I was able to help Mrs Flyer Jon achieve "gold" status for 2007. I just called Le Merigot in Santa Monica to see if there was an upgrade possibility for her first "Gold" stay tonight. Front desk said no upgrades available -- fair enough, say I. However, thought I would check online res -- deluxe and premier rooms available. Called "Gold" desk -- deluxe and premier rooms available.

The terms of the upgrade program seem to say that if an upgrade is available at time of check in, it will be allocated:

Room Upgrade: Suites not included; upgraded accommodations at no additional charge. Based on room availability at check-in and limited to a member's personal guestroom. Not available at Marriott Vacation Club International or Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club.

I am very confused -- on one hand, the hotel say there are no upgrades, on the other, on-line res and "Gold" res say upgrade rooms are available.
Can anyone, please, clarify:

1. How the upgrade program works.
2. Can Marriott properties hold back upgradeable rooms, hoping that they can be sold at a higher rate?
3. Does Marriott not pre-allocate Gold and Platinum guests on day of arrival?

Any insight would be very much appreciated.