We have just returned from a 9 day stay at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The property has a very nice location, walking distance to the Metro, and the atrium is quite stunning.

Upside: 1) Centrally located to everything in DC, either by foot, Metro, or rental car.
2) Front Desk Staff was always helpful, and efficient, so there were rarely ever lines even during major check in times
3) Rooms were not large but spacious enough so that no one was bumping into each other.

Downside: 1) Concierge, don't even think about calling and getting a timely return call. After the 3rd time of getting voicemail I simply gave up this service(?). In addition, I received recommendations which if I did not call in advance would have wasted alot of time. Recommend that you do your own homework.
2) Housekeeping, while they did keep the rooms clean, I had to call every day for extra towels, even though day 1 I let the housekeeper know that I needed extra towels through the duration of our stay.
3) Wireless, forget it, it did not work in our room, and the technical support left me on hold for 10 minutes.
4) Business Center, with no wireless you would think I could go to the business center and use their computers. At $36/hour plus $1.50 to print a single page, it was easier and CHEAPER to go to Kinko's up the street.
5) Security, no safe in the room, so I had to constantly check my laptop in and out of the safe deposit box.
6) Fitness Center, while there is not one on the property, they have an agreement with a club in the same building. It was small with good equipment, but they charge you an addl $10 per day.
7) Grand Slam restaurant, their sports bar in the hotel. Service was poor.

So back to the title, what is so Grand? Rates were fair for the area, but unless you have a compelling reason to come here, I cannot recommend this property.

Excellent hotel, fine location, good staff and service, the food was fine, the sports bar was a great hagn out. The room was good, nice view, good working space and clean. I enjoyed my stay and will be back.
The place didn't feel crowded even while it was full for conventions during my stay, the staff remained friendly and helpfull, and very nice.

Stayed here for a conference with a couple extra days for personal. Was within easy walking distance of the National Mall area, Chinatown, etc. Great conference facility. Didn't take too long to find my way around the property. Room was very comfortable and bed was comfy. Metro is located within the complex. Don't even have to go outside to catch it. Did see a homeless man sleeping near the doorway to the metro a couple mornings, but figured he was there to be safe, not to bother us.

My family and I stayed for a week. Very comfortable, very clean with responsive service. Knew our names by the time we left. Quite convenient to tourist areas and very close metro a big plus. Excellent bellmen. Restaurant quite good, but other good restaurants within one block good too.