Since discovering how to earn tons of points and miles, I always make it a priority to use them to treat friends and family when traveling. Whether I am booking back-up flights when plans go sideways, reserving a hotel for someone on a long road trip, or planning a shared vacation, I love using my rewards to create meaningful experiences. Travel is a gift, and sharing it with my loved ones makes it even more special.

I recently visit Seattle with my dad. I live near Washington, D.C., while he is based in Austin, Texas — so any time we get together feels extra special. We choose Seattle for two reasons: the best friend of my dad attends graduate school there, and I want to attend a points and miles meet-up happening in the city.

This trip gives us the perfect excuse for a father-son getaway and a chance to explore the Pacific Northwest. For our stay, I book the Hyatt Regency Seattle, the only full-service Hyatt in the city where I can redeem a free night certificate — a perfect fit for our quick trip.

Hotel Award Booking (9/10)

The Hyatt Regency Seattle is a Category 4 property in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award rates here range from 12,000 points per night (off-peak) to 18,000 points per night (peak), with a standard award rate of 15,000 points per night. At the time of my booking, the average cash rate for a standard room is over $400 per night. Luckily, when I book our stay, the award rate is 15,000 points per night. I use a Category 1-4 free night certificate for one night and 45,000 points for the remaining three nights, making this a fantastic redemption!

Standard award bookings include either a 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds room. Since I am traveling with my dad, I choose the 2 Queen Beds option for extra comfort. If I had booked a 1 King Bed room, I could have applied a Suite Upgrade Award for a Regency Suite room — a valuable perk of being a World of Hyatt Globalist — to secure even more space.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Local Transportation Options (8/10)

The Hyatt Regency Seattle sits perfectly in the heart of downtown, right next to the Seattle Convention Center and about a half-mile from Pike Place Market. This makes it a great place to stay whether coming for a convention or to see the sights and Sound (pun intended) of the Greater Seattle area. Conveniently, it is also directly across the street from its sister property, the Hyatt at Olive 8.

While my dad and I take a taxi from the airport, the light rail from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport stops about five blocks from the hotel, making it a convenient option for anyone relying on public transit.

For those planning a visit, here is the exact address of the hotel:

808 Howell Street
Seattle, Washington 98101

Vibe And Atmosphere (7/10)

The Hyatt Regency Seattle clearly functions as a business hotel. There is even a FedEx Office on the second floor, perfect for printing conference materials or handling last-minute work tasks.

That said, the hotel does a great job of reflecting its Pacific Northwest surroundings. Both the main restaurant and the Club Lounge feature plenty of natural wood accents and décor inspired by the outdoors. Stepping off the elevator on each floor, I am greeted by large, striking photos of the iconic mountains and lush forests of the region, creating an immediate sense of place.

Given the historical role of Seattle as a gateway to the Yukon and Alaska, the Hyatt Regency Seattle thoughtfully balances its identity as a major conference hotel with design elements that celebrate the adventurous spirit and natural beauty of the city.

Hotel Check-In (8/10)

Check-in happens on the ground level, and I am immediately impressed by the tall ceilings and stunning light fixtures that create a welcoming first impression.

I head over to the elite check-in desk, where I am warmly greeted and thanked for being a Globalist. The check-in staff reviews all the Globalist benefits I will enjoy during my stay, explains what the destination fee covers, and shares recommendations for dining options within walking distance. She also hands me an information sheet with helpful details about the amenities and services at the hotel.

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

With everything set, she directs us to the elevators, and my dad and I ride up to the 40th floor, where we find our room — #4025.

2 Queen Beds – Bedroom And Living Space (7/10)

Since the Hyatt Regency Seattle is a conference hotel, I find the room basic but highly functional. Immediately to the left of the entrance is the bathroom, while the right side features an open closet with two drawers and a full-length mirror.

Farther into the room, I see the two queen beds. They are firm but comfortable, and my dad and I have no trouble sleeping — though that might be due to how active we are during the day.

Across from the beds is a flat-screen TV equipped with Chromecast, making it easy to stream content from my phone.

Past the beds, the left side features a work desk, while the right has a cozy chair, a small table, and the minibar. The minibar includes bottled water, a mini-fridge, and a safe. On top sits a single-serve Keurig machine stocked with a variety of coffee pods and teas.

The standout feature of the room is definitely the view. We have a breathtaking view of Elliott Bay, which makes the space feel extra special.

The temperature control in the room works perfectly, allowing me to keep it cool for a restful sleep at night. Since I spend most of my time exploring the city with my dad, this room serves as an ideal place to relax and recharge.

Related: How To Get A Hotel Upgrade Without Status

2 Queen Beds – Bathroom (7/10)

Like the bedroom, the bathroom is exactly what I expect from a conference hotel — functional and straightforward. The entrance features a sliding barn door, something to keep in mind when sharing the room with someone for added privacy consideration.

