We have done 6 ABDs. For our stays at Marriott we go to the front desk and give them our Marriott rewards number at check-in to get credit for any personal charges, request room upgrades (dh Marriott Titanium) and access to club level.
We have always been given access to club level at all the Marriott brand hotels except Ritz Carlton. Our biggest upgrade room wise was at the Ritz Carlton in Chengdu, China. We were given the 1200 sq.ft. corner suite but no access to club level.