I've never, ever been "upgraded" to a better room at Courtyard properties in Sacramento (even though I know they exist) but I routinely get room upgrades at Courtyard and Renaissance in San Francisco and Marriott in Long Beach. Even though Sacramento is the State capital, maybe the "boonducks" mentality applies. I've never found the Platinum welcome gift to be of any value at all (bottled water and a cookie seems pretty standard) unless it's 500 points, which full Marriott and Renaissance offer as an alternative. But I'm relatively easily pleased as far as accommodation goes, so I'll stick with Marriott (and its Rewards). It's the little things that annoy me and they can happen anywhere. For example, 4 days out of 5 this week the cleaning staff have turned my radio alarm to on while cleaning the room even though I complain to the housekeeper several times about this. I just figure they're dumb