Also, upgrades would be really based on when you go. Go during peak times & it may be harder. Arrive on a Su/Mo/Th/Fr and the changes of an upgraded are better than an arrival on a Tu/We/Sa in NYC.

Lexington has the greatest chance of an upgrade given it's a pretty big hotel & they have more rooms to upgrade with. Same with Brooklyn Marriott since they have a lot of room types there. The RI's wouldn't have much in terms of upgrades. You'd get lounge access as a lifetime plat at the hotels - so make sure they have lounges (and I'm not 100% sure the Carlton or Lexingtons do? Ren57 definitely does - but closed on weekends, I think - only Essex House is open on weekends, but they are a 9, not an 8).