Have had a bunch of stays this year around the world as part of a 3-month RTW trip (which just ended a week ago ). Did not have any really "bad" experiences, but had some very good ones. ALL stays were on either points or free weekend nights, except Westin Kyoto.

Sheraton Saigon (4 nights): received standard room on preferred (high) floor. OK view. Great hotel though, and only a Cat 2.

Westin Miyako Kyoto (2 nights): booked unrenovated rooms, which are supposedly horrid, but price was good (~$170). Requested upgrade to renovated "deluxe" room in notes of reservation. Market value was $250-300 IIRC. Received upgrade to renovated junior suite - VERY nice!

Sheraton Cairo H,T&C (3 nights): upgraded to Towers room without amenities, although the next morning we got a call from the front desk saying we weren't entitled to that upgrade, and when I asked how many points to get the upgrade, I was told never mind. Ended up redeeming points to upgrade to Tower amenities (b'fast, lounge access).

Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam (3 nights): Got a cute but TINY room overlooking the (snow-covered!) courtyard with large french windows (?). Not sure if this was an upgrade or downgrade... Probably the worst of the bunch in terms of room size.

Westin Grand Berlin (3 nights): Upgraded to "premium deluxe" room, which I think means it has the Heavenly Bed (not all rooms do?) and a quiet courtyard view. All non-suites looked the same size on the floorplan.

Hotel Bristol Vienna (1 night): Emailed in advance about confirming an upgrade with points, was given a "penthouse junior suite" as a free upgrade. Were they just too lazy to deduct the points? Great room, although not a fan of the split bathroom.

Hotel Danieli Venice (1 night): Emailed in advance about confirming an upgrade with points, was given a canal-view room. Very nice room, great view of the action out front. Was offered suite upgrade for 20,000 points. I passed.