The only people that are entitled to suites are those that reserve and pay for suites. No elite is entitled to suites and for that matter suites are explicitly excluded in the upgrade benefit wording in the Marriott T&C. Now, that doesn't mean people don't get upgraded to suites. They do.

In my 11 years w/MR. 1 Black level, 8 Platinum, 1 Gold, and 1 Silver I have been upgraded to suites 4 times (that I can remember). The presidential suite at Newark Marriott on a 2 night stay (other than a lot of real estate most rooms at other nice Marriott properties would be preferable), many, many years ago at the Vail Marriott (and I go there every year) on a 7 night stay, Hilton Head Marriott a couple years ago on a 2 night stay, and at the Richmond Marriott on a 1 night stay.

Unless there was a reservation foul up, or they reserve room types with the intent to upgrade folks, you will not get upgrades at hotels that are sold out on one or more nights of your stay. If there are 2 upgrade rooms and 20 plats checking in that night, then 18 of those plats will not get upgraded. Hotels are running near full occupancy these days as reflected by the increase in room rates.

When Hotels are not full most upgrades are to the CL, or room with a better view. Some hotels just don't upgrade to suites. Your odds of upgrading are much better for short stays, off season stays, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas at resort properties.

You can play the system if you like, email, phone, complain if you don't get upgraded, and then you might eventually get upgraded. But in the process get frustrated as many on here have, as reflected by some of their posts. I used to do this, but didn't like the way I acted when I did so I have changed my ways so to speak. I also think having traveled a lot more since my early days tends to season ones approach to these matters. There are a lot more important things in life to focus one's energy on than the pursuit of the elusive upgrade. (like spouting this long advice on FT - geez... NOT).

Note an upgrade request in your comments section when making your reservation, if you get an email from the concierge then reply and request the upgrade again. When you check-in ask about the upgrade and they will usually tell you that you were upgraded or that no upgrades were available. Unless there is a problem with my room I will take what I am given and am usually quite happy with it.

Well off to more important matters, like getting ready for Vail. YES!