Indeed, there should be no difference at all on-property between an award and a paid stay. Gold benefits apply to award stays.
It's a nice touch - says more about the property itself than the rewards program as a whole. I do lots of Marriott stays and usually don't get this memo, but have gotten it occasionally over the years. Same for HH or SPG in years when I've been Diamond/Platinum in those programs. (Always a low Plat at Starwood - not their Plat 100 level.) In cases when I've responded - like it's an anniversary weekend or a birthday or whatnot - a welcome gift usually materializes in the room.
