As the OP doesn´t seem to have used any certs for a long time, I was just thinking he might be more successful sending a kind e-mail to the GM asking what kind of suites he could recommend for this special occasion using upgrade certs (maybe mentioning that the stays on the Gold floor have always been a great experience) rather than sending an e-mail like "I know I´m only entitled to a standard suite, but hey, can you give me a Gold suite?"

BTW, good idea trying to pay up to Gold at check-in. Otherwise you could also ask whether there was any food/breakfast package available.