How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

More of a gripe than anything, but Accor Platinum is seriously devalued in the US. Firstly, not exactly many Accor hotels. Secondly, Fairmonts don't give you lounge access. Finally the couple of Sofitel's I've looked at (DC and Chicago) don't have a lounge or offer anything in lieu.
 
Tbh, I don’t know if it’s a Platinum perk or anyone can order it.

The free barista coffee is just for elites, and isn't included with prepaid breakfast rates or charging breakfast to the room.

I've had several occasions where the buffet staff had to check their breakfast list (broken down by status/rate bfast entitlement) to check if they can give me a cappuccino 😂

When other guests overheard and asked for the same, they were told it wasn't included in their breakfast package.
 
More of a gripe than anything, but Accor Platinum is seriously devalued in the US. Firstly, not exactly many Accor hotels. Secondly, Fairmonts don't give you lounge access. Finally the couple of Sofitel's I've looked at (DC and Chicago) don't have a lounge or offer anything in lieu.
I agree with you Daver6. We stayed recently at the Sofitels in NY, Chicago and DC. Upgraded to suites in Chicago and DC, which was nice, but not as worthwhile as a Lounge or free breakfast. The expensive room rates helped me to retain Platinum for next year. I suppose that’s a benefit?
 
Property: Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains (MGallery)
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard 2 x Queen room
Room upgraded: No
Rate: Accor Stay Plus (one night), Accor Stay Longer & Save second night
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 vouchers, despite three guest on the booking. Bottle house red and cheese plate (wasted - see below). Two bottles of water
Early Check in/out: Yes, 1pm checkout granted.

A very disappointing stay for what claims to be a five-star hotel. I’d rate it below Accor’s mid-tier properties - Novotel and Mercure.

On check in I was advised that a car space had been reserved for me as a Platinum and that the concierge would assist. However, the concierge was nowhere to be found, nor was the reserved car space. I'm happy to park my own car, but having this offered, then not able to be delivered is worse than not offering it to begin with.

On the table in my room was a welcome note, a bottle of house red wine and a cheese plate. However, as I checked in after 6pm the cheese was not cold and the brie had sagged badly. My guess it it hadn't seen a fridge for >5 hours. I wasn’t prepared to risk it, so the cheese plate went to waste. Why do they do this? Either put it in the fridge or deliver it after the guest has checked in.

The room itself was basic with a small work desk and single sitting chair. See pics. The carpet was stained and frayed at the edges. The bathroom had a shower head with a leak that sprayed water all over the bathroom. The amenities, soap etc were good.

Sadly, housekeep was also a disappointment. Tea/coffee was not replenished and wet towels were left on the bathroom floor. I'm happy to hang and reuse towels for a two-night stay, but these were saturated due to the leaky shower head and should have been removed. Additionally, the cheese plate and napkins were moved from the room to the hall outside (not by me). I can only assume the housekeeping staff considered this a job for room service staff. You walk past food trays in hotel hallways all the time, so I don't care... but it illustrates that five-star service is not provided, despite the five-star price paid.

The next morning, I arrived at breakfast and was told this would be charged to my room. Knowing breakfast was included for Plats, I ask why. The staff member was adamant that breakfast was not included for Plats. Having checked the website just days before the trip, I asked when this change happened and was told “it’s never been included”. This particular staff member was not going to back down. Rather than make a scene I went to reception where staff confirmed breakfast was included. A reception staff member accompanied me back to the restaurant where the bloke was still insisting I pay for breakfast. The breakfast supervisor quickly appeared and was apologetic. She explained the staff member was still in training.

While I understand staff need to be trained, and I’m totally fine with that, a staff member arguing with a guest at a five-star hotel is unacceptable. Especially when the staff member is wrong!

Breakfast was a standard hotel buffet with the usual hot and cold options of a mid-tier hotel. As a comparison, recent stays at Novotel Sunshine Coast and Novotel Sydney had similar buffets but also offered additions like Eggs Benedict and/or omelettes on request.

