I went back to the front desk and showed them them list on their own website of what comes with a Deluxe Room -- including "SPG Floor." After spending some time on the phone, they showed me an unrenovated corner room on the 12th floor, but unfortunately we discovered it was occupied. They finally showed me a corner room on the 24th floor, with a view of the city and favela and partial ocean. In the end I decided to stay where I was because I'd fully unpacked, and was exhausted after a full day of meetings, and now resented the time I'd spent proving my point.

It really ruins the experience when you pay for a room and have to beg or demand that you be given the room that you paid for. I'm not even talking now about what I'd expect as a Gold Member, just give me what I paid for. As for the loyalty program, what is the sense of having one when the benefits can be granted inconsistently across all properties at the properties' whim?

My last two Starwood stays this summer -- at the Sheraton Stockholm, and the Westin Montreal, I got an email after booking giving me the opportunity of a paid upgrade, with mixed results. That offer was never made for this hotel.

Otherwise, the location is not bad and it is otherwise a nice hotel. This must be the only hotel in rio with direct beach access and a large pool area. Leblon is a pleasant walk down the hill, and cabs are easy (and not expensive) to hail for anywhere further.