I made a totally different experience in Europe and China. Since I am Gold Elite, I got a free upgrade at 6 of 7 stays, and nearly all were booked with the 2-for-1 promo!
Got upgraded in
Frankfurt
Wiesbaden
Zurich
Shanghai
Wiesbaden
St. Gallen
In Wiesbaden also a big free fruit plater and 2 small welcome cakes were waitting in my upgraded room!

The Radisson in Wiesbaden has the best service i have seen so far!
edit: Fyi, I always asked politely if an upgrade would be possible....