How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[cdp88]

Property: Porter House Hotel Sydney
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: Luxury Room, 1 King Bed
Room upgraded/type: No upgrade.
Rate: Accor Plus 15% off sale incl breakfast - $660 for 2 nights
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: n/a
Early check in/late out: Early check in at 12noon, late checkout to 1pm granted on check in.
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 x vouchers to use in main restaurant - Dixon and Son’s - and Henry’s Bread and Wine. Select from a special welcome drink menu - house wines (not otherwise available on drinks menu as far as I could tell) and a strawberry spritz Prosecco coughtail. We tried the coughtail - it wasn’t bad at all, quite dry - as part of dinner at Dixon and Son’s.
Welcome gift: Small box of 2 praline chocolates and handwritten welcome note.
Other:

Hotel checked in week before arrival to ask if they could arrange anything. I mentioned a room booking, dietary requirements and early arrival and all appeared to have been actioned.

Room was very comfortable, I liked the design although appreciate that some may not like having to use IPad to control full settings for lights and operate the TV. They did have buttons on wall for main functions for lights. Lots of USB and USB c points to use for charging as well as wireless charger on bedside clock. I couldn’t work out how to partially open/close sheer and full curtains but it wasn’t a particular issue on this relatively short stay.

As a luxury room it had a partial view of Hyde park and was a larger room at end of corridor. Had a large entry way with storage and a leather style bench to sit on or put a suitcase on. Bathroom was well sized and shower space was huge.

Hotel has a promotion of forgoing servicing of room and getting $20 F&B credit. We decided to take this up and it was honoured on check out.

Only tried the main restaurant on this trip. The dinner we had was not particularly memorable in terms of the food but service was attentive and meals arrived quickly. Food was fine but didn’t really have a wow factor. It was acceptable at Accor plus discounted rate but I probably would have been dissatisfied at full price. Wine list had plenty of variety but seemed to go from fairly cheap entry level pours to high end coravin wine list with not much in between. Accor plus only applies to main menu (not the tasting or share menu). Surcharge on weekend charged after Accor plus discount applied eating into this somewhat.

Breakfast was a set menu (see attached picture) that entitled you to a selection of juice, tea/coffee, fruit/granola, main dish. Not bad value as breakfast inclusive rate was only $35 more per night. It didn’t have full selection of hot dishes on main menu but you could order from that menu if you were prepared to pay the additional charges. We stuck with the provided menu and my partner added some sides to augment the hot meal. Coffee and food was fine, meals turned up quickly and it was a good meal overall.

Overall I found design and service at hotel to be very good and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. Location was convenient for our trip. I saw lots of negative reviews on trip advisor but feel that they must have stayed at a different hotel …

 

[jase05]

Property: Fairmont Doha
Status: Accor Plus Diamond
Room booked: Fairmont Gold seaview room
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Junior Gold Suite Seaview
Rate: Advance saver rate, $769p/n x2
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast? Yes, Fairmont Gold
Early check in/late out: Offered late checkout to coincide with Raffles check in
Welcome drink: Yes, 2x vouchers for anything, had to order with WhatsApp
Welcome gift: Chocolates and nibbles

Absolutely fantastic stay at the Fairmont. The Fairmont shares the Katara tower in Lusail with its sister property Raffles. Both hotels works closely with each other and it’s a great setup even though it’s still not complete.
Was upgraded from Fairmont Gold seaview room to a Junior gold suite seaview and the room was amazing with great views. Staff were fantastic from the moment we arrived and gave us a tour and due to still being in Ramadan at the time we were advised of some service changes. These were also emailed to us a few weeks out so we knew what to expect. The Gold rooms have quite a bit of gold bling and probably a bit of overkill but still nice rooms with plenty of space and comfortable bed with all ammmenties including a excellent coffee machine which staff came and filled when we arrived.
There is a dedicated Fairmont Gold pool and lounge which offers a welcome break and was a quite haven to relax and enjoy various foods and beverages offered throughout the day. Due to Ramadan breakfast was served in the Gold Pool area and no alcohol was permitted in any bars or public areas. Instead you could use WhatsApp and order alcohol to be delivered to room. During the certain happy hours staff would ask you to put in order and they were very generous with allowances (we had bottles of wine and multiple spirits)
We had 2 nights at each property and the Fairmont allowed us to stay in our room and enjoy all gold privileges until Raffles notified them that our room was ready and then the porters came and collected luggage and took it next door. We also had some laundry done and they delivered it to the Raffles for us. After checking out they took us over via golf cart.
The hotel had a coupLe of other pools and one of the largest gyms and fitness areas I’ve seen.
Just a great hotel and will definitely be back

 

[jase05]

And some pics of the hotel

 

[jase05]

