Respectfully, I disagree. Elite treatment in any program is highly contingent upon the hotel / resort in question. In general, SPG elite program offers very little in terms of guaranteed benefits unlike HHonors or Marriott Rewards where elite benefits are well defined and many hotels offer more than what is required. While SPG hotels tend to be nicer, the generic nature of SPG elite benefits with few defined benefits mean there will necessarily be greater variation across hotels. Even something like 4PM late check-out, which is one of the few guaranteed benefits at SPG can be cirucumvented by rogue front desk manager who would resort to lies and fabrications even when contacted by SPG Corporate Services such as claiming the hotel is a convention hotel, therefore exempt from the policy, only to be told by SPG Corporate Services that such claim is false. You think that was the end of it? Nah, then the story changed again as it changed from the "Convention hotel therefore exempt" into "the guest didn't ask for it at check-in"

My point is, there are rogue hotels everywhere. The lack of defined benefits for SPG Elites is a big minus for the program and a reason why I can't be bother with making SPG Platinum again but will make HH Diamond by the end of this month. What benefits is there if the hotel is pretty much full for a SPG Plat? Not much. And given very few SPG hotels have lounges, a SPG Plat will fare far worse than other Elites unless there is a Suite upgrade, which can be a hit or miss. Been there, done that, it's stressful and a hassle at times having to check the hotel's claim re: "We are full or suite is unavailable". Why bother?

That said, I'd stay at Westin Sydney anyday, that is a superb property and treats Plats very well and I was upgraded to a gorgeous Suite last time I was there. Can't comment on the Sheraton Sydney though.