San Francisco International (SFO) has welcomed its first on-airport hotel, with the opening of the Grand Hyatt at SFO.

First reported by Business Traveller back in 2016, the 351-room property is connected to all terminals at the airport by a newly constructed dedicated AirTrain station, which features “a dramatic kaleidoscopic stained-glass art installation”.

Facilities include signature all-day dining restaurant Quail and Crane, which offers “a multicultural menu that speaks to both the bounty of Northern California and the cooking practices and traditions of Asia”.

The hotel also feature a “multifunctional lounge” with 24-hour market shop and cocktail bar, a fitness centre with dedicated yoga space, and 18 meeting spaces including a 535 sqm grand ballroom.

The hotel’s design encompasses a “California Eucalyptus grove-inspired lobby”, and a public art programme with 16 works ranging from mosaic to painting and photography. A 35-foot sculpture by Japanese artist Kohei Nawa is situated at the exterior of the hotel and is a nod to the airport location, referencing “weightlessness and the movement of airplanes”.

Sustainability initiatives include large-size bathroom amenities (San Francisco recently banned the use of individual size plastic bottles in hotels, although the move does not come into effect until 2023), and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels which generate 133,000 kWh of energy annually.

The hotel offers a day-use rate from $125, for six hours of access between 0800 and 2000

Members of the World of Hyatt loyalty programme can get 500 bonus points for stays at the Grand Hyatt at SFO until December 31.

Commenting on the opening Airport Director Ivar C Satero said:

“With the opening of Grand Hyatt at SFO, we offer travellers a new benchmark in airport hospitality.

“The new hotel reflects our commitment to deliver a world-class experience for our guests, with seamless access via our AirTrain system, sustainable building design, thoughtful service and amenities, and inspiring works of public art.

“My thanks go out to Hyatt, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and our entire design-build team for making this day a reality.”

hyatt.com, flysfo.com