Battle of the DFW Airport Hotels: Hyatt Regency vs. Grand Hyatt

If you need to book an overnight stay near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, there are 2 hotels on the airport property: the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport and the Grand Hyatt DFW. Each property has a different price point and different amenities.

I’ve stayed at both properties before, so I’ll help you decide which is best for your next overnight stay.

Hyatt Regency DFW: Pros and Cons

The Hyatt Regency DFW is located at Terminal C, but this hotel is not connected directly to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. It is walkable from the terminal itself, but you’ll need to walk through the parking garage (exit at C17), up and down several sets of stairs, and cross a small pedestrian bridge, where you’ll exit by the front of the hotel. It’s certainly a doable walk, especially if you don’t have a heavy bag.

However, if you have multiple bags or can’t walk, there is a terminal shuttle every 20 minutes, making it a convenient option.

The Hyatt Regency is a Category 2 hotel, which means you can expect to pay 6,500, 8,000, or 9,500 World of Hyatt points per night. There are reasonably cheap cash rates here as well, ones that often are far less than competing hotels that are off-property — making this hotel much more of a steal. You can expect to pay around $150 per night.

The hotel recently went through a renovation, though the guest rooms still look dated. You may luck out with a guest room that features terminal views while others overlook the parking deck.

If you’re a Globalist, you’ll receive complimentary breakfast, served in the hotel’s restaurant. It’s nothing outstanding, but the buffet features a variety of hot and cold items.

Why Stay at the Hyatt Regency DFW Over the Grand Hyatt DFW

• If you’re looking to save points, the Hyatt Regency is considerably cheaper since it is a Category 2 property, costing just 6,500 to 9,500 World of Hyatt points a night.
• If you’re a World of Hyatt elite status holder, upgrades tend to be better at the Hyatt Regency since there are more suites available.
• The Hyatt Regency is convenient if arriving at Terminal C. Just be prepared to walk up and down a few steps with your bag to get to the hotel!

Grand Hyatt DFW: Pros and Cons

The Grand Hyatt DFW is considered one of the nicest airport hotels in the U.S. Located directly at Terminal D, the hotel sits on top of check-in. All you need to do to access it is head out of security and up the escalator.

You don’t need to go outside to get to the Grand Hyatt, and there’s even an elevator if you have lots of bags, so it couldn’t be easier to access this hotel.

The Grand Hyatt is a great option if you have an early morning flight departure. Once you head downstairs, you’ll see the TSA checkpoint almost at the base of the escalator. Wait times for security at Terminal D tend to be lower than other terminals, adding to the convenience.

Finally, the Grand Hyatt is a good pick for international arrivals since customs and clearance are located in Terminal D. Or, if you’re flying on a widebody aircraft, most larger planes will leave from that concourse, save for a few sporadic American Airlines flights that leave out of Terminal A.

The Grand Hyatt is a Category 5 hotel that costs 17,000, 20,000, or 23,000 World of Hyatt points a night. As you can see, this is nearly double the cost of the nearby Hyatt Regency DFW, so it’s certainly a hefty premium over that hotel. Cash rates here can be extreme, often surpassing $400 per night.

In contrast, the Grand Hyatt DFW is generally a much more modern hotel, boasting much better views of the runway and surrounding airport buildings. The guest rooms feature amenities like electronic window shades, minibars, larger bathrooms, and a much more upgraded feel. Furthermore, the hotel’s gym is located on the roof with stunning views over the airport, and you’ll also find a rooftop pool here.

There are several restaurants on the lobby level, including a private chef’s table dining room. The Grand Hyatt also offers room service — and if you’re a Globalist, you can have breakfast in your room. It’s an incredibly generous benefit of Hyatt elite status, especially useful when you’re on a tight schedule just before your flight.

Why Stay at the Grand Hyatt DFW over the Hyatt Regency DFW

• There’s no doubt the Grand Hyatt DFW is more modern than the Hyatt Regency DFW, so if that’s important to you, you’ll know where to stay.
• To get to the Grand Hyatt, you don’t need to take a shuttle, adding to its convenience. You’ll just need to walk (airside) to Terminal D, exit there, and find the hotel. When departing, head through the checkpoints at Terminal D, and you can take the Sky Train to any other terminal.
• The food and beverage options are better at the Grand Hyatt, including complimentary room service breakfast for Globalists.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got the points or cash to spare, the Grand Hyatt DFW is one of the best airport hotels I’ve ever stayed at. That said, the Hyatt Regency DFW is significantly cheaper. You’ll save a ton of cash (or points), and it’s just a short walk away through a parking deck.

Both hotels are great options for an overnight stay between flights, and you won’t be disappointed before you jet off to your next adventure.