Discount is always there for members regardless the status
To be honest, gold perks aren't that big deal. Room upgrade and welcome gift is a hit and miss, it depends on hotel generosity. For example, last week stay I got 2 apples, some peanuts, football keychain (cause of WC?) and hand writing card for welcome gift, though at the moment I'm staying at another Novotel, into my 4th night and still haven't seen my welcome gift. Don't they always give that to gold member though? It's nothing much but I collect the card