How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[oz_mark]

So it seems like a "standard" Accor breakfast in the sense that there are hot and cold food options available. I'm guessing it was a buffet? If so how big was the buffet? Was custom food offered for Platinums (i.e. the ability to request omelettes?) In any event, great to see the hotel putting out the breakfast spread. I've been very fortunate to visit higher end Accor hotels like Mercures and Fairmont.

I wouldn't call Mercure higher end.

Typically each brand has its own 'standard' of breakfast. So there is an Ibis standard, a Novotel standard, a Mercure standard, etc.

 

[bullerdude]

So it seems like a "standard" Accor breakfast in the sense that there are hot and cold food options available. I'm guessing it was a buffet? If so how big was the buffet? Was custom food offered for Platinums (i.e. the ability to request omelettes?) In any event, great to see the hotel putting out the breakfast spread. I've been very fortunate to visit higher end Accor hotels like Mercures and Fairmont.

-RooFlyer88

No, there was no special breakfast offering for Platinum members and personally I've never seen this at an Accor property. That being said, it was above what i expected for a Novotel breakfast (but as mentioned in my post so where the prices).

Not sure I would call Mercure a higher end property brand !!!
Yes, there are a few newer hotels that are nice but, unfortunately, Mercure has been Accor's catch-all brand for many years and they are only just starting to turn this around - albeit very slowly. Main benefit is that Mercure hotels earn regular points unlike Mantra hotels that earn a stingy ammount of points.

 

[jase05]

I've been very fortunate to visit higher end Accor hotels like Mercures and Fairmont.

Mercure is nowhere near higher end. They are mid at best and I only have them ahead of the Ibis group and other budget hotels

 

[SYD]

Not sure I would call Mercure a higher end property brand !!!
Yes, there are a few newer hotels that are nice but, unfortunately, Mercure has been Accor's catch-all brand for many years and they are only just starting to turn this around - albeit very slowly. Main benefit is that Mercure hotels earn regular points unlike Mantra hotels that earn a stingy ammount of points.

Grand Mercure (they’re few and far between) but Pullman and M Gallery tend to be the better properties before getting into the Sofitel, Fairmont and Raffles etc. Swissotel and now Mövenpick add some further options.

Strange how some of the Asia/Pacific brands acquired (Peppers and Mantra) don’t earn at the full rate. Pity they just don’t rebadged them and simplify the property range.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I wouldn't call Mercure higher end.

You clearly haven't stayed at the hotels I've been staying at recently, tons of Ibis and Ibis Styles! Surely the Mercure is higher end than that?

Typically each brand has its own 'standard' of breakfast. So there is an Ibis standard, a Novotel standard, a Mercure standard, etc.

Did not know that and will need to keep that in mind for my next stays at Accor properties (i.e. I've got the Pullman SYD booked in Apr along with a few Mercures and Ibises booked in Feb/Mar).

No, there was no special breakfast offering for Platinum members and personally I've never seen this at an Accor property. That being said, it was above what i expected for a Novotel breakfast (but as mentioned in my post so where the prices).

The last two hotels I stayed at where I bothered having breakfast (the Mercure North Melbourne and the Fairmont Blue Mountains) had some sort of VIP perk for Platinums. In the case of the Mercure you could order custom eggs and coffee whereas for the Fairmont they had a reserved section of seats for Platinum members to keep one self socially distanced from the riff raff visiting the hotel on some sort of stay and breakfast package.

Yes, there are a few newer hotels that are nice but, unfortunately, Mercure has been Accor's catch-all brand for many years and they are only just starting to turn this around - albeit very slowly. Main benefit is that Mercure hotels earn regular points unlike Mantra hotels that earn a stingy ammount of points.

For me a lot of it comes down to pricing. If I see an Ibis and a Mercure within $10 of each other, 10 times out of 10 I'll book the Mercure.

Mercure is nowhere near higher end. They are mid at best and I only have them ahead of the Ibis group and other budget hotels

Okay sure compared to say the Swissotel or the Pullman I think you have a point. But I mean compared to things like the Ibis Budget, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Breakfree, etc. it is a step above.

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

Okay sure compared to say the Swissotel or the Pullman I think you have a point. But I mean compared to things like the Ibis Budget, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Breakfree, etc. it is a step above.

One small step.

 

[jase05]

Okay sure compared to say the Swissotel or the Pullman I think you have a point. But I mean compared to things like the Ibis Budget, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Breakfree, etc. it is a step above.

Yes but you are choosing to stay at the properties that are at the lowest end of Accor’s scale so anything would be better than those

 

[kangarooflyer88]

One small step.

