Thanks for all the advice. I just got back yesterday and even though I used 30k points per night as a Gold member I got upgraded to a Deluxe ocean view room in the front tower. As pointed out by previous posters this could happen to golds and plats. Your mileage may very. But I had a lot of things working for me. Off season the first week of Nov, mentioned the trip with the wife next to me was a big anniversary trip, made sure I got checked in via the elite line plus I am a very friendly and easy going/loving person so I click with front line personnel so comps sometimes come easy just being me/nice.

Bonus as I was using my charm at checkin I did not have to pay for the resort fee.

Another hint as I rented a car for 2 days during the trip. Thinking the big parking garage right behind the hotel was the Marriott garage I pulled in. Not so but they charge $12 for 24 hours with in/out priv vs $32 at the hotel. Garage seemed safe with attendant at all times. No problems at all and even pulled up at the Porte to pick up my luggage on check out day.