Starwood Preferred Guest - Family travel -- booking suites on points?

Howdy. I've got Plat status and we are trying to figure out a family vacation with our four kids at a beach destination. We're looking at a Cat 4 type hotel. What's not clear to me is whether I can directly book a suite (a real suite -- divided living room and bedroom) with just points. I get upgraded to suites regularly because of the Plat status, but it's not guaranteed, and with 4 kids, we need the space.

So what's my best option? Book adjoining rooms? I seems like the only guaranteed suite route is cash plus 10k points per night. Did I understand that correctly?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

So what's my best option? Book adjoining rooms? I seems like the only guaranteed suite route is cash plus 10k points per night. Did I understand that correctly?

Suite award bookings require a phone call to SPG. Upgrades with points may be processed upon arrival but you don't want to risk it.

I always email or call a hotel before booking with points if I need 2 dbl beds, a sleeper sofa, or a suite. From there, they can tell you the best course of action.

If a regular award booking at a Cat 4 hotel is 10k points, any ideas how much it would be to confirm a suite?

Thanks!

Mark

If a regular award booking at a Cat 4 hotel is 10k points, any ideas how much it would be to confirm a suite?

Thanks!

Mark

It can vary with the type of suite - hence the 2nd reason for a phone call. The upgrade amounts for a different room type can be nominal.

If a regular award booking at a Cat 4 hotel is 10k points, any ideas how much it would be to confirm a suite?

Thanks!

Mark

Usually a suite is double the normal rate so 20k points in your case. Higher category suites can be more of course.

Two things to consider:

- especially in the US a suite is often not a real suite but just a junior suite without a separate bedroom.
- You need to check whether the maximum occupancy allows for 6 people to stay in a room or suite.

If a regular award booking at a Cat 4 hotel is 10k points, any ideas how much it would be to confirm a suite?

Thanks!

Mark

For sure another 10k for a suite, a junior suite may be with a double or triple upgrade

Howdy. I've got Plat status and we are trying to figure out a family vacation with our four kids at a beach destination. We're looking at a Cat 4 type hotel. What's not clear to me is whether I can directly book a suite (a real suite -- divided living room and bedroom) with just points. I get upgraded to suites regularly because of the Plat status, but it's not guaranteed, and with 4 kids, we need the space.

So what's my best option? Book adjoining rooms? I seems like the only guaranteed suite route is cash plus 10k points per night. Did I understand that correctly?

Thanks in advance,

Mark
Just call Plat conierge. I am sure they can work with the hotel to tailor your booking to your needs.

Might I suggest you consider the Sheraton Nassau? Lots of suites. Adjoining (one or two) bedrooms. Activities for kids. Nice beach, multiple pools, affordable restaurants in the area.

Not a Ritz Carleton. But decent value on points. We've done it with & without kids two years running now.

Cheers,

With that many people I would book a suite with an adjoining room. The more you talk to the Plat line, they will let you know if you really need a suite and a connecting room, or if you will more then likely upgraded so just two connecting rooms.

Might I suggest you consider the Sheraton Nassau? Lots of suites. Adjoining (one or two) bedrooms. Activities for kids. Nice beach, multiple pools, affordable restaurants in the area.

That's a great idea. At this point I fly enough to have Gold status on AA but not enough miles for six tickets, so typically we drive. I'd love to drive to the Bahamas from Florida but I didn't get the amphibious package on our Suburban :D. AA seems to run cheap tix to Nassau pretty regularly though, so it might still be possible ^.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

I've recently had a great run of upgrades to real suites, but you know how it is -- it would be pretty lousy to get somewhere and have them say "No Dice" with a bunch of kiddies in tow. Guess I'll just have to travel enough to rack up 80 or 100k points for this vacation. Hey, I'll have another 4k this weekend from the 5 stays/4000 point promo! July's been a busy month.

It might also be worth calling a hotel directly to see if they'd work out a special offer for 2 connecting rooms. In addition to maybe providing you with more beds, you'd also get 2 bathrooms.

You could also inquire about redeeming points for a villa or two at an SVO property such as the Cat4 Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort (not beachfront, I don't think).

The Westin Diplomat is a great family property, and has a tremendous reputation for upgrading...I would call the hotel directly and ask about good times to stay and get an upgrade.
In the past, I have called ahead and had to use double the amount of points to get a true suite...we have two kids, and we like to have some "privacy" while on vacation...if you gotta cough up the points...some times it's worth it!

It might also be worth calling a hotel directly to see if they'd work out a special offer for 2 connecting rooms. In addition to maybe providing you with more beds, you'd also get 2 bathrooms.

You could also inquire about redeeming points for a villa or two at an SVO property such as the Cat4 Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort (not beachfront, I don't think).

Oh, now that's an even better idea!
Nice to have the kitchen for cooking meals in with a big family!

Oh, now that's an even better idea!
Nice to have the kitchen for cooking meals in with a big family!
In hindsight, if you have the cash, I'm seeing 1BR villas there as cheap as $89/nt and 2BR villas for as little as $149!

That "Go Green / Save Green" rate is w/o housekeeping. FL resident rate is just $10 more per night, though, and regular public rates are also reasonable.