Ahh quoting Neil Armstrong, eh? I'm not much of a space fan but I do like myself a complimentary upgrade to a larger room from Accor

Yes but you are choosing to stay at the properties that are at the lowest end of Accor’s scale so anything would be better than those

I'm (usually) cheap when it comes to hotels - $100/night or bust! If I'm not staying at an Accor, I'm typically staying at a Comfort Inn or award discounted IHG property. Needless to say, I earned my Accor Platinum status through nights and not status points!

 

[kpro]

I would also classify Mercure and Novotel as mid-range hotels. Ibis is a budget offering.

This to me seems to be an accurate depiction of the target market for Accor brands.

 

[sudoer]

I would also classify Mercure and Novotel as mid-range hotels. Ibis is a budget offering.

This to me seems to be an accurate depiction of the target market for Accor brands.
View attachment 315262

This is Accor's own breakdown:

 

[Lynda2475]

Walked into Lobby of Sofitel Wellington tonight to find a guy chucking a hissy fit, berating the young girl on reception and demanding to speak with duty manager. Manager comes out, apparently club lounge was chockers and drinks were not being served fast enough. Manager starts to apologise but the dykwia type comments he is a VIP, accompanied by overseas guests and insists the manager stop hiding in the office and come and tend bar. They depart (manager last see trying to make drinks).

I then approach to return umbrella i borrowed earlier and to ask about a late checkout. Girl was clearly flustered, i asked if she was ok, she said it had been manic as they were 100% full due to diverted flights. I said not to worry i could just store my bag, but she said i was only polite person for hours so she sorted late checkout without issue. Pays to be nice.

 

[jase05]

So rather than doing individual reports on the Sofitel Adelaide for the 6 stats we have had since New Year’s I’ll just do a overall write up of what Mrs Jase calls our “holiday home”

Property: Sofitel Adelaide
Status: Accor Plus Diamond
Room booked: Deluxe or Luxury
Room upgraded/type: Yes, 6/6 stays upgraded to either a Junior Suite or Prestige Suite
Rate: Several different rates inc a couple of Red Hot Room bookings
Free internet: Yes, good speed.
Free Breakfast: Yes, in restaurant or Club Millesime.
Early check in/late out: Yes, early check in requested once at 12pm and granted. Late check out of 12pm offered 6/6 and requested 1pm on 2 visits and granted no problems.
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: Always a bottle of wine, chocolates and jar of nuts plus bottled water.

The Sofitel has become our home away from home due to Mrs Jase working 50m away and she often has weekend or late night work so we just book a night there. Service has always been good and this month we are 6/6 in being upgraded to a suite. If I’m not on my laptop doing work I usually do some shopping or have a dip in the pool whilst she is at work. Afternoon tea at the club from 2-4pm involves a small selection of cakes and nibbles with lots of tea or coffee and I often give it a miss. Happy hour at the club is 5-7pm and has a small range of wine and spirits as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee etc. A small buffet selection of cheeses, fruits, salads, cold meats and soup du jour. Canapés are delivered to your table and they do have some great Buffalo wings from time to time.
I normally drink double Vodka’s and they are happy to pour that for you and they will also bring over a wine bucket and bottle if you request it. Breakfast is at the restaurant or Club however we have found the restaurant is just too hectic so we now always have breakfast at the club. Small menu list at club but they will knock up something not on the menu if you request. Nice and peaceful in the club lounge and service a lot more personal. Had dinner at Garçon Bleu a few times and always have found the food to be excellent and the sommelier’s great. Staff at the restaurant range from good to great and proactively ask for Accor Plus card and 50% meal always applied. Points nearly always applied by next morning. Car parking is a bit of a rort but not required as we park in Mrs Jase’s work park. No doubt we will end up with another 20-30 nights there this year

 

[MattA]

Property: Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
Room booked: Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Pool View, 7 nights
Room Rate: Flexible Rate
Status: Platinum
Room upgrade: No
Early check in: Not required.
Late checkout: Not required, but standard checkout time is noon anyway.
Free internet: Yes
Welcome drink: 2x drink vouchers, Champagne on arrival (served in the bar), bottle of Champagne (Perrier Jouet) in room, cheese board and “welcome back” note from the GM (plus lots of bottled water, replaced daily).
Access to executive lounge (if existing): Not applicable.

Our (2 adults, 2 kids) second time at the Sofitel Noosa, but first as ALL Platinum after just ticking over late last year. Being Platinum meant that breakfast was included and we took full advantage: Well-stocked buffet with plenty to choose from: all the usual suspects—cereals, fruit, juices, pastries, a full range of hot breakfast items, etc etc, plus eggs, omlettes and barista coffees made to order.

Love this place. Pool is perfect for our kids (4 and 8) and we spent a lot of time there (and at the swim up bar).

All the staff are great—friendly, no problem too big.

