Originally Posted by
hockeyinsider
Just remember that under the Marriott terms and conditions, suites are explicitly included as an upgrade option for platinum-elite status guests. Technically, gold-elite guests aren't suppose to receive a suite. Now, granted many hotels will claim a suite isn't available, but I wouldn't hesitate to push back and, if necessary, read the terms to the manager if you really care about a suite. Unlike Starwood, there is no limitation on the category of suites that one can be upgraded into as a Marriott platinum.
Link to
Marriott Rewards Elite Membership Terms and Conditions
Number 5 under
Additional Platinum and Gold Membership Benefits section:
Complimentary Room Upgrade: Based on room availability at check-in and limited to a Member's personal guestroom. Upgrades may include rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities, rooms on Executive Floors, or suites. All upgrades are granted on a space-available basis, as determined at the time of check-in.
Upgrades are subject to availability and identified by each hotel. Not available at Marriott Vacation Club.
There is no requirement that all, or even any, suites are available for upgrade at any given hotel. Also note that suites are not excluded from MR Gold members.
Now these are the Terms and Conditions. Perhaps what you read was some marketing spin of these. Please post your source if you find it. Thanks - Bob