Sorry for bringing an old topic forward,but this is exactly my experience. The HHonors website shows me as Gold but I haven't received a card yet (still Silver).

Ten days ago, I stayed at Hilton Toronto and got no "gold" treatment -- in fact, I had to pay C$20 to have breakfast in the executive lounge (meeting a colleague who was staying on exec floor). Since I didn't have any "proof" of gold, I didn't challenge the charge.

Tonight, I checked into the Hilton Boston Logan. They had my HHonors number in advance. I got a nicer corner room, but no mention of breakfast on the executive floor and I certainly wasn't upgraded there. Again, I gave them my silver card 'cause it's all I have, and haven't figured out a tactful way to say "but I'm gold,actually."

The printout idea is a good one, but in case I can't find a printer before tomorrow night at a Doubletree in Atlanta...any suggestions?