Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a Marriott hotel and being ushered into a sprawling suite, with separate living areas, a magnificent view, or perhaps a private balcony, all without paying the premium price? For many loyal Marriott Bonvoy members, this isn't just a dream – it's a tangible perk of their elite status. But how exactly do these coveted Marriott suite upgrades work? Let's dive deep into the world of Marriott Bonvoy upgrades, from understanding the different types to maximizing your chances of securing that luxurious suite.
The Allure of the Suite Life
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's acknowledge why suite upgrades are so desirable. A suite isn't just a bigger room; it offers a whole new level of comfort and experience. Imagine having space to relax, entertain, or work without being confined to a single bedroom. Whether it's for a special occasion, a family trip, or simply a desire for more elbow room, a suite elevates any stay from good to extraordinary.
Ready to unlock the secrets to Marriott suite upgrades? Let's begin!
Step 1: Understand the Two Main Paths to a Marriott Suite Upgrade
There are essentially two primary avenues for securing a suite upgrade with Marriott Bonvoy: Complimentary Elite Upgrades at Check-in and Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs), formerly known as Suite Night Awards (SNAs). It's crucial to understand the distinction between these two, as their mechanics and reliability differ significantly.
Sub-heading: Complimentary Elite Upgrades (Upon Arrival)
This is the most common way many elite members hope for an upgrade. When you have Marriott Bonvoy elite status (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador), you are eligible for complimentary room upgrades, including select suites, based on availability at check-in.
Who is eligible?
Gold Elite: Eligible for "enhanced rooms," which may include rooms on executive floors or with better views, but generally do not include suites.
Platinum Elite: Eligible for upgrades to "enhanced rooms, including select suites," based on availability at check-in. This is where your chances of a suite significantly increase.
Titanium Elite: Same as Platinum Elite, with a higher priority for upgrades.
Ambassador Elite: Same as Titanium Elite, with the highest priority for upgrades, also benefiting from the "Your24" benefit which can sometimes aid in securing a better room if you arrive early.
How it works: The hotel's front desk staff will review available inventory upon your arrival. If a higher category room or a select suite is available for your entire length of stay, they may assign it to you. This is not guaranteed and is entirely at the hotel's discretion.
Key considerations:
Availability is key: If the hotel is fully booked, or all suites are occupied, an upgrade won't happen.
Hotel discretion: Even if a suite is open, the hotel is not obligated to upgrade you. Factors like your loyalty, the length of your stay, and even your demeanor at check-in can play a role.
No advance confirmation: You won't know if you're upgraded until you arrive at the hotel.
Sub-heading: Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs - formerly SNAs)
Nightly Upgrade Awards are a confirmable upgrade benefit that you can earn as an Annual Choice Benefit when you achieve Platinum (50 nights) or Titanium (75 nights) Elite status in a calendar year. Each NUA is valid for a one-night upgrade to a premium room or a standard suite, subject to availability.
Who earns them?
Platinum Elite (50 nights): You can choose 5 Nightly Upgrade Awards as one of your Annual Choice Benefits.
Titanium Elite (75 nights): You can choose another 5 Nightly Upgrade Awards (for a total of 10 if you selected them at both milestones) as one of your Annual Choice Benefits.
How they work:
Select NUAs as your Annual Choice Benefit: After earning 50 or 75 elite nights, you'll be prompted to select your Annual Choice Benefit via the Marriott Bonvoy website or app.
Apply NUAs to an existing reservation: Once you have NUAs in your account, you can apply them to eligible paid or award stays through your Marriott Bonvoy account online or via the app. You must have enough NUAs to cover every night of your stay.
The system checks availability: Starting five days prior to arrival (three days for EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis properties), Marriott's system automatically checks for availability of the selected upgraded room or suite types.
Confirmation or denial: If an upgrade is available, your NUA(s) will be confirmed, and you'll receive an email notification. If not, the system continues to check daily until 2 PM local hotel time the day before arrival. If no upgrade is confirmed by then, the NUAs are returned to your account.
Key considerations:
Proactive application: You initiate the process by applying them to your reservation.
Confirmable in advance: While not guaranteed, the system attempts to confirm your upgrade in the days leading up to your stay, offering more certainty than a spontaneous check-in upgrade.
One NUA per night, per room: If you have a 3-night stay, you need 3 NUAs. If you book multiple rooms under your name (and are present for both stays), you can apply NUAs to each room.
Brand exclusions: Not all Marriott brands participate in Nightly Upgrade Awards (e.g., Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Design Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy).
Specific room types: The available suite or premium room types for NUA upgrades are determined by each participating property. You can often select multiple preferred room types when applying your NUAs to increase your chances.
Step 2: Maximizing Your Chances of a Suite Upgrade
Whether you're relying on elite status at check-in or utilizing Nightly Upgrade Awards, there are several strategies you can employ to tip the scales in your favor.
Sub-heading: General Strategies for Any Upgrade
Attain Higher Elite Status: This is the most straightforward method. Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members have explicit benefits for suite upgrades, whereas Gold Elite members typically do not receive suites as a complimentary upgrade. The higher your status, the higher your priority.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Hotels are more likely to have available suites during less busy periods. Weekends in business-heavy cities, or weekdays in leisure destinations, might offer better luck.
Shorter Stays: Hotels are often more willing to upgrade guests for shorter stays (1-2 nights) as it minimizes the disruption to their inventory.
Book a Flexible Rate: While not always possible, booking a refundable rate might give the hotel more flexibility in moving your reservation around if they need to.
Be a Loyal Guest to a Specific Property: If you frequently stay at the same Marriott hotel, the staff may recognize your loyalty and be more inclined to offer an upgrade.
Politely Ask at Check-in (for complimentary upgrades): A friendly and polite inquiry can sometimes make all the difference. Instead of demanding, try: "Are there any complimentary upgrades available for my Titanium Elite status, perhaps a larger room or a suite?"
Check-in Later in the Day: While some advise early check-in, waiting until later in the afternoon might mean the hotel has a clearer picture of their remaining inventory and which suites are truly available. However, this also carries the risk that all suites might be taken.
Don't Use Mobile Check-in (for complimentary upgrades): While convenient, mobile check-in sometimes bypasses the human interaction that can lead to a discretionary upgrade. Interacting with a front desk agent gives you an opportunity to politely inquire.
Sub-heading: Optimizing Your Nightly Upgrade Award (NUA) Use
Apply Them Early: As soon as your reservation is confirmed, if you intend to use NUAs, apply them. While the system only starts checking availability 5 days prior, having your request in early ensures it's in the queue.
Select All Available Suite Types: When applying NUAs online, you'll be presented with a list of eligible room and suite types. Select every option that appeals to you. The more options you select, the higher your chances of one clearing.
Be Realistic: While it's nice to dream of the Presidential Suite, NUAs are generally for "standard suites" or "premium rooms." Research the hotel's room categories beforehand to manage your expectations.
Consider Less Popular Hotels/Locations: High-demand hotels in major cities or popular resorts often have very limited suite availability, making NUA confirmation challenging. You might have better luck at less busy properties or in smaller markets.
Monitor Your Request: Keep an eye on your Marriott Bonvoy account and emails. If your NUA request isn't confirmed by the day before arrival, you still have the option to cancel it and have the NUA returned to your account if you no longer wish to pursue it.
Step 3: Understanding the Nuances and Potential Pitfalls
While Marriott suite upgrades are a fantastic benefit, it's important to be aware of certain aspects that can influence your experience.
Sub-heading: What "Availability" Really Means
"Availability" for upgrades isn't simply whether a suite is empty. It's about whether the hotel chooses to release that suite for upgrade purposes. Hotels manage their inventory carefully, and sometimes a suite might be held for a paying guest, a VIP, or simply not be part of the designated upgrade pool.
