Originally Posted by
qofmiwok
I am a Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Silver, and IHG platinum, all from credit cards.
For what it's worth, none of these are real "upgrade" statuses. It's not so much that they're from credit cards, it's that none are top tier and most are in programs that aren't really built around large upgrades. (I still consider SPG an "upgrade program" where full one-bedroom suites are a real possibility, but you need base Platinum at a minimum to really be in the mix.)
I wouldn't even bother to ask for anything on IHG Plat or Hilton Silver. I mean, you can I suppose, but we all know they aren't real statuses. On Marriott Gold and SPG Gold, I'd expect the hotel to get the basics of your room right and give you a fairly desirable room.
IME, the "upgrade statuses" that still exist are SPG Platinum (higher tier the better), the top Hyatt status (whatever used to be Diamond but now has some weird name), and maybe that paid IHG status (Royal Ambassador something-or-other). I hear Kimpton regulars at specific properties still do really well, as do Fairmont regulars at specific properties.
Marriott and Honors aren't really upgrade-centric programs. Many properties have relatively few true suites to begin with. Sure, I used to run into one every now and then as a Platinum, but I never expect it (and almost never get it) as a Gold.
I do have a week at a Boscolo hotel in 2018 (Rome), so
tai4de2's post has me mildly hopeful, although I'll still be a Gold - not a Plat. Maybe a room-category mini-upgrade or a nice view, perhaps. In any case, I hear it's a great hotel so I'm looking forward to it either way.