s scenic waterfront path is perfect for a morning walk or jog. Adventurers can rent bikes and head over the Golden Gate Bridge to Crissy Field or the Presidio, where views of the Bay and city skyline await.
Final Take: A Smart Stay for Clients Visiting San Francisco
For travel advisors looking to recommend a standout San Francisco hotel, the Hyatt Regency on the Embarcadero offers a rare combination of design-forward accommodations, thoughtful amenities and an unbeatable location. With its iconic atrium, easy airport access, and walkable proximity to top attractions, this hotel provides clients with a stylish, seamless Bay Area experience from check-in to check-out.
To explore availability, amenities and current offers, visit the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
Sharon Kurtz
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