Folks, I'm a multi-year platinum member but attempting to book my first award at the Ritz Carlton (St. Thomas)...

Was suprised to learn after talking to platinum reservations that no award rooms were available 6+ months out. After several phone calls finally ended up talking to RC central reservations. Was informed by the agent that each Ritz property can decide which rooms, if any, to release at any given time. Essentially, all dates are "blacked out" by default. Now I have to wait for them to offer up something (was told maybe next year they might get around to it?)

Any suggestions or similar experiences?

Thanks