I have a similar story - I checked into Marriott a few months back, room was not ready. It was a one night stay for a meeting the next AM - I told he front desk that I didn't need a king room as booked, could be any room. I needed to get into a room for a conference call (didn't want to do from the lobby). She responded with "the only room I have a available is a Jr. Suite, and we'll have to charge you more". I asked why she couldn't upgrade me since i'm titanium. She looked at my with (almost) rolling her eyes, punched a few keys, and put me in the room (no charge). I'm not sure if she was trying to charge more, or she didn't know she could do that? But it was the only time I've experienced that...