Location is perfect obviously being right on Hastings St. We didn’t bother with a car and just used cabs/ubers for our occasional outings plus on one occasion the ferry, which docks right outside the back and heads along the river to Noosaville and Tewantin.

Strong recommend.

 

[Muppet501st]

Property: Sofitel Broadbeach
Room booked: Standard 1 king mountain view
Room Rate: not sure
Status: Diamond +
Room upgraded/type: Yes, ocean view top floor
Free internet: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes, bottle of white and cheese platter.
VIP treatment: N/A
Access to executive lounge (if existing): N/A

Turn down service is back - first time since covid for me. At checkin, was informed about breakfast- but as I leave for work around 4am, can never make use of it. I was offered a takeaway breakfast.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Sofitel Broadbeach
Room booked: Standard 1 king mountain view
Room Rate: not sure
Status: Diamond +
Room upgraded/type: Yes, ocean view top floor
Free internet: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes, bottle of white and cheese platter.
VIP treatment: N/A
Access to executive lounge (if existing): N/A

Turn down service is back - first time since covid for me. At checkin, was informed about breakfast- but as I leave for work around 4am, can never make use of it. I was offered a takeaway breakfast.

Wow! That looks really nice! And I think the first time I've seen Australian champagne offered instead of the usual bottle of red. Also nice to see that they accommodated you for breakfast. Now I'm curious what the "normal" breakfast would be given the takeaway breakfast seems better than some of the brekkies offered at hotels in North America!

-RooFlyer88

 

[cdp88]

Property: Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan
Room booked: Standard 1 king
Room Rate: Prepaid rate, approx $160 using 4000 points reduced it to about $40.
Status: Gold Accor Plus
Room upgraded/type: No
Free internet: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes, 1 drink from a menu dedicated to welcome drinks. Silver entitled to tea/coffee and soft drink, Gold can access beers and Platinum can access wine. The menu sets this out clearly in sections. Not the most generous arrangement but at least it is transparent.
VIP treatment: Gift in room of a small plate of treats
Other: Check in and luggage service was very good. We left most of our bags downstairs as we stayed only 12 hours ahead of a flight home. Luggage was brought out at 7am when we were due to leave for easy loading into our taxi.

Please note, shuttle service is offered half hourly but you can only have 2 bags per person/4 bags per room. I checked as we had a lot of luggage so I had to organise a taxI service. This service was a bit exorbitant at 1100TWD for the 10 minute journey when we usually pay 2500TWD for a 2 hour drive to the airport in a private car. It was very convenient and the hotel staff and driver helped load the luggage so we were satisfied with this option.

We tried the standard restaurant for dinner. I asked about using Accor Plus discount and was pleasantly surprised that they accepted it and gave 50% off the meal. We opted for the buffet at 1150TWD per person (before discount) as a l a carte was considerably more than this for a main meal. Buffet was perfectly acceptable with plenty of options although as were came at the end of the dinner service (buffet closing at 9pm but restaurant open 24/7) some items were not as fresh as they could have been. We were satisfied with the meal given the price and convenience, particularly as buffet included soft drinks and tea/coffee.

Bar was a bit dull so I probably wouldn’t hang out there. I went to find out what the welcome drink was for research purposes but didn’t linger.

Room itself was fine with plenty of storage and toiletries but was unbearably hot. We rang reception and they advised to turn off the a/c and offered a fan. I was able to open the window slightly for a while to cool things down before closing again to reduce noise. In winter they fix the a/c to heating so you can’t change it in the room notwithstanding there is an individual control panel.

Overall, a decent hotel with reception and restaurant staff offering excellent service.

 

[sudoer]

VIP treatment: Gift in room of a small plate of treats

I quite enjoyed the Novotel TPE just prior to Covid, although the welcome gift for Golds appears to have shrunk considerably.

Here is what I received on 23rd Feb 2020 (Taiwan closed about a week later if I recall correctly.. maybe they were trying to clear through their welcome gift stock)

 

[cdp88]

I quite enjoyed the Novotel TPE just prior to Covid, although the welcome gift for Golds appears to have shrunk considerably.

Here is what I received on 23rd Feb 2020 (Taiwan closed about a week later if I recall correctly.. maybe they were trying to clear through their welcome gift stock)

View attachment 315448

Yes, considerably more generous back then. I would love it if Accor opened some more hotels in Taiwan.

 

[Lynda2475]

I was surprised there were no Accor or IHG hotels in New Caledonia, luckily, I was gifted Hilton Gold status.

 

[sudoer]

I was surprised there were no Accor or IHG hotels in New Caledonia, luckily, I was gifted Hilton Gold status.

You'd think Accor would be all over New Caledonia given the French connection.