Property: Raffles Doha
Status: Accor Plus Diamond
Room booked: Urban Suite
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Crescent signature suite
Rate: Advance saver rate, $1089p/n x2 nights (upgraded room was $1889p/n
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast? Yes, amazing breakfast
Early check in/late out: Offered ”unlimited time” checkout
Welcome drink: Yes, 2x vouchers for anything
Welcome gift: Plate of chocolates, fruits and nuts. Chocolate sculpture of our hotel.
Absolutely stunning hotel and after 2 nights at the Fairmont next door I thought I’d be hard pressed to find much better but I think the room and staff at the Raffles topped it. No EL which was a bit of a downer and even though Ramadan finished the day we checked in there were still some parts of the hotel closed to guests.
Our room was well appointed and comfortable with a great deck area that looked out to the sea and as we had a crescent suite we looked back over the Fairmont. Staff were helpful to the point of being a bit too helpful at times and wanted to do everything for you and the constant pampering can seem overbearing but in the end we just relaxed and let them do their job. Our main man Frederick especially was only a call away from bringing up food, drinks and pretty much anything we needed. We had a flight out at evening and was told at checkin that as Diamonds we could check out whenever we wanted and they would organise everything for us to make it a breeze. Breakfast was probably the best I’ve had a hotel. Every table had their personal waiter and a menu was handed out but he basically asked if there was anything on it that we wouldn’t eat and if we had any allergies. He then proceeded to bring pretty much the whole menu out starting with mezze and pastries with juice and coffee Then came the meat platter, then the granola and muesli followed by the porridge and when I was bursting at the seams he still wanted to bring out waffles and pancakes which I had to refuse.
Just a really good stay and looking forward to returning as the property is still new and some areas aren’t completed yet so there should be further improvements. The hotel is located right on the bay and has now got approval to put a beach in which will be fantastic to see when that is completed.

 

[jase05]

Some pics of the hotel

Post automatically merged: May 7, 2024

Breakfast

 

[vievems]

Property: Pullman Melbourne City Centre
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: Superior Room, Lounge Access, 1 King Size Bed
Room upgraded/type: Maybe a higher floor and on the quiet side of the building? I was on Level 13 and faced away from Little Bourke and Swanston Streets. Very happy with room.
Rate: $468 for 2 nights (I think it may have been a red hot room rate)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes, included as part of the Lounge Access
Early check in/late out: Requested early check in but when I arrived just before 1pm the room wasn't ready - had about a 10min wait for room access. Late checkout not required.
Welcome drink: Yes, 1 voucher (booked for 1 person so only 1 voucher given). Reception advised this could be redeemed at Blossoms (the roof top bar) from 4pm but when I poked my head in after check-in they were open and happy to redeem.
Welcome gift: Yes, small box of 3 slices and handwritten welcome note.
Other:

I really enjoyed my 2-night stay at Pullman Melbourne City Centre. Apart from some mis-information given at check in re the use of the welcome drink, everything else was great. Whilst I was in a Superior Room (same level as my booking), it was on level 13 (highest level) and faced away from the main noise areas of Little Bourke and Swanson Streets. Mind you, music on the Saturday night could still be heard clearly in my room until after 10pm but it didn't bother me.

The rooms were nice and modern and equipped with everything you would need, including a GHD straightener which I made use of. A walk-in shower was appreciated. Might not be for everyone but I really liked the fact that the bathroom was 'open' to the main room as it provided great light although you could close it off if you needed to.

Having access to the executive lounge was a bonus. I escaped to the louge each evening for a drink or two (no spirits available as has been pointed out but plenty of options for wine and beer) and some snacks. Food is not 5-star but still tasty. Same can be said for breakfast - great to have an option for ala carte (I did eggs benedict and the omelette) to supplement the buffet options. Big thumbs up for the Tattinger champagne which I indulged in even on a 'work day'.

Another bonus is having access to a variety of water types, including sparkling, on each floor via taps near room XX01. Love that they are saivng on plastic but still providing options for water consumption.

I'd recommend the Pullman Melbourne City Centre (in fact I preferred it over the Sofitel!)

 

[vievems]

Property: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: SUPERIOR ROOM, 1 King Bed, Bay & River Views
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: $502.80 for 2 nights (I think it may have been a red hot room rate)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 welcome drinks but both on the same voucher
Welcome gift: No.

As a newly minted Gold Member I had high hopes for an elevated experience at the Sofitel on Collins Street but it was not to be. Although they did recognise my Gold Status at check in - and by a letter in the room - that is as far as it went. No room upgrade and probably even more disappointing as the effort to provide is minimal, no welcome gift (I've now learnt that Sofitel Melbourne provides a few bars of mediocre chocolate as their welcome gift). I might as well have been a silver member to enjoy the same benefits.

