dtwdoc

I'm looking into several properties for NYE. I noticed that checking in on the 30th requires a 4 night stay (both paid and if using points), but checking in the 29th does not. Unfortunately I will not be able to check in on the 29th. Any way around this? And, as the date approaches, should I expect a night minimum to be removed?

Additionally, though less importantly, although point redemption is available, cash + points is not. I've run into this before but never really thought about it. If one is available, shouldn't the other also be available? What determines availability of one vs the other? For Hyatt, C+P is based on the discretion of the individual property (or so I'm told). Is Starwood the same in this respect?

I searched for a similar thread but couldn't find one. That said, I'm sure there probably is a thread out there answering my question, so if a 'thread suggester' (cough, cough Ken cough, cough) knows of one, please feel free

neo_781

Same for SPG, property dependent if/when they want to offer it.

As for minimum stay requirements I wouldn't count on a property removing that requirement. So in other words, I would book what you feel comfortable with and not gamble on a change.

(Additionally, not knowing the location of the property doesn't help either --- it could be a popular NYE spot and therefore no need to waive their requirements)

Thunderroad

FWIW, often C+P availability is tighter than award availability.

I'd think that availability for both will get tighter as time gets closer, so I agree with neo that you should book whatever looks best now. Most C+P and award reservations can be canceled without penalty up until shortly before arrival (though make sure of this in the terms and conditions for any booking), so you could book now and then modify later if you get lucky if better openings materialize.

Having said that, one other thing you could try is to call the Plat desk, for it to in turn contact the hotel to see if it will open up space for the dates you want. That approach occasionally works, though might be tougher for the period around New Year's Eve than for other times of year.

pillow25

C+P is capacity controlled for both Hyatt and SPG (similar to airline award seats). With points, per both programs, as long as a "standard" room is available, you can get it with points.

Of course, what constitutes a "standard" room is up for debate...

dtwdoc

Ah, ok, didn't know that SPG also left it up to the hotel. Thanks