Now I’m always happy to give credit where it’s due and the breakfast supervisor on our second morning, was excellent. He was cheery, helpful and offered good advice on walking options in the local area. Additionally, the barista coffee both days was excellent.

The hotel has several restaurants, but only one was open during our stay. We ate in the hotel bar the first night. It was noisy due to a group of around 50 people (seemed to be a conference group). Food was as you'd expect in a bar and was served in good time considering how busy it was. On our second night the restaurant, Embers, was fully booked. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we ate in Katoomba (see my Trip Advisor review for Avalon which was excellent).

I took advantage of my Accor status to request a late check out. This was our only glimpse of five-star service with the request granted. And it was much appreciated given our evening flight.

Like many places in the hospitality sector, Fairmont Blue Mountains seems to be trying to get back up to speed after Covid. But domestic tourism has been open for more than 6 months now and this hotel still has a long way to go.

With rooms comparable to those in the Novotel/Mercure range, and with such poor service there is no way to justify paying double the price of mid-tier Accor hotels.
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I'll be staying here on Tuesday for 3 nights and am curious how parking worked at the property? I'm guessing it was complimentary or was there a fee?

-RooFlyer88
 
I'll be staying here on Tuesday for 3 nights and am curious how parking worked at the property? I'm guessing it was complimentary or was there a fee?

-RooFlyer88

Parking has always been free when we have stayed there
Free at the time of my stay also.

The parking is all outdoor and split over four "levels" which step down the hill, terrace style.

IIRC the rate I booked included "premium parking". This was basically the top car park of 30 or so spaces closest to the front door.

The only benefit being convenience.
 
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Property: Pullman Melbourne on Swanston
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe Room
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: Members Stay Longer and Save - $285.30 per night
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes in Executive Lounge
Early check in/late out: Asked to extend checkout by an hour which they granted
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: Tray of chocolates with letter

Had a 2 night stay in mid December. Was my second stay this year. No upgrade or recognition of status either this stay or the previous stay other than mentioning I had access to the EL. The day before check in I saw that the Premium Deluxe Room and Premium Executive Room were available.


Executive lounge is good (though not as good as a Sofitel EL) and I would recommend the crab omelette for breakfast. The EL is the only part of the hotel where you get service with a smile. There is also self serve champagne at breakfast (Tattinger I think) where you can make yourself a mimosa for breakfast.

Upon checkout I was told my invoice would be emailed to me. I did not receive it and after 2 days emailed the hotel. After 2 days of no response I called the hotel and they emailed the invoice promptly. Points did not post and after 8 days I used the message within members details and points were posted within 24 hours.

Have not received the email you normally get after a stay which in the past includes questions such as was my status recognised and did I get an upgrade.

I would have preferred to stay at the Sofitel on Collins where they are very good with upgrades and recognising status but the wife likes the convenience of the Pullman on Swanston for shopping.
 
Property: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room 1 King Bed Bay View
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: Accor Plus Advance Saver, Bed and Breakfast
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: NA
Early check in/late out: Not Required
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: 375ml Bottle of Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, biscuits

Stayed 2 nights before the ferry ride back to Cape Jervis.
We booked the stay for 2021 prior to Omicron arriving on the scene.
Booking was non refundable, contacted the lodge who changed our booking to 2022, very happy with that.
 
Property: Mercure Townsville
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Room 1 Queen Bed
Room upgraded/type: Superior Room 1 Queen Bed
Rate: Accor Plus Saver Rate, Bed and Breakfast
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: NA
Early check in/late out: Not Required
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: 187ml Bottle of Red. stubbie of James Boags in the fridge, box of slices, & fudge etc
 
Property: Movenpick Myth Patong coughet
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Classic Room, Pool View
Room upgraded/type: Deluxe Room, Pool Access
Rate: Red Hot Rooms, Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes, as a Platinum
Early check in/late out: Not Required
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers (coughtails included) and a three course dinner voucher!
Welcome gift: Large fruit bowl, selection of chocolates and a desert with an Australian flag in icing on it and the word Welcome

