Originally Posted by
ohmark
Actually, the rule does not appear to offer a choice of points or F&B for platinums and above or for golds. It explicitly says that platinums and above are not eligible to choose points as their gift, and that the gift of points is for golds only. Since the only remaining welcome gift listed in the Bonvoy rules for platinums and above is the F&B item, the rule appears to require Residence Inn, et al, to provide the F&B item to platinums or above upon checkin or pay the penalty, upon request.
Similarly, the welcome gift rule for golds provides only the points.
So, it the OP is a platinum or titanium, the property fulfilled its welcome gift obligation under the rules by providing the fruit plate. If the OP is a gold, it fulfilled its obligation by providing the points and provided an extra gift with the fruit plate.
"The Elite Welcome Gift for Platinum Elite Members and above does not include the Elite Welcome Gift of Points which is for Gold Elite only (see 4.3.b). Members who select or receive Points as their Elite Welcome Gift and have designated their earning preference as Miles will need to initiate the transfer of Elite Welcome Gift of Points to Miles as described in section 2.3. If the Elite Welcome Gift is not offered at time of arrival, compensation applies (see below). Choices vary by Participating Brand: SpringHill Suites, Fairfield, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites---United States, Canada, Europe: 500 Points per Stay or F&B item; Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa: 500 Points per Stay or F&B amenity
iii. Elite Welcome Gift. Platinum Elite Members and above receive one Elite Welcome Gift (of their choice where multiple options are offered) on a Stay of one or more consecutive nights as described in 2.1.d, even if they check in and check out of the same Participating Property within 24 hours."