I personally dont have any experience of SPG, but anecdotally from these boards I would imagine the outcomes will be FAR FAR better for SPG than Marriott, Hilton or IHG.

I think this comes down to budget, SPG only give top tiers 3 points per $ spent, whereas the other three give 15 to 20 (HH Diamond when you double dip). Yet redemption at SPG costs only about 25% less than Marriott. There are other ways to make the best of the SPG scheme, but any SPG member is going to really struggle to get the same earn/burn rate as the other 3. On the other hand, SPG properties have more suites and anecdotally at least, MR members who are also SPG cite a much increased suite upgrade rate. I think this has more to do with the numbers of suites built into SPG and a greater proportion of promotion costs being left in the hotels hands. Result, more suite upgrades.

I personally have to say, I'm always confused by this obsession with suites. I love breakfast in bed, TV in bed, just lounging in the bed when on leisure stays. When working a well lit large desk, with the bed behind me to spread out my papers works far better than a dining table. A living area just doesn't do it for me. Yes, its nice, but NOT that nice. A large corner room with a balcony and a great view... now I'm sold, and will take that ANY day over a suite. Luckily I do score a lot of upgrades, mostly to large/corner rooms with/without balconies (depending on location), great views too. These make me happy. Marriott's don't have that many suites in each hotel and tend to conserve them... just in case... In any event, suite upgrades are specifically NOT a mandated part of the MR (or IHG) scheme.

And, since I attained Gold think I've only been stuck with a dumpster view once, that's a real improvement on the situation before Gold, and my experience at hotel groups where I lack status... erm so thats everywhere except IHG and Marriott then

To summarise therefore, as a PLT I find I'm upgraded far more often than not, though to a suite, well last year only 6 nights from over 70. This year, well I've only done 17 nights so far, and its a big fat ZERO... Which is MOST definitely NOT a problem...

Lastly, I am quite curious about the result, and have done the poll. I hope everyone does it from all the boards polled, so we can have a better idea as to whether the anecdotal info backs up a large poll result.