I wrote about the upgrade situation in my original review (that was lost), and forgot to cover it when I tried to recreate it.

For the first time in many years ( 7 or 8?) I was downgraded to Gold this year. Effectively, I split qualifying stays last year between Marriott and SPG, and lost Plat status over it.

I was not expecting an upgrade to a suite, but hoped for either a room with a view, or a room with a good location (closer to the beach). Unfortunately, I got neither (I was in building 3, on the second floor). I asked several times, but since I was there in early August, they were (or claimed to be) 100% full for most of my stay.

The lack of a view didn't wind up being as big of a deal due to the great common spaces.

A couple of remarks and question for you, escape4:

- I, too, had the issue with water temperature. I figured it was just me. Not a huge deal, but noticeable.

- I liked the electric controls for the blinds, but they really needed a 1-touch open / close feature. They are painfully slow, and sitting there holding the button for 25 seconds is tedious.

- Our breakfast was free, and they said it was because I was gold. Not sure if they are giving free breakfast to non-elites on award stays.

- Did you visit Discetto? Was it empty? How about the bar by Brava? While the scene was great during the day, I was pretty surprised at how empty and quiet the resort felt at night. If it was that way in early August at 100% capacity, I assume it was even more so in early September at 50% capacity.

- I paid the 30k pts/night rate (with the 5th night free), but agree that even at 35k points, it is just outstanding value. The lack of resort fees, parking fees, and the free breakfast benefit were very nice. If the Lira stays weak, and the hotel doesn't raise prices on F&B / Spa to compensate, I'd be tempted to return (maybe with another couple) next summer.