I'm not sure if there is anything special about concierge level, but just to let you know at SPG you get club room access automatically. Even if you are placed on another floor.

Concierge level will mean a better view (higher floor). It also may mean robes in a room. (Some hotels only put them in the concierge rooms.) The concierge level may also give better access to the concierge lounge. For example, at the JW Marriott Austin, the concierge levels are the top 6 or 7 floors. The elevator that goes to those floors also goes to the executive lounge on floor 5. You also always get club access as a Marriott Gold or Platinum Elite member--even if not on the concierge level.

Except I get suite upgrades if available outside Asia.

yes, I'm sure you get suite ugrades at all your Marriott stays as a G :rolleyes:

If it's a stay I care about getting upgraded, I'll check availability for the length of my stay just before checking in. If I see a suite available, and I haven't been upgraded in advance, I'll politely ask when I check in if any suite upgrades are available. That's worked probably 97% of the time. 2% the front desk flat out lied and said no they weren't available and the last 1% I was told upgrades only available if I was willing to pay for it (cough, Essex House, cough, cough).

Point of reference: My wife is MR Gold and has had two suite upgrades this year, out of about fifteen or so stays.

Speaking as a Marriott Plat, I am not "entitled" to an upgrade. A hotel may, should they so choose, offer me an upgrade if a room is available -- but they are certainly free to offer the same room to whomever they please, regardless of their status.

If they're available, I do. I've gotten several in the past year; the only time I didn't, all the hotel's suites were booked.

Perhaps you don't know my travel as well as I do.

That sounds about right as opposed to other Gs who claim they always get suite upgrades.
As a plat I know I don't always get suite upgrades and doubt others do either.

If a Gold wants to "always get suite upgrades" I have some advice.

1. Go to full service Marriotts with lots of suites.
2. Pick dates when either the hotel is empty or when it's full but of people who don't have status and don't pay for suites, and any event running there doesn't take suites.

My travel almost completely ignores potential upgrades as a factor. ("Almost" because sometimes when I've already selected the location and dates, I might choose between hotels based in part on the chance of upgrades.)

Oh good grief. This thread has gone pie shaped. Geesh

I don't know that expression :confused: Inquiring minds want to know:p

As all threads about upgrade entitlement always do.

Upgrade CasaMagna Cancun Award Stay
 

I booked a standard room at CasaMagna Cancun using point+cash (3 nights @ 105K points + 1 night @ $199)

wanted to know how I can upgrade to ocean view room. Should I ask at the time of check-in or call ahead?
I am willing to pay extra if its not too much. Also I can transfer Ultimate Rewards if they are willing to upgrade using point.

any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Upgrade CasaMagna Cancun Award Stay
 

Concierge emailed me about a week out. Let them know I'd appreciate an upgrade. Was provided an ocean view suite. This was the low-season, however.