Just a couple of comments.

The cold - I've seen an Embassy Suites in Mass over New Years Weekend refuse to accommodate people's "special" requests as they would keep entire floors dark and presumably low heated. Perhaps this is common in the winter?

Upgrade asking - I'm in the "you have to beg" category. The "automatic upgrade" is a myth at most properties. It starts with the comments box, doing a virtual concierge and finally asking at check-in whether they have honored by request for a CL room. Some are great, mostly in the West, in my recent experience, Boulder, Mesa, San Jose I got little suites.

Consistency - we all like it in Marriott but boy do they differ in the small things:

CL mouthwash (none in my room yesterday/today).
Same with the CL in room water.
CL open? (not this week or month for that matter...)
CL has decent fruit, yogurt and eggs in the AM? (varies)
CL restocked when it runs out before 9am? (varies greatly)
Free internet for PLT? (varies)
Alarm clocks, easy to use and set (great this week, why can't we have a standard). Most suck.
TV - upgraded with decent channels or old and cruddy.
Refrigerator in room automatically (varies)

I could go on.

Checked in for a points stay in a Courtyard today. I inquired about an upgrade since as usual none was proactively offered. The rep said 'no upgrades are available for points stays until 2009' and I then inquired about a paid upgrade. Sorry, I was told, not possible for a points stay.

I went to my crappy little room and called the Platinum line. They put me on hold and 10 minutes later I was in a suite.

It's too bad we have to beg and push... and this hotel is at 40-50% occupancy if that... no one in the hallways or elevators. Empty.

I wonder how Hilton and Hyatt treat their top tier...

I wonder if sometimes our disappointment at not getting upgraded colors our perceptions. Don't get me wrong. I am as guilty as the next guy about my upgrades. If I'm in a regular room, I'm annoyed.

But truth be told, I am nearly always pre-booked into a suite at Marriott hotels. And I've only been turned down for an upgrade once. I do find that some properties are better than others about upgrading, but for me its been a non-issue. I've even had Marriott properties apologize that the bigger, better suite wasn't available.

As a plat with 150+ nights over the last 2 years, I can remember three times I've gotten a legit upgrade. Twice was a CY where I got a suite. Once was at the Sprinthill Suite in Erie, PA where I got a whirlpool suite. I actually used the whirlpool, too....

Now this does not count the times I've been put in a corner room, or a room with a little nicer amentities (upgraded electronics, etc. vs. other rooms), etc.

Wait - actually I got a really nice suite at the Atlantic City golf resort whose name suddenly escapes me.....that was a mixed pay / points stay....

That's amazing. I can count on one hand the number of properties that didn't give me a junior suite or better wiithin the last year or so. Basically the Manhatten Beach Marriott, Long Beach Marriott,