Grand Hyatt vs. Hyatt Regency: Which Is Right for You?

Among the many World of Hyatt brands, two big names stand out: Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency. Both brands have been part of Hyatt’s portfolio for more than four decades. So is there any real difference between Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency? It turns out that yes, there is.

Hyatt has different types of hotels that cater to varying traveler needs. Some guests are looking for affordable basics, while others prefer luxury at every turn. When it comes to Grand Hyatt versus Hyatt Regency, here’s how to choose which is right for you.

While the most notable differences may be price and location, you’ll find that property size and amenities can also vary from Grand Hyatt to Hyatt Regency. Consider these major differences to help you decide which brand is right for the purpose of your particular trip.

• Grand Hyatt hotels are ... well ... grandiose. They feature impressive architecture meant to make a lasting impression. And they tend to have substantial meeting spaces compared to the average Hyatt Regency, which makes Grand Hyatt a popular choice for large group events.

• Grand Hyatt hotels incorporate local flair. To please out-of-towners, Grand Hyatt properties typically offer regional fare and more varied food and beverage options than you'll find at the average Hyatt Regency.

• There are more Hyatt Regency properties. Like Grand Hyatt, the Hyatt Regency caters to business travelers and meeting groups; however, the Hyatt Regency has more properties than Grand Hyatt.

Hyatt Regency is in more places than Grand Hyatt, which means you are more likely to find one where you need to go. The amenities at each hotel may vary depending on the destination and hotel style.

Hyatt Regency

Because Hyatt Regency has 226 open hotels in 46 countries (nearly four times the footprint of Grand Hyatt), travelers are more likely to come across a Hyatt Regency property than they are a Grand Hyatt. You’ll find Hyatt Regency hotels around the world, from Algiers, France to Vancouver, Canada, and several places in between like Jacksonville, Florida; Sacramento, California; and Wichita, Kansas.

Hyatt Regency hotels compete with other hospitality brands like Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton and Westin.

Grand Hyatt

With 58 open hotels in 27 countries, Grand Hyatt properties offer premium guest rooms. Given the brand’s focus on multicultural cuisine, luxurious guest rooms and sizable gathering spaces, Grand Hyatts are likely to be in larger markets (like Berlin, Sao Paulo and Tokyo) that can support higher room rates.

Many Grand Hyatt properties are in Asia; they compete with other brands like Conrad, Fairmont, InterContinental and JW Marriott.

Even when not staying at an all-inclusive resort, families may still be hoping to find on-site activities to keep the kids busy. Both Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency have activities for kids at select properties. The larger and more impressive the hotel, the more space there is for everyone to find something to enjoy, from pools to restaurants.

Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt hotels tend to be larger and more dramatic in their design, which can translate to more dining and recreation options. Grand Hyatt hotels have swimming pools, numerous restaurants, and fitness or spa facilities. Travelers of all ages can find something fun to do.

When it comes to family vacations, Grand Hyatt properties are located in many popular resort destinations such as Baha Mar in the Bahamas; Kauai, Hawaii; and Vail, Colorado.

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency hotels meet high standards to be part of the brand, but they may not always have as many restaurants as Grand Hyatt hotels. One perk? Many have 24-hour food and beverage options. They also offer fitness centers and, in many cases, swimming pools.

Hyatt Regency resorts are available in numerous family-favorite locations like Orlando, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; Bali, Indonesia; and the islands of Aruba and Puerto Rico.

Ten of Hyatt’s top event hotels have created an alliance to share best practices with other properties to create the ideal conference. Many of the hotels are directly connected to convention centers.

Grand Hyatt properties specialize in offering event spaces for large meetings and conventions, but so does Hyatt Regency. Grand Hyatt facilities are typically more expansive, but there are more Hyatt Regency hotels around the world, which means more availability. Both brands have the Hyatt Grand Bed, which features a pillow-top mattress and soft duvet designed for sound sleep.

Grand Hyatt

With chic club lounges, substantial meeting spaces and guest rooms designed around the needs of corporate travelers, Grand Hyatt is great for business travel. In addition to meeting rooms, many of the properties have glamorous suites that can double as event spaces.

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency doesn't skimp on business travel accommodations, either. What road warriors will find valuable is that there are nearly four times more Hyatt Regency hotels than there are Grand Hyatts — and many of those Hyatt Regencys have club lounges.

World of Hyatt's portfolio isn't as big as Hilton's or Marriott's, but its elite status benefits have legions of loyal fans. For Globalist members in particular, the benefits are substantial, including late checkout, club lounge or breakfast perks, and Guest of Honor privileges.

World of Hyatt members receive waived resort fees on award redemptions; Globalists get them waived on eligible paid rates, too. The World of Hyatt membership perks of staying at Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency are fairly similar.

Grand Hyatt

World of Hyatt members earn five base points for every eligible dollar spent. Other perks include bottled water, late checkout and premium internet access. Most Grand Hyatts have a club lounge, which can be used by Globalist members, premium room or suite guests, and those who pay for the privilege. Lounges often include breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening happy hours.

Hyatt Regency

World of Hyatt members also earn five base points for every eligible dollar spent at Hyatt Regency. Other perks include bottled water, late checkout and premium internet access, just like at Grand Hyatt. Many (but not all) Hyatt Regency properties have a club lounge with similar perks to those at Grand Hyatt.

If you prefer to earn World of Hyatt points through everyday spending, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is your best bet because of its generous bonus offer:

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Another way to boost your World of Hyatt points balance: Credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® offer the ability to transfer points to World of Hyatt for redemption. Card options include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

• Chase Freedom Flex℠.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

So if you add any of the above cards to your wallet, you can opt to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for Hyatt stays; you also have the option of redeeming them through other airline and hotel transfer programs.

» Learn more: The best Chase transfer partners — and ones to avoid

Both Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency offer upscale accommodations, modern meeting facilities, and a variety of food and beverage options. The property you choose will depend on the convenience of its location, the purpose of your trip, and possibly — for top elite status members — the availability of a club lounge.

While the scale of Grand Hyatt properties is an advantage for large meetings and conventions, Hyatt Regency’s scope (with nearly four times more properties) makes it a great choice for business travelers, too. Neither brand will disappoint, whether you’re traveling alone or with your family.

Photo courtesy of Hyatt.