Just finished a stay at the Royal Palm (I have stayed a number of times before - not just under Starwood) and still really like the hotel. Check-in was far better than before; upgrade wasn't great (booked one night Classic and two nights Deluxe and ended up with 3 nights Deluxe) - however, there does seem to have been some light refurbishment of the rooms.
So, out of the 5 Tribute properties I've stayed at, the Royal Palm definitely wins.