First time in coughet and I decided to try the Movenpick Myth based on a few other recommendations from people and because the photos made the pool look absolutely spectacular. Took a Grab from the airport and arrived mid-afternoon. Was ushered into a private check in lounge as a Platinum. Explained all the features of the hotel and also given two drink vouchers, which included any classic coughtail, and also a voucher for a dinner at the restaurant. I was also upgraded to a room with direct pool access. Was offered late check out, but I didn't need it.
The hotel has a very impressive and expansive pool and if you have a pool access room there's also a private jacuzzi as well. It's a really great feature. There's a swim-up pool bar to use the drink vouchers at or you can use them at the lobby bar.
I used the voucher for dinner at the restaurant one night and was told it was good for a three course meal, any entrée, main and desert, though drinks weren't included. This is the first time I've got a meal voucher in addition to the drinks voucher so it was a very nice extra to have and the restaurant is lovely. Breakfast in the mornings is an extensive buffet and you can also get made to order eggs.
The hotel is just a short walk to the beach and you can walk pretty much everywhere in Patong.
Would definitely recommend this hotel, the staff were very friendly and status recognition was exemplary.
 

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Property: Peppers Gallery Canberra
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: Petite
Room upgraded/type: King Room
Rate: Red Hot Rooms, Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: TBD yet to ask for late checkout
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: Box of 3 slices

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Property: Swissotel the Stamford Singapore
Status: Accor Plus Silver
Room booked: Harbourview Room on a high floor, 1 King Bed
Room upgraded/type: (Sort of) our room was a corner room on floor 40, with a partial harbour view. I was disappointed as we paid a lot of money for 8 nights in this room. Talked nicely to the main checkin supervisor the next morning and she moved us to a better view room on the 55th floor
Rate: Accor Plus So Asia, Bed and Breakfast
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Included in deal
Early check in/late out: Early checkin not required/ late check out 1pm
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of water, replaced daily

You can self checkin at this hotel in the foyer, however there were assistants to complete this checkin for you. Explained all the features of the hotel and also given two drink vouchers.
The hotel has 2 pools shared with the adjoining Fairmont hotel, they also share a spa. Happy hour at the pool from 12pm to 5pm. The room was very spacious with a big comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom and all kept immaculately clean. Our floor was very quiet and lifts quick and not crowded, separate lifts for high floor rooms. Breakfast in the mornings is an extensive buffet of both western and Asian choices and you can also get made to order eggs. Very busy most mornings but food was always replenished very quickly. All interactions with hotel staff were very friendly and helpful especially the lady concierge. Location was excellent, close to MRT and bus stops and easy walking access to many places.

Definitely would recommend staying here.
 
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Property: Swissotel the Stamford Singapore
Status: Accor Plus Silver
Room booked: Harbourview Room on a high floor, 1 King Bed
Room upgraded/type: (Sort of) our room was a corner room on floor 40, with a partial harbour view. I was disappointed as we paid a lot of money for 8 nights in this room. Talked nicely to the main checkin supervisor the new morning and she moved us to a better view room on the 55th floor
Rate: Accor Plus So Asia, Bed and Breakfast
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Included in deal
Early check in/late out: Early checkin not required/ late check out 1pm
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of water, replaced daily

You can self checkin at this hotel in the foyer, however there were assistants to complete this checkin for you. Explained all the features of the hotel and also given two drink vouchers.
The hotel has 2 pools shared with the adjoining Fairmont hotel, they also share a spa. Happy hour at the pool from 12pm to 5pm. The room was very spacious with a big comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom and all kept immaculately clean. Our floor was very quiet and lifts quick and not crowded, separate lifts for high floor rooms. Breakfast in the mornings is an extensive buffet of both western and Asian choices and you can also get made to order eggs. Very busy most mornings but food was always replenished very quickly. All interactions with hotel staff were very friendly and helpful especially the lady concierge. Location was excellent, close to MRT and bus stops and easy walking access to many places.

