When is a suite a suite?

Hi,

I have made a booking at the Grand Hyatt in Schaumburg, Ill. This hotel is a category 1 hotel, which means that a Suite should set me back 8.000 points.

However, for my 8.000 points, I have only been able to get an Executive king room and not a suite. I have contacted Hyatt guest relations, who have told me that:

"At this point, the room you currently hold is what the property has selected as the suite for award redemption"

Who gets to decide that a room is a suite? Does Hyatt or the hotel make these definitions?

Any advice?

As guest relations has told you, the property decides what they consider an entry level suite, which is what the upgrade gets you.

At some properties they are true suites, at some they are 2 connecting rooms, one which is a parlor, and at others they are junior suites. It sounds like this property doesn't have any real suites. Have you tried to book one for money? If so, what type of room do they offer?

Thanks for the help.

According to their website they have Junior suite...

Then call and asked why you were not confirmed in it. It is possible they do not have any available for your dates.

Keep in mind that a junior suite is often just a larger room without a separate bedroom.

Here is a case in point for you. The accommodation that the Grand Hyatt in NYC calls a Jr. Suite is essentially the same room that the Hyatt at Penns Landing in PHL calls a Corner King. Personally, leaving out location, I find the latter to be far superior.

The hotel in Schaumburg even has at least two real suites. I know because I've stayed in one and seen the other, although that was some years ago. Neither is exactly what I'd call super-luxurious, but they are reasonably large.

So I think the hotel is not doing right by the OP. Call and if they won't fix it, drop back to a regular room. None of the rooms in this hotel are at all spectacular, unless they have been remodeled since I last stayed there (which is possible since, as I noted, that was some years back).

The rooms have been remodeled, but I still wouldn't use the term"luxurious" in their description. The baths are rather elegant, but the tiniest I have ever seen.

Actually, the Junior Suites in this hotel are not bad, certainly better than a big room...but OP, have the proper perspective...this is an office building converted into a hotel. It has a most odd configuration and layout, but they have added a Regency Club recently which is a plus.

There are hotels that play fairly and there are hotels who risk damaging their relationships with guests when defining what they allocate in the end as an actual suite
A corner room or oversized room is not a suite IMHO
Having said that it is fascinating to see a property change brands or ownership and suddenly voila the corner standard room is now called studio suite by adding a couch

My suggestion is do your research. I respect hotels that offer at least 500 to 600 square feet or better and preferably a 2 room suite with separate living room with some rare exceptions
Having said that it’s subjective and there may still be satisfaction in a large room for some with no seperate room.
As a top tier member in a number of programs if I am aware of manipulation of fake suite offerings.
Some hotels say standard rooms are sold out when all their queen size rooms are sold out as all they have are kings!
Its a big game with winners and losers on both sides

It’s a great possibility I will never be back regardless if on revenue ,award or an upgrade if the basic expectation and promise isn't delivered
Of course there are exceptions where the hotel quality and amenities may have me more forgiving.
Its also been my experience in a good hotel based on availability they will try and make the guest happy by further upgrading based on availability
Always do your reserach in advance which would be my best advice
It is unfortunate that all hotel brands don't make hotels conform to a minimum standard for jr suites/suites
As always experiences will certainly vary as will your miles or points!

There is no Grand Hyatt in Chicago, let alone Schaumburg...

Some hotels do not have enough suites and therefore make a premium room available for such redemptions, if they do not opt out entirely.

It is up to you now to decide whether you are satisfied with that room, another option would be a standard room at 5k/night

Depending on your status, you should be upgraded anyhow, so it might not be worthwhile to spend another 3k/night.

Thanks for all the advise....

@fd1971: You are right, my bad. It is the Hyatt Regency.

...as FD1971 suggests, you may get an upgrade without using your points.
I would call the hotel. I find them to be rather accomodating, so perhaps a direct discussion will gain you the room you desire - with or without points.

The hotels in the ' burbs just aren't that great.

I beleive the best to be in Oak Brook, but that is about a 1/2 from Schaumburg, so may not fit your needs.