The room itself was OK, but nothing special. A bit dated if I am being honest.

The Bay and River Views were great but I had to have my nose to the window to enjoy them.

No water in the room - tap water available via the bathroom only.

The lights system was confusing. The Nescafe coffee machine leaked. $10 for delivery of room service seems excessive but I am a bit out of touch with this.

Not my favourite stay - better hotels in Melboure for the money.

 

[sudoer]

Property: Novotel Canberra
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Room 1 Queen
Room upgraded/type: Executive king room with sofa
Rate: MEMBERS APP OFFER - 20% OFF
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Did the old 'book for 2 guests to get 2 vouchers' as a single traveller. Only received 1 voucher
Welcome gift: De Bortoli white, 2 bottles of water

I have stayed before so knew what to expect, but I'm always amazed they are billed as a 4.5 star property - the rooms are very tired. At least the bed was comfortable and the room was quite spacious due to the upgrade.

The TV is mounted so low on the wall that when laying in bed (where I assume most watch TV in hotels) your feet block the bottom half of the screen.

Poorly ventilated bathroom. A notice stuck to the mirror suggests that if you don't shut the bathroom door when taking a shower you'll be responsible for the steam-induced fire alarm call out fee. Alternatively just shower from 7:00-8:00am when the 'hot water' is closer to 'luke warm dribble'

Breakfast about as basic as a Novotel could get away with. Used the drink voucher for a large T/A barista coffee that was surprisingly good.

Wish I could say more positive things about the place - there are several better Accor options in Canberra and I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

 

[dairyfloss]

Property: Novotel Canberra
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Room 1 Queen
Room upgraded/type: Executive king room with sofa
Rate: MEMBERS APP OFFER - 20% OFF
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Did the old 'book for 2 guests to get 2 vouchers' as a single traveller. Only received 1 voucher
Welcome gift: De Bortoli white, 2 bottles of water

I have stayed before so knew what to expect, but I'm always amazed they are billed as a 4.5 star property - the rooms are very tired. At least the bed was comfortable and the room was quite spacious due to the upgrade.

The TV is mounted so low on the wall that when laying in bed (where I assume most watch TV in hotels) your feet block the bottom half of the screen.

Poorly ventilated bathroom. A notice stuck to the mirror suggests that if you don't shut the bathroom door when taking a shower you'll be responsible for the steam-induced fire alarm call out fee. Alternatively just shower from 7:00-8:00am when the 'hot water' is closer to 'luke warm dribble'

Breakfast about as basic as a Novotel could get away with. Used the drink voucher for a large T/A barista coffee that was surprisingly good.

Wish I could say more positive things about the place - there are several better Accor options in Canberra and I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

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Glad to hear they haven’t changed anything since I last braved the place about 15 years ago! Canberra is one of the few cities in the world where I just forget about loyalty cards for a while…

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Daver6]

Property: Novotel Canberra
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Room 1 Queen
Room upgraded/type: Executive king room with sofa
Rate: MEMBERS APP OFFER - 20% OFF
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Did the old 'book for 2 guests to get 2 vouchers' as a single traveller. Only received 1 voucher
Welcome gift: De Bortoli white, 2 bottles of water

I have stayed before so knew what to expect, but I'm always amazed they are billed as a 4.5 star property - the rooms are very tired. At least the bed was comfortable and the room was quite spacious due to the upgrade.

The TV is mounted so low on the wall that when laying in bed (where I assume most watch TV in hotels) your feet block the bottom half of the screen.

Poorly ventilated bathroom. A notice stuck to the mirror suggests that if you don't shut the bathroom door when taking a shower you'll be responsible for the steam-induced fire alarm call out fee. Alternatively just shower from 7:00-8:00am when the 'hot water' is closer to 'luke warm dribble'

Breakfast about as basic as a Novotel could get away with. Used the drink voucher for a large T/A barista coffee that was surprisingly good.

Wish I could say more positive things about the place - there are several better Accor options in Canberra and I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

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I wonder if I missed you. I'm here and checking out tomorrow.

Agree with what you say but the location is great.l Where would you stay that's better but also earns for Accor rate?

 

[jase05]

I wonder if I missed you. I'm here and checking out tomorrow.

Agree with what you say but the location is great.l Where would you stay that's better but also earns for Accor rate?

Mantra Northbourne is better IMO but earns at a terrible rate which really doesn’t bother me much these days.
I also reckon the Sebel Civic isn’t too bad either in that part of town.
Unfortunately Canberra is really bereft of quality Accor properties

 

[sudoer]

I wonder if I missed you. I'm here and checking out tomorrow.

I was there from Monday til yesterday!

Where would you stay that's better but also earns for Accor rate?

