Why are standard rooms only allowed when using points?
 

I've been looking at some of the properties at the Dallas area, and all the bookings with points are only for standard rooms. Why isn't point booking for suites allowed?

Since I have the Premier Visa Signature card that comes with Gold Membership are suite upgrades a 100% certainty?

Not true. When you pull up rates for a city, and it displays a few rates (including award nights) for each hotel, click on the "view all rates" link, and it will usually show all room types that are available for redemption. However, at Radisson's this usually just means a Business Class room is also a choice. But sometimes suites are included.

Carlson is unfortunaly not great on suite awards, but as mention you can get premium rooms at 50% higher point cost. These are rarely good value though.

This thread covers the premium awards:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/club-...um-awards.html

Some hotels (the only one I can confirm is Park Plaza Amsterdam at 12 500) offers upgrades for points at check in for 10 000+. This is called Express Awards.

If suites are important to you, I would recommend booking a standard room and email the hotel and ask if they are willing to upsell you to a suite based on the BAR difference.