Originally Posted by
Darlox
Maybe it's just a maintenance-level issue with resort properties versus business hotels in general?? Or maybe the room category trumps SPG status on the computer at the front desk, telling the staff how seriously they ought to be taking you. Maybe each resort has a "punishment room" that gets defaulted to SPG awards.
Award rooms are 'standard' category - that means the lowest classification at every property. The SPG Gold room upgrade benefit is very limited. These facts are documented in the program rules. Do have a look. See 4B9b and 9.2. (I have lots of good resort stays, and, apart from non-guaranteed bedding and smoking preferences recognize no difference between award and paid stays.)
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer..._terms.html#12
That said, there is no excuse for poor maintenance. Lots of property-specific threads will warn of badly run and run-down hotels. If you have destination flexibility many of these disappointments can be avoided - and that will force Starwood and the property owners to do something.