About a year ago I was on my way back to LA from Santa Barbara riding in a private train car (with open bar) attached to the back of the Amtrack train . I was asked by the car owner if I would be interested in going all the way to San Diego and then dead-heading back to Union Station with them the following evening but I would need to find a place to stay for that night. Whipped out the cel and called the gold res line. They had a $120/nt room at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and they would hold it for a very late check in.

We got in to the train station about 0130 with a wild cab ride to the hotel -- then I find out there are TWO wings of course having the cabbie drop me off at the incorrect one.... Very nice check in staff and ... "by the way we have a nice upgrade for you". I get the key and I drag myself up up to the room on the top floor. Key does not work so back to the desk. Back up with new keys in hand... which STILL don't work. Verify room number etc and back down to the desk. Agent is clueless as to why the key does not work so calls security to take me up since it's now closing in on 0300. I walk to the door that I have been trying to get into (the room number written on the key folio) at which time I'm told by the guard "no, not this one - you use the door down the hall." Voila the key works here in the double doors to the Sunset Suite The next morning there was a note at the door apologizing for the key issue and to call down to the desk. A few minutes after the call, room service shows up with coffee, juice and danish. ^ That's an upgrade to remember.