My flight from Seattle to Puerto Rico had an overnight layover at Dallas-Fort Worth. I was scheduled to arrive at 11:24pm and depart the next morning at 8:37am; giving me just 9 hours for my overnight. Previously I had stayed at the Hyatt Regency DFW, where I was upgraded to the Presidential Suite. This time I decided to try the Grand Hyatt DFW which is located inside Terminal D.
The cost of the night ended up being $254 ($287 after tax). The property has no additional resort or destination fees. I had an Amex Offer for $50 back when you spend $250 at a Grand Hyatt property, so my stay ended up being a total of $237 all in. Had I used points, it would have been 23,000 World of Hyatt points. The property is a Category 5 so depending on the night, it can be 17k, 20k, or 23k points. The cash rate at the Regency was slightly higher though as a Category 2, the Hyatt Regency is much cheaper when using points.
Location
The Grand Hyatt DFW is located pre-security in Terminal D of DFW. If you are coming by car, there is a drop off zone for the hotel as well as valet service.
My flight arrived at Terminal C. As I had only carry on luggage, I was able to take the SkyTrain around the loop to Terminal D. The SkyTrain comes every 2 minutes and it is about an 8 minute ride from Terminal C to D. Any other terminal is going to be closer. If you have checked luggage, you must leave security, pick up your bag, and then take the inter-terminal bus to Terminal D.
Getting off at either SkyTrain station in Terminal D, you will see signs to the Grand Hyatt.
After leaving security, there signs that lead to an escalator that goes up to the hotel lobby; located just outside the general security screening line.
The guest elevators for the hotel can also be accessed from the departures level.
Check In
I arrived slightly after midnight and there were no other guests to be seen. I was quickly checked in and assigned Room 502. As a Discoverist, I was upgraded to a Deluxe room. I’m not sure difference between a Deluxe room and a standard room; my guess is that my room was slightly larger as it was on the corner of the building.
Room
As you enter the room, the bathroom is to the left and closet is on the right.
In the closet you will find bathrobes as well as other standard items.
The main part of the room has the bed against the far wall.
The bed faces a TV and a desk/table area.
There is a mini bar under the TV. I was charged $8 for something that I didn’t take, but a call to the property got it corrected.
A small couch sits under the window.
There are plenty of outlets next to the bed. The sheets are the standard two flat sheets sandwiching the duvet — which I despise. I always end up with my face against the dirty duvet by morning. This was really my only complaint about the room.
Controls for the lights and window shades are on the wall on either side of the bed. There are two roller type shades — one sheer and one black out. The windows also keep out all the sound.
My room faced the runway though as it was on a lower floor, much of the view was blocked by the terminal roof.
I didn’t have time to do any planespotting, but a guide is provided should you have the time.
Bathroom
The bathroom is similar to other Grand Hyatts with dark marble and wood. The property is 20 years old and the bathroom feels like 2005.
Against the far wall is a single vanity set under a large mirror. To one side is a standard bath tub.
To the other side is the toilet. The shower is in the front corner just to the right as you enter the bathroom.
The glassed in shower has only a single, wall mounted shower head.
The bath products are Balmain branded and in large pump bottles.
Gym & Pool
The gym and the pool take up the 9th (top) floor of the hotel. They are open 24 hours and accessible with room key.
The gym is quite large with every piece of equipment you could want and runway views.
The pool is outside on the roof. It was closed during my visit due to thunderstorms.
The next morning it was so convenient to take the elevator from my floor to the departure level and go right through security. I even had time to stop by the Capital One Lounge before heading to Terminal B for my flight to San Juan.
Grand Hyatt DFW vs. Hyatt Regency DFW
With the two Hyatt properties located at the airport, which DFW hotel is a better choice?
The Grand Hyatt being located inside a terminal makes it much more convenient. For the Regency, you must take a shuttle bus to the hotel (I have heard you can walk from Terminal C but it isn’t labeled and you go through the parking garage).
When staying at an airport hotel, it is all about the location. Even if it only saves you a 10 minute shuttle ride, there is something psychologically more appealing about being able to walk out of your hotel room, get on the elevator, and be in the Terminal. It just makes for one less hassle when it comes to travel (which is full of hassles).
However, if using points, the Hyatt Regency is a fantastic deal as a Category 2. I would find it hard to justify spending 13,500 more points (which is what the difference was on my date), which I value at $200, just to stay in the terminal.
Have you stayed at the Grand Hyatt DFW before or after a flight? Share your experience in the comments below.