As a lowly SPG Gold, what might I expect in the way of potential upgrade at this property? I booked C&P for $60/4000 points. I could get the Renewal Room for an average of 9200 points for a five night stay (46k/5).

I saw a blog on "View from the Wing" about a "redeem your rewards" menu, where upgrades to Renewal rooms were 1000 per night, and upgrades to Executive Club rooms were 1500 per night. Is this a regular occurrence? Have Golds gotten upgrades with no cost?

This seems like the best Starwood hotel for the "price." Is the location really that bad as some say?

Thanks.