Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
FREQUENT FLYER GLOSSARY
What is a suite upgrade?
Suite upgrade is a hotel loyalty term for moving a booked room up to a suite — either a complimentary upgrade an elite member may receive when a suite is free at check-in, or an upgrade obtained through a programme award such as points, cash or a dedicated upgrade award. The two routes follow different rules: Hilton Honors lets Diamond Elite members receive space-available upgrades up to and including a one-bedroom suite, while its Gold Elite upgrades exclude executive suites. [3]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Hotel programmes run two separate routes to a suite: a complimentary elite upgrade granted on a space-available basis, and an upgrade acquired through points, cash or a programme award. [3] [5]
- Space-available means the hotel decides at check-in, for the whole stay, and only for one room per member — a suite is not reserved in advance. [3]
- Programme terms name a ceiling on the room types an elite member can reach, and list brands, room categories and properties that are excluded from complimentary upgrades. [3]
How does a suite upgrade work?
A complimentary upgrade is a benefit attached to hotel elite status. The programme's terms set a ceiling on how far up the room ladder a member can be moved, the hotel checks what is free on the day, and the member is placed in a better room if one exists. Nothing is promised in advance, so the same status can produce a suite on a quiet night and a standard room on a full one.
A suite upgrade award works the other way round. Instead of waiting for the front desk to decide, the member spends something — points, cash or a programme-issued upgrade award — to secure a larger room or a suite. The programme publishes which room categories the award covers, when the award can be applied, and which hotels take part.
Both routes exist at the same time in the same programme, which is why the phrase covers two quite different experiences. The sections below set out how each one is published by Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
The Hilton Honors terms cited here are the version effective 15 July 2026, and the Marriott Bonvoy Program Rules cited here are the version updated October 2026. [3] [1]
What suite upgrades does Hilton Honors give elite members?
Hilton Honors publishes a two-step ladder for complimentary upgrades. Gold Elite members may be upgraded to preferred rooms, based on availability at check-in, and preferred rooms can include rooms that confer Executive Lounge access without being on the Executive Floor. [3] Diamond Elite members may be upgraded up to and including junior, standard or one-bedroom suites. [3]
| Feature | Gold Elite | Diamond Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade basis | Complimentary room upgrade on qualifying stays, subject to availability at check-in [3] | Complimentary room upgrade on qualifying stays, subject to availability at check-in [3] |
| Room categories the programme names | Preferred rooms, which may include rooms conferring Executive Lounge access [3] | Preferred rooms up to and including junior, standard or one-bedroom suites [3] |
| Room categories excluded | Executive suites, villas, specialty accommodations, floors or towers, and “Club” room types [3] | Executive suites, villas and specialty accommodations, floors or towers, subject to hotel discretion [3] |
| Rooms upgraded per stay | One room per member [3] | One room per member [3] |
The upgrade is granted on a space-available basis for the entire stay, as determined at check-in, and stays at the discretion of the property. [3] Hilton also lists brands where complimentary upgrades are not offered at all: Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Spark by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations and Motto by Hilton. [3]
Certain individual properties are carved out as well, including Napua Tower at Grand Wailea, the Imperial Floor at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, and certain Partner Accommodations. [3]
How do you get a suite upgrade with Marriott Bonvoy?
Marriott Bonvoy publishes a paid and points-based route. Members can trade points (point upgrades) or cash (paid upgrades) for a better view or a larger suite, available at select hotels and resorts and applied during booking. [5]
It also publishes a separate award route. Nightly Upgrade Awards are available to Gold Elite members and above, and are requested after booking from the confirmation or reservation details page rather than during the hotel search. [5]
The Bonvoy Program Rules leave scope for property-level limits, stating that specific benefits, amenities, offers, awards and services may not be available at properties and experiences that participate in the programme in a limited or unique capacity. [1]
What limits a suite upgrade?
- Booking channel. Hilton Honors ties on-property benefits, including space-available upgrades, to a confirmed reservation made through official Hilton websites, the Hilton Honors or Hilton app, Hilton Reservations & Customer Care, a hotel directly, or an IATA-accredited retail travel agent booking through a Hilton channel or a designated global distribution system. [3] On-property benefits are not awarded for reservations booked through a non-Hilton-direct channel, a third-party website or an “opaque” channel where the hotel is unknown at the time of booking. [3]
- Group bookings and certain rates. Hilton states that group reservations and certain room rates are not eligible for suite accommodations and may not be eligible for complimentary upgrades. [3]
- Property variation. Hilton notes that benefits and services offered by participating hotels may vary, so a published suite benefit is not a statement about any particular hotel on any particular night. [3]
- Participating hotels only. Marriott describes points and paid upgrades as available at select hotels and resorts rather than across the whole portfolio. [5]
- Terms can change. Both programmes reserve the right to change benefits and awards with or without notice. [1] [3]
Frequently asked questions
Is a suite upgrade guaranteed at check-in?
No. Hilton Honors grants complimentary upgrades on a space-available basis for the entire stay, as determined at check-in, so an elite member may be moved only as far as the free rooms of that day allow. [3]
Which Hilton brands do not offer complimentary upgrades?
Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Spark by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations and Motto by Hilton. [3]
Can Marriott Bonvoy members pay for a suite upgrade?
Yes. Marriott lets members trade points (point upgrades) or cash (paid upgrades) for a better view or a larger suite at select hotels and resorts, applied during booking. [5]
Who can request a Nightly Upgrade Award with Marriott Bonvoy?
Gold Elite members and above; the request is made after booking from the confirmation or reservation details page. [5]
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. World of Hyatt and other hotel programmes are not covered here; see the World of Hyatt programme page and the Marriott Bonvoy programme page.
- Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, checked 18 October 2026
- Hilton Honors Program Terms & Conditions, checked 18 October 2026
- Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points: room upgrades, free night awards and nightly upgrade awards, checked 18 October 2026