FlyerEC

Usually check with GMs or ops personnel first , before sounding out owners .
Often easier if an " individual " unlike corporate ( multiple ) investors .
Helps if owners have architectural or engineering backgrounds too , with balance of function & aesthetics

Musken

Ericka I am sure that your kind of children`s birthday party in a hotel would be a "well behaved" thing, but I am equally sure that this is not at all the case for all guests booking a suite for a similar occasion... With this in mind, I would not be too sure that a hotel would feel good about hosting such an event in one of their nicest signature suites, and especially not if you are not even paying the full price for it. The sound of kids, cake and pizza is quite messy if you do not know which guests you are talking about. With this in mind, it could be helping to get some sort of a "recommendation" from a GM, just so that this hotel knows what they are doing if they would decide to give you a good price for a better suite for the party. Just a thought.

offerendum

Is the "problem" with the mid-level suite that there is no proper dining-area or is the signature-suite simply nicer?

Is the difference between booked and signature suite huge? Is the signature suite only for the party or also for the stay?

MikeFromTokyo

Very good point re top suites. But depending on the property I imagine there might be larger suites short of top suites that could do nicely. Peninsula is such a small hotel group, out of which there are only three North American properties, so it can't be hard for one GM to reach out to another.

In New York, for example, The Peninsula Suite and the category immediately below it would likely be a no go due to the sheer quality and value of the furnishings. But the category right above Deluxe Suite, for example, might be doable for the hotel. In any case, the guest would have to assume liability for anything that might accidentally happen to the room furnishings.

As a party will be held in the suite, it's probably a bit more complicated than a standard walk up space available upgrade, come to think of it. Probably best to discuss with management somewhat in advance to iron out the details.

Ericka

The "party" has been a point of discussion with sales management. Once we told them we were A) all over 45 with the exception of one child and B) holding the party in the middle of the day, the hotel gave us the green light.

I should rephrase. We're not necessarily looking for a named/signature suite. My perfect world is:
- living area big enough to comfortably seat the number of people we're talking about.
- nice looking (view, etc.)
- view options the morning we check in and buy up as necessary, ideally at a reduced rate because of the last minute booking

Maybe, just this once, I want a license to be picky about our suite. And let's not forget all the $$$$ we're giving the Peninsula for additional guest rooms, drinks, balloons, elaborate cake, dinner the night before, etc.

Do I sound irritated? I'm feeling irritated....over a child's birthday party.

I think I'll just write to the GM and ask that she have someone prepared to show me some suite options when we check in.

MikeFromTokyo

I think it's highly likely they'll have something available that meets your criteria, and at an acceptable price. The only thing that could get in the way would be unusually high demand or lots of VIPs in house.

All over 45 and one child is very different from a typical children's birthday party!

Aventine

It sounds very reasonable...

offerendum

Sounds expensive..... Your way may be the more clever one but to be honest I would simply pay for the signature-suite.... To be absolute honest I wouldn´t do such a party for my child - guess I would be a bad dad, so better such questions didn´t occur to me

Ericka

Wait, wait, wait....other guests are paying for their own hotel rooms. It's not THAT good of a party!

offerendum

Didn't comment if it's good or not to have a party in a hotel. In general I'm very skeptical. At Cap Ferrat we heared loud music until 1am in our suite from a wedding. Can't judge about this "party" but I can imagine it will not be very loud. Also consider that many big suites are more for entertainment than stays. Best excample is Presidential Suite at FS Washington. Not really designed for stays.

MikeFromTokyo

This sounds like an innocuous mid day gathering, rather than some kind of wild party.

The top suites at the Peninsula properties in America are definitely designed as (supremely comfortable) accommodations for actual stays. But, of course they can be used for functions, meetings, or all of the above.

Kagehitokiri

can see what they offer now, shortly before arrival, at arrival, and shortly before the start time.
can communicate flexibility, and interest in seeing what is available day of, arrange who will show

hotels advertise suites for events all the time, some luxury hotels advertise actual (giant) parties.
mostly not true re 'not possible' in certain suites - deals all the time, fees for damage, etc >

while it obviously doesnt apply to those who just need a bedroom door, it is unfortunate when higher end luxury hotels only have a couple decent sized suites, as only having a couple means their rates will be (very) high.

edit - can apply to regular stays as well, for nice dinner in booked suite, booking higher suite, etc

Ericka

All this talk about hotel suites...when in truth, this little guy who lives 1000+ miles away from his family will be so excited to see everyone that nothing else will matter.

Baghoarder

Ericka, I hope your son has a wonderful party!

Kat, I rarely if ever reach out to the GM. I'm not sure why I would need to - I doubt my requests are any more special or unusual than anyone else's (and I will have always chosen the hotel in the first place based on how well-suited it is to my particular needs for that stay).

I don't even particularly like receiving the standard form GM greeting letter in my room. It looks formulaic and impersonal (in other words, the total opposite of what a personalized note from a GM should be). I'd rather see a wide range of hotel staff show a genuine interest in meeting my needs - always a good indication that a strong service culture is being driven from the top down.