Sub-heading: Brand Exclusions
As mentioned, not all Marriott brands participate in Nightly Upgrade Awards. These include:
Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton Club
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Participating Design Hotels
Marriott Executive Apartments
All-Inclusive Resorts
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Vacation Club
It's always a good idea to check if your chosen brand is eligible before planning around NUA usage.
Sub-heading: The "Standard Suite" Definition
The definition of a "standard suite" can vary significantly from one property to another. At some hotels, a standard suite might be a junior suite with a slightly larger living area. At others, it could be a full one-bedroom suite. Do your research on the specific hotel's room types to avoid disappointment.
Sub-heading: The Expiration of Nightly Upgrade Awards
Nightly Upgrade Awards have an expiration date, typically December 31st of the year following the year they were earned. Plan your stays accordingly to ensure you utilize them before they expire.
Step 4: What to Do if Your Upgrade Isn't Confirmed (NUAs)
If your Nightly Upgrade Award isn't confirmed by 2 PM local hotel time the day before arrival, the NUAs are automatically returned to your account. At this point, you have a few options:
Accept Your Originally Booked Room: This is the most common outcome.
Inquire at Check-in (for complimentary upgrade chances): Even if your NUA didn't clear, your elite status still makes you eligible for a complimentary upgrade at check-in based on availability. It's worth a polite inquiry.
Consider a Paid Upgrade: If a suite is genuinely important to you and available, you can always ask about the cost to upgrade to a higher category at check-in. Sometimes, the difference can be reasonable, especially for a short stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marriott Suite Upgrades
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Marriott suite upgrades, with quick answers:
How to get Marriott Bonvoy elite status for suite upgrades?
You earn elite status by accumulating qualifying nights in a calendar year: 50 nights for Platinum Elite, 75 nights for Titanium Elite, and 100 nights + $23,000 qualifying spend for Ambassador Elite. Credit cards can also provide elite night credits.
How to apply Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs) to a Marriott reservation?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, go to "My Trips," select your upcoming reservation, and look for the "Start upgrade request" or "Request Nightly Upgrade Award(s)" option. You'll then select the eligible room types.
How to increase my chances of a complimentary suite upgrade at check-in?
Travel during off-peak times, stay for shorter durations, be a loyal guest to a specific property, politely ask at check-in, and have a higher elite status (Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador).
How to know if a Marriott hotel participates in Nightly Upgrade Awards?
When you go to apply NUAs to a reservation online, if the option isn't present, the hotel or rate is likely ineligible. Generally, resort hotels, Design Hotels, and residences might not participate.
How to check the status of my Nightly Upgrade Award request?
You can check the status of your NUA request in your Marriott Bonvoy account under your reservation details. Marriott also sends email notifications if your upgrade is confirmed or denied.
How to cancel an unconfirmed Nightly Upgrade Award request?
You can cancel an unconfirmed NUA request through your Marriott Bonvoy account online or via the app, typically up until 2 PM local hotel time the day before arrival, and the NUAs will be returned to your account.
How to use Nightly Upgrade Awards for multiple rooms?
You can use NUAs for multiple single-room reservations during a stay as long as each room is in your name and you are present for the duration of the stay. Each room and night requires one NUA.
How to know which suites are considered "standard" for NUA upgrades?
Marriott doesn't provide a universal list. The eligible room and suite types will be displayed to you when you initiate the NUA request for your specific reservation on the Marriott Bonvoy website or app.
How to deal with a denied Nightly Upgrade Award request?
If your NUA is denied, the awards are returned to your account. You will then receive your originally booked room. You can still politely inquire about a complimentary upgrade at check-in if you have Platinum status or higher.
How to make the most of my Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits beyond suite upgrades?
Beyond upgrades, leverage benefits like guaranteed late checkout (4 PM for Platinum+), lounge access (for Platinum+ at participating brands), bonus points on stays, and welcome gifts (points, breakfast, or amenity).
