I think they changed the wording last year because so many elites were complaining about not getting suites even though they were showing as available on-line.

An upgrade could be:

Room with a water view (Chicago Ren)

Corner room

C-level room

Doesn't mean you will never get a suite though. I got the Pres.Suite(size of about four regular rooms) at the downtown KC Marriott a few months ago. Last year I got the Penthouse Suite at the Des Moines Ren and a Suite at the DEN airport Marriott.

I've been given suites a few other times but I cannot remember at which properties. I get a suite about twice a year which is less than 1% of the time, pretty long odds.