I have searched the threads, but am still having difficulty coming up with a solution. We are trying to book the Hotel Excelsior Naples for two nights in July but would like a sea view room. SPG Free Night awards are available for 12,000 points (category 5) for city view rooms but when I ask the phone agents about using extra points for a sea view room, they tell me it's not available. What other options do I have to confirm a sea view prior to arrival while booking the whole thing with points?

We really don't want to chance with a Gold upgrade when we check in as we have no idea how booked the property will be.