What is your Club Carlson status?
Gold

Where did you stay? (Brand, Location, Country)
Radisson Newport Beach, California, USA

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Okay!

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard using the E Certs from US Bank, front desk clerk said I got an upgrade to a Club Room on the 7th floor. I asked him if Club benefits were included, and he said no but stated that it was an enhanced room.

Did you receive elite benefits?
Complimentary Room Upgrade - "Yes"???
Early Check In/Late Check Out - Not requested
In-Room Welcome Gift - No!

How are the rooms?
Room looks and feels like your run-of-mill found at any 3-star hotel. Very small bathroom with shower/tub. Tiny 2-person balcony overlooking SNA

What was good and what was bad?
Good: Nowhere near a beach more like an airport hotel with SNA shuttle. Turn down service was provided only on the second day and it was good.
Bad: Stayed here when it was a Sheraton back in 1990. 3rd stay as Radisson - front desk did not welcome back, did not recognize as Club Carlson member, and did not provide for in-room welcome gift. Checked in with wife and two kids - parking was empty (plenty of availability) and requested upgrade to a suite. FD stated they reserved them for their sales team!!! I asked him what are the Gold member amenities and he said pool, restaurant, etc. Either he is not knowledgeable with Club Carlson rules or he is just a jerk. Tweeted my dissatisfaction to Club Carlson and they replied 2 days later with an offer of 5K points (which already posted).

Value for money or Gold Points? Would you return?
Last two days to burn the E-Certs and I used them - otherwise, would not do a pay stay here. Many much better properties around where status is recognized and the treatment is awesome.