I'm afraid some of it is the norm, some of it is below standard.

In an otherwise empty hotel I would expect a Gold to be upgraded. But then again, you may have been. Suite upgrades at Marriott are rare, but for cheapest-room reservations, which all of mine are I find I'm upgraded the vast majority of times. Corner rooms, concierge floor rooms, larger rooms, exec rooms, view rooms, though it would be fair to say that I'm in Europe, but even so in my few FS stays stateside, I've always been upgraded. Remember, upgrades may well not be bigger rooms!

Your location is the key to the shabby property, the recession hit Detroit particularly hard and although it's recovering, hence your rate, investment has been wanting. Detroit is probably hoping you find it "shabby chic!"

Small bathrooms without earbuds. Small bathrooms are to be found amongst a lot of older inventory, earbuds and lotion are a part of the European offering though.

Closed lounges without happy hours. Welcome to North American chain hotels! Weekend lounges your side of the pond are the exception, those that serve happy hours, rare as hens teeth. Visit anywhere outside North America to find open lounges and alcohol. I'm in the London Heathrow Renaissance, upgraded to concierge room and spent last night in the lounge during their 6pm-10pm happy hour, availing myself of their free food and beer! Fluffy towels, earbuds, lotion and slippers in the room. No minibar though!

So yeah, my view when I land in America is "welcome to USA hotels, please now reset your expectations!"