Originally Posted by
factory81
I've already explained the use case for not taking the SNA choice multiple times. Anyone who has SPG points - can just book the same suite with points instead of attempting to use a SNA. You don't have to use a SNA to stay in that suite. You don't have to rely on the "upgrade based on availability" either. The difference is a few thousand points and you have a guaranteed suite.
E.G. W Barcelona, 16k or 20k points per night or something? But the suite they have is 30k/nt. I booked the Le Meridian Barcelona, and had no clue about this "feature". The agent was like, "you know you can just book that suite for a few thousand points more per night?". So for a 30% premium-ish it seems, you can go stay in a suite for free on points. And then what is the use of the SNA then?
What is mega-disappointing for me is that Hyatt is giving me 2 United club passes, 4 diamond confirmed suite upgrades (eligible for cash + points, cash stays up to 7 days per upgrade, so effectively 28 days of upgrades). So I get not only a valuable asset like 2 united club tickets, but I get 28 days worth of upgrades. With SPG I have to pick if I want a valuable asset like a gift card.
I have complained that the SNA needs its "limit" removed. If I book the nicest room that a SNA can "legally upgrade me into", then my SNA is also useless. For the layman, the SNA is powerful. But for just 1 minute, think of the person who has more points than they know what to do with - they just cant gamble on a suite night. Or lets think of the subset of consumers who already book Junior Suites or other rooms that the SNA is eligible to upgrade you to? SNA's have zero appeal to these people already.
I agree, if someone has more points than they know what to do with... your theory is correct. I'm not sure who these people are though - or how many there are. I stay 100 nights per year and I don't have more points than I know what to do with. I know exactly what I'll do with them... redeem them for free night stays.
Also - there is an opportunity cost of spending 10,000 extra points per night to get that suite (in your example). To me, it'd never be worth that many points as I value 10,000 points at $.03 per - so that's $300 to upgrade to the suite. I'd take my chances with SNA. Of course, if I had more points than I knew what to do with - I might reconsider the oppty cost. Still - in the case where I did have this many points, I'd rather transfer them to airlines at 1.25 per - and fly free business or first over redeeming the way you suggest.