Caveat Emptor - Accor Gift Cards

[kangarooflyer88]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

 

[sudoer]

Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

Probably because gift cards aren't really intended to be used by loyal customers....

These terms aren't new, and the topic has been discussed on AFF previously. The gift cards can't be used with prepaid rates of any description either, in most cases one is better off using Shopback/Cashrewards.

 

[oz_mark]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

In my experience, it is more that you can't use them on Advance Purchase rates, rather than specifically AccorPlus rate. AccorPlus rate when paid at the hotel haven't been an issue, but if you're staying on Red Hot Room rates, then the cards are not a product for you

 

[Lynda2475]

Loyal customers would be most likely to book via Accor Plus or All Accor website to secure best rate, which is typically pre-paid and therefore not available to gift cards.

Id say gift cards are mostly gifted to non-regular customers to entice them to try Accor.

Better to book direct with a points earning card so you get both FF and hotel points.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Probably because gift cards aren't really intended to be used by loyal customers....

Loyal customers would be most likely to book via Accor Plus or All Accor website to secure best rate, which is typically pre-paid and therefore not available to gift cards.

Id say gift cards are mostly gifted to non-regular customers to entice them to try Accor.

I'd make the argument that loyal customers are most likely to use said gift cards in the sense that they have colleagues who instinctively would get them said gift card as a present. I know some of my colleagues back home in Canada refer to me as Mister Accor given how often I patronize Accor properties (particularly in my TRs).

In my experience, it is more that you can't use them on Advance Purchase rates, rather than specifically AccorPlus rate. AccorPlus rate when paid at the hotel haven't been an issue, but if you're staying on Red Hot Room rates, then the cards are not a product for you

Did not know that. Will try giving these gift cards a shot at a pay at the hotel property. I mean there are likely some instances where the price difference between the Accor+ rate and the regular member rate aren't huge. In which case using a gift card might make sense.

-RooFlyer88

 

[sudoer]

Did not know that. Will try giving these gift cards a shot at a pay at the hotel property. I mean there are likely some instances where the price difference between the Accor+ rate and the regular member rate aren't huge. In which case using a gift card might make sense.

Gift card still won't make sense. Book the Accor Plus rate through Shopback/Cashrewards.

 

[jase05]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

Each to their own but I’ve been Accor Platinum and now Diamond so a very loyal customer for many years and have never once used an Accor gift card and I don’t know any other high tier members that do either

 

[MJ_/\_]

sorry to bring up an old thread, but I see that Accor gift cards are 20x points at Woolies next week... anyone got any recent success using these at a pay at hotel on an Accor+ rate? 10x $200 Accor gift cards would net 20k QFF points which is tempting?

 

[Chicken]

sorry to bring up an old thread, but I see that Accor gift cards are 20x points at Woolies next week... anyone got any recent success using these at a pay at hotel on an Accor+ rate? 10x $200 Accor gift cards would net 20k QFF points which is tempting?

Not this year 2024, but the last time I used them was last year. I took screenshot of the Accor web site booking page, showing the lowest available rate, then sent the screenshot to the hotel, and they would book for me. I have done this twice over the years at 2 different properties.
The reason I use these cards is because my employee benefit is selling these at 7% off.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

sorry to bring up an old thread, but I see that Accor gift cards are 20x points at Woolies next week... anyone got any recent success using these at a pay at hotel on an Accor+ rate? 10x $200 Accor gift cards would net 20k QFF points which is tempting?

Just thought I'd provide an update here: I did manage to use both gift cards on an Accor+ rate staying at the Sofitel Melbourne. But it did take a couple of hotels before I was able to burn through them.

 

[Happy Dude]

Gift card still won't make sense. Book the Accor Plus rate through Shopback/Cashrewards.

Hey does Accor properties acknowledge status when booking through Shopback etc?

Looking for alternatives to Hilton now that my Diamond has gone and this point of difference might make ALL attractive.

 

[sudoer]

Hey does Accor properties acknowledge status when booking through Shopback etc?

Yes, as far as I'm aware, the property has no idea about any cashback - they just see it as a direct booking

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Hey does Accor properties acknowledge status when booking through Shopback etc?

So long as your booking goes through the Accor website in some way (including using Shopback or Cashrewards which redirects you there) then yeah you'll have no issue with status. And I say this from experience as most of the 60+ nights I booked last year on Accor was through one of these portals. Not once did I have my benefits clawed back for using the portal. I should also add that this applies too for the other chains. So if you booked a Hilton stay or an IHG stay through CashRewards, you'll get your benefits too since at the end of the day you booked your hotel directly with them.

Looking for alternatives to Hilton now that my Diamond has gone and this point of difference might make ALL attractive.

A lot of this comes down to where you think you'll be staying. Accor is great if you are doing a lot of travel in Europe or Asia (including Australia) since they are everywhere. However, if much of your travel is to the Americas, then I'm afraid it won't help you much given their limited presence. It's also important to consider what benefits you get from these programs. Accor Platinum is great if most of your travel is in Oceania/Asia since you get free breakfasts just about everywhere you stay. However, I have found that Marriott tends to be very good when it comes to honouring late checkout requests if you are an elite whereas Accor tends to be more stingy there. For me I value the breakfasts over the late checkout which is why much of my energy is spent on Accor. I should also point out that most hotel loyalty programs will let you match your status from elsewhere. Meaning in theory you should be able to get the equivalent of Hilton Diamond with Marriott, IHG, Accor and all the other chains. And I say this from experience with many of my hotel statuses now coming from matches (e.g., Wyndham, Choice). Some chains even let you buy hotel status (the Intercontinental Ambassador being one such program that gets you IHG Platinum status plus a buy one get one free weekend night at a intercontinental hotel).

-RooFlyer88