Sebel Civic, Peppers, Mantra MacArthur, and I've heard the new Sebel Campbell is quite good

 

[PineappleSkip]

Property: 25hours Frankfurt the Trip
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Extra Large
Room upgraded/type: No higher category
Rate: Flexible rate, €162 p.n.
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast? No
Early check in/late out: Not sought
Welcome drink: Mini bar. And 2x vouchers from fridge (pictured) or bar downstairs.
Welcome gift: Chocs in the mini bar
As threatened, stayed in a couple of 25hours hotels. This one would appeal to bowerbirds and lovers of clutter. It's in the Bahnhofsviertel, right close to the Hauptbahnhof, which used to be a pretty seedy area. Fear not, it's still a pretty seedy area. Remarkable decor starts in the foyer which looked like a junque store, with lots of merch for sale. The room was styled like a bordello with red velvet drapes and copper hanging chairs. It was indeed a quite large room for the money. There is what looks like quite a good bar and restaurant downstairs which was packed. Free drinks Would I stay there again? Absolutely, especially if I could be beamed straight from the checkout (first pic) to the station.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Property: 25hours Zürich Langstrasse
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Large
Room upgraded/type: This was the highest available. There are 'extra large' rooms, but they were fully booked
Rate: Flexible rate, CHF242 p.n.
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast? No
Early check in/late out: Asked for early check in in advance, Room available about an hour early.
Welcome drink: Mini bar (again). And 2x vouchers.
Welcome gift: No. possibly due to early checkin. The decor was somewhat more restrained than Frankfurt, but loud colours were still a thing.
This one was also quite reasonably priced as Zürich hotels go, and a good sized room. It's in a new area, with quite a lot of restaurants nearly, and about 700m from the main HB station. The restaurant was excellent, which seems to be a thing with 25hours hotels, and the breakfast buffet had a really good variety. I suspect the 'free' signs on the mini bars may be a perk of the room type rather than guest status.
Would I stay at a 25hours Hotel again? Absolutely. And book dinner there. The staff were very pleasant, the atmosphere downstairs was cool, and I got the full haul of status points awarded promptly.

 

[Highway23]

Property: Mövenpick Hotel And Convention Centre KLIA, Kuala Lumpur
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: Superior King
Room upgraded/type: No upgrade
Rate: Red Hot Room
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: n/a
Early check in/late out: not requested
Welcome drink: not offered and I was too tired to ask
Welcome gift: no
Other:
Arrived close to 10pm and was leaving for an early flight the next day so didn’t push it with welcome drink or gift.

Lack of these amenities and no upgrade was probably due to the hotel being absolutely packed - desk staff told me it was due to Hajj, with flights from KLIA to Mecca every day.

The hotel itself was fairly convenient to the airport, only a 10 minute transfer. Located right next to a large mosque, so my 6am wake up call was made redundant by the call to prayer at 5:50.

Rooms were nice enough.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Have an upcoming stay at Sofitel Brisbane.

I have been emailed by a “guest experience agent” about the Executive Lounge asking if I’d prefer the first sitting (5:15pm-6:15pm) or the second sitting (6:30pm to 7:30pm).

Is this new?

Is it really so busy they need two sittings?

Is one sitting better than the other?

 

[jase05]

Have an upcoming stay at Sofitel Brisbane.

I have been emailed by a “guest experience agent” asking if I’d prefer the first sitting (5:15pm-6:15pm) or the second sitting (6:30pm to 7:30pm).

Is this new?

Is it really so busy they need two sittings?

Is one sitting better than the other?

For the EL?
Wouldnt surprise me with all the status they have been throwing out like confetti the last year or so. The lounges have been packed at several hotels I’ve stayed at recently which has prompted a few nasty emails to Accor voicing my opinion.

 

[Captain Halliday]

For the EL?
Wouldnt surprise me with all the status they have been throwing out like confetti the last year or so. The lounges have been packed at several hotels I’ve stayed at recently which has prompted a few nasty emails to Accor voicing my opinion.

Yes, EL. Have updated my post.

First stay at Sofitel Brisbane - how low do you suggest I set my expectations?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Have an upcoming stay at Sofitel Brisbane.

I have been emailed by a “guest experience agent” about the Executive Lounge asking if I’d prefer the first sitting (5:15pm-6:15pm) or the second sitting (6:30pm to 7:30pm).

Is this new?

Is it really so busy they need two sittings?

Is one sitting better than the other?

The lounge gets very crowded since anyone can just pay to enter irrespective of status or room type. My advice, get there early.

 

[jase05]

Yes, EL. Have updated my post.

First stay at Sofitel Brisbane - how low do you suggest I set my expectations?

Lounge is ok but can get busy