I am a Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Silver, and IHG platinum, all from credit cards. Yes, I pay to stay in these hotels too, but not enough nights for status. I have never been upgraded without asking "can I get an upgrade?" I haven't been always asking, just assume they will give it to me. Is this the case, or do you have to ask? I suspect I need to be more assertive.

I'm also noticing that with the exception of Hilton (where ironically I am the lowest level) nobody ever welcomes me as an elite. Can they tell somehow that I got status from credit cards? Or are they typically lousy at welcoming elites?