barnburner

I have been SPG Gold for a few years. I have always got really nice "enhanced" rooms in the past, and never really asked for anything, I was always recognized and told I was getting a corner room, jr suite, high floor, whatever. Even got club access not too long ago. I must have been lucky, and my luck seems to have run out.
Recently my last couple stays ( after the first of this year, now that I think about it) no mention of being a gold and really standard rooms. This trip, the room I got overlooked a highway, an overflowing dumpster and closed restaurant roof top. As I was walking out, I noticed the room across the hall had a balcony overlooked the courtyard with the pool, palm trees, cabanas and waterfalls...in fact the whole other side of the hotel had all that, so at least half the rooms.
I went downstairs and asked if I could please move across the hall and was seemingly easily accommodated (and checked that i was still listed as Gold). It got me wondering why didn't they just give a gold member the room with a nice view in the first place? There isn't really a shortage I could see, half the hotel has balconies and over looks the pool, half doesn't and overlooks the road and parking lot? Is that not enhanced?
I realize all hotels are different, but is there something you might mention at checkout to try and get a little nicer room? Not looking for a suite upgrade, but least one that doesn't overlook a dumpster?

Tak

What category of the room you booked?
Depending on the hotels, especially resort hotels, pool/waterfall view could be a Deluxe room vs highway view could be a classic or standard room.
Gold member is entitled the same category, but higher floor/corner/better view within the same category.
If both side of rooms are in the same category, you should ask for better view.

Sometimes, some hotels give gold members a higher category room, but may not happen all the time.

Time traveller

I think OP has been lucky in the past. Some hotels may give better rooms for SPG Gold, but it is not a given. The only thing I typically get is a room on the SPG floor and a Gold amenity (points or free internet). I have also received a 4pm late check-out when I requsted one. Only once did I get a Jr. Suite upgrade without my asking, but that was at an international property and an exception than the rule.

Flews

Never hurts to ask.

Cheers,

worldtraveller73

My success on gold upgrades to better rooms varies greatly depending on the time of week.

During busy periods (tues-thurs) I have not been so lucky for the city hotels.

On weekends and Monday and Fridays, I have been more than lucky.