We tried this week through SPG reservations to have them get in touch with the hotel. The hotel front desk and reservations desk told the agent that they do not allow booking of anything other than the standard room type with points and that they will make a note on our account requesting a sea-view upgrade since we are Gold. Obviously, an upgrade won't be guaranteed since it is summer time and it will depend on how full they are. Surprisingly, my husband accepted this and went ahead with booking a standard mountain view room, saving me some Euros. Either way, we are looking forward to staying at the Hotel Excelsior in Naples.