I'm with the OP 100% on this. I think this happens more often that we realize. I posted earlier this year about this happening at Sheartaon Singapore when we couldn't get into our room until 6pm because of a late checkout of a Platinum.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...d-plus-68.html

We too were exhausted afte a long flight. Posted check in was 2pm. We tried at 12:30 or so but were not expecting to get in really. Told to come back at 2, then 3 then 5 finally in to room at 6pm. Zero attempt whatsoever at service recovery and really put a dampenener on what was an otherwise pleasant enough stay.FDC definitely gave that reason and when we complained the only answer was that he is a Platinum and there's nothing we can do. So what. We had an 8 day stay in the suite booked and paid for ( with points but that shouldn't make a difference). This was not an upgrade or a SNA or anything .Anyway the only comeback we have is to never stay there again, which I'm pretty sure doesn't bother them one iota.