I have been trying to pull a co-worker away from Marriott and he signed up at SPG about a month ago, with only 1 stay in that time. SPG really came through when he couldn't book a room at an oversold Westin I (and he will) frequent.

A call to the Plat desk started with a request to comp my co-worker to SPG Gold, explaining how this would help win him from Marriott where he is Silver. The agent asked a couple questions, but in the end essentially took my word on the Silver status, and comped SPG Gold on the spot! Nice ^

Then I asked to book a two night stay using the 72hr guarantee, and added my co-worker's name to the reservation. No problem. But I couldn't get our normal, nicely discounted, corp rate. The agent said his hands were tied, but I could try calling the hotel directly.

I called the hotel front desk, was immediately recognized by the clerk (is clerk the proper term these days?), plead my case, and bam! My co-worker is confirmed for two nights at an oversold hotel, at our corp rate, plus a promise that "we'll take very good care of him" form the front desk.

YMMV of course but with 100+ *wood nights, and about half of those spent at this particular hotel, I figured my chances on the room were pretty good. I wasn't sure about comping Gold, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask.