My favorite practive is the 'you have been upgraded' sticker that you get at some of the hotels (Palace SF, for instance), despite the fact that the room is totally ordinary.

Part of the problem with the gold status is the ease in which it can be attained - in particular without actually staying at a hotel.

For the thread:

Best: Surprisingly got a junior suite recently at the Westin Essex.
Worst: Though I have stayed there a bunch of times, I never feel as though much is done for me at the Westin Palo Alto that wouldn't be done for a non-status.