She Looks Like $70 Million Bucks! Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Look, Macy's is really close by!

By Jenni Olson

Boasting a recent $70 million renovation, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco is an exciting option for San Francisco visitors wanting the style, décor and amenities of a boutique property with the convenience, size and loyalty perks of a large-scale chain.

The renovation spiffs up the property’s 659 guest rooms and suites (as well as the corridors, elevators and conference facilities) bringing them into the 21^st century with Uno-Bitell iPod dock phones, Wi-Fi and HDTVs featuring multimedia hubs to connect to your laptop. Meeting the needs of both work and play travelers — guest rooms include ergonomic workstations and spa-like glass and tile bathrooms.

Featuring clean, modern design (favoring light wood and calming textiles in the décor) the overall atmosphere of the rooms and common spaces is light and relaxing. This is truly a notable accomplishment from L.A.-based design studio, Indidesign (named one of the top hospitality design firms in the US by Interior Design Magazine).

Located just off Union Square, the Grand Hyatt is a great option for easy access to shopping, theatre, art galleries, museums and scores of great restaurants. Speaking of which, be sure to visit the 36^th floor Grandviews Lounge for a drink so you can experience the amazing view (but skip the Grandviews Restaurant with its over-priced and in need of renovation old-school hotel menu).

Other notable claims to fame include: 21 hypoallergenic rooms, 22 ADA accessible rooms, scenic 35^th floor fitness center, executive business center; in addition to a lengthy list of other expected amenities, all rooms have low-flow toilets and electronic blackout drapes with bedside controls (tres James Bond!). If you’re looking for upscale comfort and style the Grand Hyatt is one good choice amongst the admittedly numerous accommodation offerings in the City by the Bay. Also note that additional renovations are planned for the foyer, lobby, lounge, restaurant and mezzanine in the next two years.

Rooms start at $199 (Sunday-Thursday) and $179 (Friday-Saturday) for queen, king and double rooms. Starting rate for an Executive suite are $399 (Sunday-Thursday) and $379 (Friday-Saturday). For reservations call (415) 398-1234 or visit www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco

• 345 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.
• Tel. 415-398-1234.
• Fax. 415-391-1780.
• Website: http://www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com

Sweet, er, suite!

Suite Dreams: Hotel Durant, Berkeley, Calif.

By Jenni Olson

The smartly designed, green-certified Hotel Durant is a terrific Berkeley getaway, immediately adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus and just steps away from colorful Telegraph Avenue (come on a weekend for the street vendors, people watching and great funky shops). It’s plenty gay-friendly and an obvious choice for visiting Cal sports fans — the stadium is just up the street.

Playful vintage collegiate décor is a theme throughout the property — from the desk clerks in their striped ties and Glee¬-ful Warbler-esque frat boy suits to the rooms with their handsome metal desks and bong-style table lamps (and all the way down to the faux college ID room keys).

The blue and gold décor is calming and classy. The lobby combines a display of Berkeley’s legendary activist history (featuring great 1960s protest photos) with a touch of boutique hotelier Joie de Vivre’s signature style — including whimsical over-stuffed chairs. In a unique singular touch, the rooms are all named after famous Berkeley alumni ranging from Patty Hearst to openly gay Star Trek star (and marriage equality activist) George Takei!

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, high-end linens, iPod docking station, in-room coffee maker and mini-bar, 24-hour business center, plus an HD TV. Guests on the “Graduate Floor” also get access to a Blu-ray disc library. We were thrilled to see the in-room recycling bins (social responsibility is another great detail that sets apart the Joie de Vivre properties and makes us feel good about staying with them). The historic Durant is a non-smoking, pet-friendly property and also features wheelchair accessible rooms.

Dining tip:

• Venture out for dinner at one of the numerous restaurant options in the neighborhood. Although the hotel restaurant (Henry’s) is billed as a “gastropub” the menu is mostly basic sports bar fare (though the breakfast is worth a try).

Tourist tip:

• Berkeley has an abundance of historic architecture. Design your own tour by visiting the Berkeley Heritage historic landmarks page (which includes the Hotel Durant).

Rooms start at $129 (weekdays) and $149 (weekends) for queen, king and double rooms. On up to $280 (weekdays) and $360 (weekends) for 2-room suites. For reservations call 1-800-238-7268 or visit http://www.jdvhotels.com

<strong>Hotel Durant</strong> 2600 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704; 510.845.8981; www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfranciscoeastbay/durant

More info: http://berkeleyheritage.com/berkeley_landmarks/landmarks.html

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.