Definitely would recommend staying here.

Do you have pictures of the corner room by any chance?
 
Do you have pictures of the corner room by any chance?
No sorry I don't have a photo. It was a very weird shape, almost like a V. We were tired when we arrived late in the evening and just went straight to bed. But in the morning we still did not like the room and was disappointed. It seemed very pokey, small balcony. Funnily enough on the table was a letter addressed to another person, welcoming him and offering him the executive lounge whilst staying and a lovely bowl of fruit.
Obviously he did not like the room either and was moved.

We showed the letter to the head lady in the morning, she was quite embarrassed about it and said that they would move us but we couldn't have the lounge access, (of course we knew that). We took the fruit though !! :)
 
Property: Pullman Brisbane Airport
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Superior king Room
Room upgraded/type: Junior suite
Rate: Accor Plus Saver Rate, Bed and Breakfast.
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Included
Early check in/late out: didn't need them
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers, good for any beer or wine on the menu
Welcome gift: 4 lindt chocolates.

Last minute booking at the cheapest available rate, which was $9 more than the cheapest Ibis member offering. I like it when the choice is a no-brainer. Been upgraded here before, but not to a suite. Interesting that only the basic room were being sold when I booked night before. Forgot to claim the dining discount, but applied no worries on checkout after manager ok.
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Property: Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel

Room booked: Superior Room, 1 King Bed

Status: Accor+Platinum

Room upgraded/type: No

Rate: Accor+ More Escapes ($240/night)

Free internet: Yes

Welcome drink: Yes (2 vouchers given at check-in, further 4 vouchers slid under the door afterward)

Early check in/late out: N/A

VIP treatment: Seated in reserved section of restaurant for breakfast

Access to executive lounge (if existing): N/A

Additional care: N/A

General comments: Stayed here between January 3rd and 6th for a bit of a hiking retreat. Unfortunately the weather didn't pan out as expected so ended up spending more time in hotel room than what I wanted. Let's start with the positives. The resort has a number of facilities that I thought were quite swell namely the pools, exercise rooms, study area and pool room. The hotel also had a number of restaurants that were open including a cafe that was open till 10. In addition, the hotel had great views of the Blue Mountain area and I reckon if it wasn't raining so darn much I would enjoy it quite a deal more. Breakfast itself was adequate ticking all the boxes when it comes to hot and cold items albeit it didn't have the same selection of food I found at other hotels like the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park or Mercure Gold Coast resort.

In terms of the room itself, it was slightly dated (felt like a Fairmont room from the late 90s/early 00s) albeit fairly spacious. As an Accor+Platinum I didn't feel like I was treated particularly special aside from getting the brekkie and drink vouchers. Frankly, I would've expected to receive a bottle of wine or something similar as a welcome gift (indeed I just got off the phone with the Mercure I'm staying at in Melbourne next week and they called to ask what welcome gift I wanted).

Would I stay here again? Yes, provided the room rate was good and the weather was agreeable.

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-RooFlyer88
 
Property: Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel



Room booked: Superior Room, 1 King Bed



Status: Accor+Platinum



Room upgraded/type: No



Rate: Accor+ More Escapes ($240/night)



Free internet: Yes


In terms of the room itself, it was slightly dated (felt like a Fairmont room from the late 90s/early 00s) albeit fairly spacious. As an Accor+Platinum I didn't feel like I was treated particularly special aside from getting the brekkie and drink vouchers. Frankly, I would've expected to receive a bottle of wine or something similar as a welcome gift (indeed I just got off the phone with the Mercure I'm staying at in Melbourne next week and they called to ask what welcome gift I wanted).

-RooFlyer88
RooFlyer

I am also Accor + Platinum and my experience in 2022 was that there are some hotels that dont seem to care about status. Had some great experiences last year with status being recognised at most of the stays at Sofitel's. Mecure's. Novotel's and Peppers. But in two stays at the Pullman on Swanston in 2022 almost zero recogntion of status.
 

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