The rules of the program do not differentiate paid stays from award stays in respect to upgrades. Being told by a property, at checkin, that non suite upgrades are available but only if you pay, is a clear violation of the Marriott Rewards elite benefit program, whether a paid or award stay. My guess is that being told such at the Blackstone is a product of poor employee training. I've noticed, at that property, a wide variance in the competency of front desk personnel. Some very good. Some without a clue.