We are Gold and stayed this past weekend on a reward night. Here is my data point.

Saturday Afternoon: Avoid bringing a car if not on a road trip -- as with many city center hotels the unloading zone was a nightmare and parking is not cheap or convenient.

Only one person in front of me in the Hilton Honors line. Huge regular line. Short line at online check In line. One person at the Diamond desk.

Asked about upgrade availability at check-in. Was told hotel was full; no upgraded rooms with king bed available, but she could get me a larger room with 2 double beds. Took it because we were travelling with infant and wanted more room for the crib. Corner room on 12th floor. Nothing to write home about - no view, no coffee maker, but room was quite a bit larger than other standard rooms I saw getting turned over by housekeeping.

Gold breakfast was in the lobby area at Lockwoods. No line around 8am. Didn't do the hot upgrade ($6) because it didn't look particularly appetizing and there was no omelette station. By the time we were done eating the line was all of the way across the lobby. I would have been upset with the breakfast if I had to pay ($19 cold, $25 hot) or even if had to wait in line for it.