Suite availability is tough to get at Pacific Rim, but not impossible. I've had better luck reaching out to the property prior to check-in, where they've generously upgraded on a couple of occasions.

I find the front office team is beyond good, and chances are you won't be disappointed with any room they assign, especially if you get a signature harbour view room, which is the best view in the city, IMO.

I've used suite upgrades at both the Waterfront and The Vancouver Hotel, with mixed feelings:

At The Waterfront we got a west coast suite on a low floor with very obstructed views. The suite was recently renovated and perfectly nice, though I wouldn't burn another certificate here. Actually, I wouldn't stay at that property at all, as I find it lacks personality and I had one of the *craziest* hotel experiences here ever... we were assigned an unserviced room + we had our dogs with us +there was used sex paraphernalia under the bed.... do the math. Management response was pathetic. Anyways, I digress....

Recently at The Hotel Vancouver we received a very nice one-bedroom suite that had been recently refurbished. The room was very large, with a separate bedroom and nice bathroom (though small). There was an AC issue so we were moved to a different Studio suite facing the Art Gallery with HUGE bathroom and fireplace and a lot of charm. It was a great room, but I doubt it's the norm for suite upgrades.

It really boils down to what you want. The Fairmont Pacific Rim is my second favourite hotel in the city (Rosewood being the best for me) and I've yet to have a bad experience there. Keep in mind, however, the lobby lounge turns into a bar at night and attracts some of Vancouver's finest try-hards. While sometimes fun to people watch, I sometimes enjoy the peace and quiet afforded at the forgotten sister properties around the corner.