Originally Posted by
ElevatorEnthusiast
I assume you're right, but it still doesn't explain why the PHNY is so much tighter on this than other luxury hotels. I have walked into other Park Hyatts, Ritz-Carltons, etc. and been given true suite upgrades. What makes the PHNY so special? It's not like there aren't many suite categories and a bunch of suites per floor (based on the fire map).
Because it's in NYC, a market where plenty of people are paying full price for a suite. It's comparing itself to other luxury hotels, such as the Lowell, Carlyle, Baccarat, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Pierre, etc. The new Aman a few blocks away is charging ~$4000 a night for an oversized room. I don't think these hotels routinely offer suite upgrades to guests who book the base room.
Also luxury hotels tends to prioritize frequent guests at a specific property, over someone who's loyal to the brand, esp when a chain has a huge range of budget to luxury brands.