"Best available room" promise removed from elite upgrade terms

upgrade to the best available room, including suites → complimentary upgrade, subject to availability

In May 2025 (date approximate; documented May 17 by View from the Wing, comparing an April 30 snapshot of the terms), Marriott quietly revised section 4.3.c of the Bonvoy terms and conditions. The prior text promised Platinum Elite members and above a complimentary upgrade "to the best available room," subject to availability at arrival, for the length of stay. The revised text promises only a complimentary upgrade subject to availability and adds brand-level exclusions, removing members' ability to cite the terms when a hotel declines to upgrade to an available suite. Marriott did not notify members of the change. The upgrade benefit itself still lists suites and premium rooms as possible outcomes; what changed is the standard hotels are held to.

What to do: Use Nightly Upgrade Awards for stays where a suite matters; check-in upgrades are now fully at the hotel's discretion.