Originally Posted by
writerguyfl
The labor cost to clean a suite is much higher than a typical room. And most chains having a sliding scale for reimbursement of point redemptions. Low occupancy means hotels only get a small payment when compared to redemptions during high occupancy nights.
From having worked in hotels (although not at a Hyatt), I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the labor cost to properly clean a suite is higher than the reimbursement for the points spent.
The reasons that MSPeconomist and Kacee raise for why some hotels don't offer suites via point redemptions are right on the money.
From experience, I can tell you that no-party policies don't work. There will always be guests that don't follow the rules. Or, ones that think that their "group of guys watching football and drinking beer" party isn't actually a party.
I was fortunate to work at a Front Desk Supervisor in one hotel that hired an off-duty police officer every weekend. That fact made our jobs easy. With any noise complaint, we'd send hotel security up to the room with the police officer. Problem solved virtually 100% of the time.
Later in my career, I moved to a different hotel as a Night Manager. Like most hotels in the country, we didn't hire off-duty police. Dealing with parties there was a nightmare. Even the threat of eviction didn't stop the noise in some cases.
When you compare the low reimbursement of points to the potential for problems, it's not surprising that some hotels decide not to rent out suites using points.
Thats actually really strange to me, not saying it doesn’t happen, just very odd.
I’ve stayed at Hyatt/Hilton properties for over a decade, never at a mid-to upper tier property (non-HH/HP) have I seen or heard a party. Maybe mid-to upper tier properties attract a different clientele or they have stricter policies in place regarding noise. I just checked out of a HC which at signs posted everywhere to keep noise levels down between 9pm and 8am.
As far as suites go I’ve had Suites at one property classified as Standard, while a very similar Suite (and actually smaller) at another property is considered Premium. I guess I’m not seeing much of a difference in cleaning those if it’s a points booking, vs. TSU booking, vs. Complimentary Upgrade based on history or status. Now if it’s like a Presidential Suite then yes there’s a difference. But seeing those under bookable with points is practically non-existent.
I have heard of some people getting Globalist Upgrades to a Presidential Suite though, I believe in Arizona don’t recall which property though.
Also, the only properties I’ve ever visually seen security on property were the very low tier properties, mostly HP. It definitely does not improve my opinion of the hotel, and actually makes me feel less safe. I’m sure other properties have some type of security on property or on call, just not visually present for guests to see.