I am a Gold member and am used to just getting automatic access to the CL upon checkin. I think the only reason I have been denied in the past is due to a corporate event or such that closed the lounge.

Today I checked into the San Jose marriott. When I asked where the CL was located, the Front Desk agent states, "Oh, I didn't give you access but I can." I asked why. "Oh, because we're full and it will be crowded." After my objection, she did give me access but I don't like having to go through these types of conversations with a Front Desk agent after a long day of multiple airports, rental cars, and taxis.

Has anyone experienced this? Is this hotel specific or maybe a FD agent that wasn't doing her job(?).