Directly across from the door is the sink, stocked with an impressive selection of travel-sized amenities, including soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, and more — a thoughtful touch I really appreciate.

To the left is the toilet, while the shower sits on the right.

The shower does not have a door, but I like that the water control handle is positioned opposite the shower head, allowing me to adjust the water temperature before stepping in — a practical and smart design feature.

The water pressure is strong, making for a refreshing shower experience. The shower products are provided in wall-mounted bulk containers branded by Pharmacopia, which is standard for Hyatt Regency properties.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (8/10)

As a business-focused property, the Hyatt Regency Seattle goes above and beyond to ensure guests have everything they need on-site. From a well-equipped gym to an impressive club lounge, the hotel offers some of the most extensive amenities I have seen at a Hyatt Regency in the United States.

Destination Fee

When I visit, the hotel charges a $25 per night destination fee. Fortunately, this fee is waived for Globalists and anyone booking with points.

Note: While writing this review, I check the Hyatt Regency Seattle website to confirm what the destination fee includes, but I can not find any mention of it. Curious, I call the hotel directly — and I am pleasantly surprised to learn that they no longer charge a destination fee!

Gym

The gym is located on the sixth floor, right next to the Regency Club Lounge. I use my keycard to access it and am immediately impressed — it is one of the most extensive hotel gyms I have seen in a long time.

Directly across from the entrance is a large partition stocked with towels, cleaning wipes, and corded earbuds in case guests forget theirs. I appreciate how conveniently this is placed near the entrance.

To the left is the cardio section, featuring about 15 treadmills, five elliptical machines, a rower, and a recumbent bike. With so many machines available, I never have trouble squeezing in a cardio session.

To the right of the entrance, I spot a cooler filled with chilled towels — a thoughtful touch — along with a core training station and a water cooler.

Across from this area is a row of Peloton bikes, perfect for those looking to combine fitness with earning extra Hyatt points through the new partnership with Peloton.

Beyond the Pelotons are several weight machines, a cable machine, and even a Smith machine. I love seeing a proper barbell setup in a hotel gym — it is a rare and welcome feature.

Past the weight machines, I turn right into the free weights area, which includes a variety of dumbbells, kettlebells, and benches. I also find medicine balls, resistance bands, Technogym plyoboxes, a scale, and even a vending machine with water and sports drinks.

I am honestly amazed by how large and well-equipped this gym is. I get an excellent workout in, and the spacious layout means there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out comfortably.

Club Lounge

The Regency Club Lounge is located on the same floor as the gym (sixth floor). Access is available to guests who purchase it as part of their room package and to World of Hyatt Globalists.

The lounge is massive and well-designed, with space for at least 100 guests. Its L-shaped layout provides plenty of room, and there is even an outdoor terrace featuring a fire pit — a perfect spot to relax after a busy day exploring downtown Seattle.

Upon entering, I notice a check-in desk on the left. It is never staffed during my stay, though it does not seem necessary since keycard access is required.

Continuing past the check-in desk, I find even more seating. I spend some time here catching up on work, appreciating how spacious and quiet the lounge is. There is also a small business center with desktop computers and printers for added convenience.

Food And Beverage Offerings

The lounge is not designed for full hot meals, but it offers a decent selection of snacks that rotate throughout the day that can be grabbed and taken with you. In the morning, I find cereals, granola bars, and whole fruit. Later, the offerings shift to packaged chips, popcorn, and cookies. I appreciate being able to grab a few snacks to take back to our room.

On the left side of the food area is the drink station, featuring two automatic coffee machines and a variety of teas. Considering the legendary coffee scene in Seattle, I would skip the lounge coffee and head into town for a proper cup. However, there is also a well-stocked fridge with bottled water, sparkling water, soft drinks, milk, and non-dairy options like soy, almond, and oat milk.

Outdoor Terrace And Fire Pit

The entrance to the outdoor terrace is located to the right as soon as we enter. The outdoor terrace wraps around the entire lounge and is furnished with plenty of comfortable patio furniture — all in surprisingly great condition, considering the frequent rainy weather in Seattle.

The fire pit turns on every evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. One night, my dad and I hang out by the fire with some sodas, chatting about life — a simple but memorable moment. The only odd thing about the fire pit is that it turns on for about 10 seconds, then shuts off for five seconds, repeating this cycle throughout the evening. Still, it is a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the city.

Note: As a guest of the Hyatt Regency Seattle, I have access to the facilities at the Hyatt at Olive 8 across the street, including the ability to charge paid services directly to my room. The most intriguing amenity there is the steam room and sauna. However, with a steep $50 usage fee, I decide to skip it.

