Originally Posted by
neo_781
I mostly agree with what you said. I would like to confirm suites when it is a special occasion and therefore really want one. The only problem with Hyatt's confirmed suites policy is that you can't use them on reward stays and that is when I most want a suite. During my regular travels suite's are not needed (barely in the room anyway) and when I want them I can't get it anyway - so to me this makes it not a useful benefit. Therefore I have to slightly lean towards SPG as they upgrade you regardless on how you pay for the room.
Well for Hyatt you can book a suite on an award stay at a 50% premium in points to a regular room but with a 3-night minimum (which I wish they would get rid of). I've done this 2x (once at PH Paris and once at GH Kauai - where the base room rates are "too high" to pay with "cash" anyways). Otherwise, your chances at a suite upgrade are still there but not great of course. I've gotten one once at the PH Paris (odd suite of connecting rooms during a sold out period with heads of state in house).
IMO, it's the same comparison to SPG - which is a YMMV issue depending on property (many properties seem to do everything they can to avoid giving the suite upgrade).