Had it mentioned at check in on two occasions last week (two different hotels, different cities). Does seem a little unnecessary, especially if there are other patrons at the desk at the same time. I've rarely been assigned a terrible room, however, and in some cases I've received a fantastic room despite what I've paid. A pretty awesome corner suite in a certain Chicago hotel, and a top floor room bigger than many apartments I've lived in, at a very nice property in DC spring to mind.