Originally Posted by
redbus
I'm sure I read somewhere that the hotel has an 'obligation' (?) to upgrade to the best category of room on a complimentary basis regardless....
Yes, for top tier Starwood and Hyatt (but even those programs have exclusions). For IHG it's in practice totally up to the hotel's discretion:
"Hotel Room Upgrades for Platinum Elite and Spire Elite Members: Platinum Elite and Spire Elite members will be offered a complimentary upgrade, as determined by the hotel, which might include rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views. The upgrade will be offered at time of check-in, based on availability, and will only apply to the member's personal guest room. The hotel is not required to upgrade members to suites or specialty rooms. Upgrade benefits will not apply to rooms booked as a Reward Night reservation."