Breakfast (8/10)

Breakfast is served at Andare Kitchen & Bar, the all-day restaurant at the hotel. Upon entering, a hostess escorts my dad and I to our table. Since there are two of us, we either sit at the window-side bar or a two-person table, depending on availability.

The buffet is the main breakfast option, though guests can also order signature à la carte items included with the buffet. All beverages are covered, and as a Globalist, I can even order specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos at no extra charge.

The buffet itself is extensive. Classic breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage are available every day. There is also a rotating hot item that changes daily — one morning it is biscuits and gravy, while another day I find chilaquiles (a personal favorite).

My top pick, though, is the freshly made breakfast pizza. I grab a slice or two of the meat-lover’s pizza every morning — it is delicious and surprisingly filling.

For a lighter start, the buffet also includes a continental spread with fruit, yogurt, granola, cold cuts, and a variety of cheeses. There is even a case filled with breads and pastries, plus whole fruit like apples and bananas for an easy grab-and-go option.

On-Site Dining Options (7/10)

In addition to Andare Kitchen & Bar, the Hyatt Regency Seattle has two other dining options that cater to different tastes and dining styles.

The Market

The Market, located on the second floor above Andare Kitchen & Bar, functions more like a grab-and-go café than a traditional restaurant. During my stay, I receive a $15 daily credit as part of the (now-eliminated) resort fee. While I would not have visited The Market otherwise, I decide to use the credit — and I am glad I do!

The Market offers a selection of hot items (heated in a toaster oven), pastries, chips, candy, and sodas. Prices are a bit lower than what I see at the airport in Seattle, making it a smart spot to stock up on snacks before my departure flight.

I also notice some fun Seattle-themed memorabilia. I end up purchasing a box of chocolates from a Pike Place Market vendor as a gift for my wife. The box itself is beautifully designed, and I keep it on a shelf at home as a reminder of this special trip with my dad.

Daniel’s Broiler And The Brickhouse

Just past The Market is Daniel’s Broiler, the signature steakhouse of the hotel. Its adjoining bar, The Brickhouse, is primarily a whiskey bar with an extensive drink menu. I briefly check out the menu, which looks promising for a nice meal. Although my dad and I ultimately choose to dine off-property, having a full-service steakhouse right in the hotel is definitely convenient.

Note: At the time of my visit, meals from Daniel’s Broiler cannot be charged to the room.

Staff And Service (8/10)

Since the Hyatt Regency Seattle is a large conference hotel, I expect a somewhat procedural, efficiency-driven approach to service. However, I am pleasantly surprised by how courteous and professional the staff is throughout my stay. Every team member I interact with explains benefits clearly, responds quickly to requests, and maintains a friendly demeanor.

I especially want to give a shout-out to the wait staff at Andare Kitchen & Bar. I eat there every morning, and by my last day, the staff welcomes me back warmly and even remembers my drink order. They strike the perfect balance between being precise and professional while keeping things relaxed and welcoming — a level of service that really stands out.

World of Hyatt Status Recognition And Benefits (8/10)

The Hyatt Regency Seattle does a fantastic job recognizing my World of Hyatt Globalist status. Upon arrival, I am directed to the elite check-in desk, where I am promptly thanked for being a Globalist — a nice touch that sets a positive tone for my stay.

Throughout the trip, I take advantage of several valuable Globalist perks, including:

• Free Daily Breakfast: My dad and I enjoy the extensive buffet at Andare Kitchen & Bar each morning
• Late Check-Out: I request and receive an extra hour, which comes in handy on my departure day
• Free Parking On Points Stays: The best friend of my dad parks his car under my room number while we head out for a nearby meal
• Waived Destination Fee: While this no longer applies since the fee has been eliminated, it is worth noting for anyone visiting other hotels where fees are still in place.

During check-in, the front desk staff apologizes for not having any suites with two beds available for an upgrade. However, the staff assures me that if one had been open, they would have gladly upgraded us. I appreciate the transparency and acknowledgment of my status, even when an upgrade is not possible.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Final Thoughts

For this trip, the Hyatt Regency Seattle proves to be the perfect home base for my dad and me. Its central location, excellent amenities, and thoughtful Globalist recognition make it a solid choice for both business and leisure travelers. Since it is the only full-service Hyatt in downtown Seattle where I can use a Category 1-4 free night certificate, I’ll definitely consider staying here again if I have a certificate to redeem.

That said, I am curious to try the Hyatt at Olive 8 across the street someday. It is a Category 5 property (as of 2024) and seems better suited for vacationing, especially for families, thanks to its indoor pool and more relaxed vibe. Still, given the strong points of the Hyatt Regency Seattle, it is an excellent alternative for anyone looking to save points while enjoying a high-quality stay.