W San Francisco: I usually book a corner room with an internet rate that specifies a low floor and both times the San Francisco has put me on a much higher floor.

Westin Horton Plaza: invited to a GM's open bar reception the night I arrived--invitation came in a hand addressed envelope. Nice touch.

Westin Galleria Dallas: no benefits but a nice recognition and appreciation for my gold status. "Oh, you're Starwood Gold! Thanks so much for your business."

W Tuscany NYC: stayed twice. First stay and I had a nice note, fruit plate and noted bottle of water waiting in my room. Second stay: no recognition whatsoever.

Otherwise, I find Golds to be rather ignored and seen as a hassle. I've never been upgraded to a better room or to a suite. If I'm in a hotel more than one night, I'll ask at check-in but otherwise I don't bother. Every time I'm told there is nothing to be had. On more than one occasion, I have had to firmly explain to the staff that I am, in fact, entitled to a late check-out. All that said, I often book the rooms that would be on the SPG floor and so don't give them the opportunity to upgrade me there, although they never upgrade me FROM there.