Location is everything. Honestly, if you’re heading to San Francisco for a Giants game or a tech conference at Moscone, you’ve probably seen Hyatt Place San Francisco/Downtown 701 3rd Street pop up in your search. It sits right in the heart of SoMa (South of Market), literally a stones-throw from Oracle Park.
But here’s the thing.
Most people book it thinking it’s just another cookie-cutter business hotel. They expect the standard, slightly sterile experience you get at an airport Hyatt. While it has those reliable bones, the reality of staying at 701 3rd Street is a bit more... colorful. It’s a weirdly perfect mix of high-energy sports fans, bleisure travelers, and people who just want to be near the water without paying Embarcadero prices.
The Oracle Park Proximity: Blessing or Curse?
You can’t talk about this hotel without talking about the stadium. It’s 160 meters away. Basically, you can smell the garlic fries from your room if the wind hits right.
During baseball season, the vibe here shifts completely. The lobby, which is usually a quiet spot for people hunched over laptops, turns into a sea of orange and black. If you're here for the game, it’s paradise. You walk out the front door, turn right, and you’re at the Willie Mays Gate in three minutes.
No $60 Uber surges. No cramped Muni rides.
However, if you’re here for a deep-focus business trip and happen to book during a home stand against the Dodgers, prepare for chaos. The elevators get slow. The bar—which is surprisingly decent—gets packed. It’s loud. It’s fun, but it’s definitely not "quiet."
Room Realities at 701 3rd Street
The rooms are exactly what you’d expect from a Hyatt Place, but with a San Francisco footprint.
- The Space: They average about 27 square meters. In most cities, that’s standard. In SF? That’s actually pretty generous.
- The Layout: You’ve got the "Cozy Corner" sofa, which is a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids or a colleague you don't want to share a bed with.
- The Noise: Despite being next to a major intersection and a stadium, the soundproofing is surprisingly solid. The windows are thick. You might hear a muffled roar if a home run is hit, but the street traffic is mostly blocked out.
That $80 Parking Fee (And How to Avoid It)
Let's be real: the parking situation at Hyatt Place San Francisco/Downtown is a headache.
The hotel charges around $80 per day for on-site self-parking. Yes, you read that right. Eighty dollars. And there’s no in-and-out privileges. If you move your car to go grab dinner in the Richmond District, you might lose your spot because it’s first-come, first-served.
Most regulars don’t park here.
Instead, they look at The Beacon garage (Lot #381) about half a block away at 250 King Street. Or, better yet, they don't bring a car at all. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Caltrain station and a short Muni hop to Market Street. If you’re flying into SFO, take BART to Embarcadero and walk the waterfront. It’s scenic, and you’ll save enough on parking to pay for a Michelin-starred dinner.
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The Breakfast Situation
Hyatt Place is famous for its "free" breakfast, but at this location, it’s a bit of a moving target. If you’re a World of Hyatt member (Discoverist or higher) booking an eligible rate, you’re usually good to go. For others, there’s often a surcharge—around $16.
Is it worth sixteen bucks?
Probably not if you’re looking for a gourmet brunch. But for a quick hit of scrambled eggs, sausage, and decent coffee before a 9:00 AM meeting? It beats hunting for a cafe in SoMa that doesn't have a line out the door.
Surprising Details You Won't See in the Brochure
There is a "living plant wall" in the lobby that everyone takes photos of. It’s cool, sure. But the real hidden gem is the rooftop terrace.
Most people forget it exists.
It has an outdoor fireplace and a pretty spectacular view of the surrounding skyline. In the evening, when the SF fog (locally known as Karl) starts rolling in, sitting by that fire with a drink from the lobby bar is the best way to end the day.
Also, if you’re a dog owner, this is one of the more pet-friendly spots in the area. They allow up to two dogs, though they’ll hit you with a $75-$100 pet fee depending on the length of your stay. Just keep in mind that "pet friendly" doesn't mean "pet free"—if you have allergies, ask for a room on a higher floor where they tend to keep things a bit more clinical.
Why This Spot Matters for Business
If you’re heading to the Moscone Center, you’re looking at a 10-15 minute walk. It’s just far enough to be away from the "conference swarm" but close enough that you won't be late for your keynote.
The Wi-Fi here is consistently fast. I've seen people running full Zoom presentations from the lobby booths without a glitch. Plus, having a mini-fridge in every room is a huge win for those of us who live off leftover takeout and cold brew during work trips.
The Neighborhood Factor: South Park and Beyond
The hotel address is 701 3rd Street, which puts you right on the edge of the South Park neighborhood. South Park is kind of the "Old Guard" of tech—it’s where Twitter and Instagram basically started.
It’s a literal oval park surrounded by some of the best coffee shops and lunch spots in the city.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: Just a few blocks away. It’s a cliché for a reason.
- Saison: If you want to drop a month's rent on a single dinner, one of the best restaurants in the country is basically right next door.
- Taco Bell Cantina: Right across the street. It serves alcohol. Sometimes that’s exactly what a Friday night requires.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you're planning to book, keep these specific tips in mind to make the most of the Hyatt Place San Francisco/Downtown experience:
- Check the Giants Schedule First: Before you book, check the MLB schedule. If the Giants are playing at home, the rates will triple and the crowds will be intense. If they’re away, you can often snag a deal that’s significantly cheaper than hotels in Union Square.
- Request a High Floor: The lower floors can feel a bit "sunken" due to the surrounding architecture. A high-floor room (8th floor or above) gets much better light and a better chance of a view of the Bay or the city lights.
- Skip the Hotel Parking: Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find nearby garages. You can often find spots for $30-$40 less than the hotel’s daily rate, though you might have to walk a block or two.
- Leverage the Caltrain: If you need to head down to Palo Alto or Mountain View for a meeting, the Caltrain station is a 5-minute walk. It’s way faster than trying to drive down the 101 during rush hour.
- Walk the Embarcadero: In the morning, walk east toward the water and follow the path toward the Ferry Building. It’s flat, beautiful, and one of the best running or walking routes in the world.
Staying at 701 3rd Street isn't about luxury; it's about efficiency and location. You’re trading the grandeur of the Fairmont for the convenience of being exactly where the action is. Just don't forget to pack a jacket—even in July, that SoMa wind off the water is no joke.