How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[jase05]

*PQQ is quite a bit further away than the Central Coast and Newcastle! You might push it to Port Stephens. I was there last week at Bannisters

Yep, I distinctly remember visiting my Grandparents in Sydney over school holidays and they had a holiday home up there so we used to pack up the old Holden in 40 degree heat with no aircon and head up there. Many fond memories of the place.

 

[Captain Halliday]

It’s hard to compare but I guess fairly similar. The Mercure is supposedly a better hotel brand than the Ibis brand yet in Port Macquarie I found the Ibis Styles hotel was far superior to the Mercure in town. I’m not a fan of Ibis properties in general but we got a great upgrade there that had wonderful ocean views and the rooms were recently renovated by the looks.
As for Newcastle I don’t rate the Mercure at all and whilst the Novotel Beach Hotel is a touch more expensive it’s a decent step up. Coffs unfortunately has no decent Accor properties IMO

Mercure Newcastle was previously a Travelodge.

Sadly it still feels like one, right down to the Travelodge branded evacuation diagrams on the back of the room door.

 

[MattA]

Property: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Status: Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room, 2 Double Beds
Room upgraded/type: Not sure. Think just higher floor.
Rate: Stay longer and save
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes (Platinum Benefit, in Club Millésime)
Early check in/late out: 3pm checkout granted on request.
Welcome drink: None (see below).
Welcome gift: 2x mini chocolate boxes handed to my kids at check-in. Standard issue bottle of Debortoli Legacy in room to add to the collection.

Spent the weekend in Sydney with my kids for England’s World Cup Quarter Final. Mrs MattA was away for work so it was just the three of us. In general I really liked the Sofitel DH. First time there for me (have stayed in the Wentworth Sofitel before). Perfect location for the World Cup as the main fan activation stuff is around DH.

Only a small quibble: on arrival I approached reception to check in. “Oh as you’re Platinum, you can check in at the lounge…” I’m not really sure about this concept as a benefit tbh. You can’t get to the lounge on lvl 35 without a key for the lift, so you have to talk to someone at ground level anyway. Why make me go to another floor to check in when I’m right there at the check in desk anyway and I just want to get to my room asap. I was in no mood to drag the kids up there (they can’t go in the lounge at this time anyway—it was after 5). So I insisted and was checked in on the ground floor. But it seems ground floor reception aren’t empowered to do elite-level stuff:

• I was never given my welcome drink vouchers.
• Asked about late checkout: “oh reception can only do until 12, you’ll have to ask the lounge”. (I did, on morning of departure; requested 3pm and this was granted no worries after a few taps on his keyboard).
• Also it was ~ 7:25pm at the time I was checking in, I wanted to get some canapés sent to the room before the 7:30pm cutoff (due to not being able to take the kids into the lounge), so I asked if reception could call up for me: “oh sorry I don’t know anything about that…” As it turned out I called as soon as we reached the room and it was fine — a plate of hot snacks and cheeses/charcuterie arrived shortly afterwards — but weird that reception had no idea that this is even a thing.

Had breakfast in the lounge both mornings and great service. Decent buffet plus they take orders for coffees, various egg dishes and pancakes. On the first morning staff came round with a small box of snakes and jelly beans for the kids, which was a nice touch (we may have smuggled the leftovers out of the lounge with us and into the stadium for half time…)

Also used the (outdoor) pool which was quiet and cold at this time of year (not that the kids minded).



While there was some work going on at the construction site in front, even on a weekend, we couldn’t hear any noise.



And best of all England won their QF, which made me very happy. The Colombia team were staying at the Sofitel so I presume the negative thoughts I was sending their way on the two occasions we rode in the lift with some of their players must have helped!

When we headed out for dinner before the game the players were getting onto the team bus outside the hotel so we had to sneak out the side door to avoid the crowds of cheering Colombian supporters waiting out front.



Big decision coming up for my kids (who hold British and Australian passports) now on Wednesday night: are they siding with dad or mum?? No pressure, but I *will* be reminding them how many ice creams they had on the weekend…

I’m back in Sydney next Sunday for the final and while I *hope* England are there too, I’ll be almost as happy to see the Matildas play a home final…

 

[Muppet501st]

Property: Sofitel Broadbeach
Status: Diamond +
Room booked: King Mountain view
Room upgraded/type: Yes, corner ocean view ( same room as my last 2 stays )
Rate: $330
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes - but have left for work before it starts- but the wife is
Early check in/late out:na
Welcome drink: 1 voucher for 2 drinks
Welcome gift: bottle of wine, honey cookies and chocolate.

Same room as my last 2 stays here- which im quite happy with. Rates a little higher this week- am checking out on Friday- just when the Gold Coast Airshow starts.
This stay will put me over the 26k status points to retain Diamond.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Property: Sofitel Adelaide
Status: Gold
Room bookedeluxe room
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Luxury Room
Rate: Flexible Rate, Room Only ($450 or so)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: Not requested, arrived at 4pm and was on 6am flight out anyway
Welcome drink: Yes, House wine or beer.
Welcome gift: Bottle of water and chocolates as below.

Fantsastic staff and a beautiful hotel. Only gripes were that with the referees for the world cup staying here the usual drop off zone was coned off and it wasn't exactly clear where to park the car to check in, so ended up double parking. Off site self parking as well and garage doesn't open until 5am however concierge did open for me prior. Gym and pool were fantastic for an inner city hotel however a spa/hot tub would've been a nice touch. Had my welcome drink and another in the lobby bar which was quite pleasant. Also for anyone staying there I can highly recommend the indonesian restaurant a couple of doors up! Awesome food and super affordable, also full of international students which is generally a good sign for the quality!

 

[Daver6]

Property: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Status: Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room, 2 Double Beds
Room upgraded/type: Not sure. Think just higher floor.
Rate: Stay longer and save
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes (Platinum Benefit, in Club Millésime)
Early check in/late out: 3pm checkout granted on request.
Welcome drink: None (see below).
Welcome gift: 2x mini chocolate boxes handed to my kids at check-in. Standard issue bottle of Debortoli Legacy in room to add to the collection.

Spent the weekend in Sydney with my kids for England’s World Cup Quarter Final. Mrs MattA was away for work so it was just the three of us. In general I really liked the Sofitel DH. First time there for me (have stayed in the Wentworth Sofitel before). Perfect location for the World Cup as the main fan activation stuff is around DH.

Only a small quibble: on arrival I approached reception to check in. “Oh as you’re Platinum, you can check in at the lounge…” I’m not really sure about this concept as a benefit tbh. You can’t get to the lounge on lvl 35 without a key for the lift, so you have to talk to someone at ground level anyway. Why make me go to another floor to check in when I’m right there at the check in desk anyway and I just want to get to my room asap. I was in no mood to drag the kids up there (they can’t go in the lounge at this time anyway—it was after 5). So I insisted and was checked in on the ground floor. But it seems ground floor reception aren’t empowered to do elite-level stuff:

• I was never given my welcome drink vouchers.
• Asked about late checkout: “oh reception can only do until 12, you’ll have to ask the lounge”. (I did, on morning of departure; requested 3pm and this was granted no worries after a few taps on his keyboard).
• Also it was ~ 7:25pm at the time I was checking in, I wanted to get some canapés sent to the room before the 7:30pm cutoff (due to not being able to take the kids into the lounge), so I asked if reception could call up for me: “oh sorry I don’t know anything about that…” As it turned out I called as soon as we reached the room and it was fine — a plate of hot snacks and cheeses/charcuterie arrived shortly afterwards — but weird that reception had no idea that this is even a thing.

Had breakfast in the lounge both mornings and great service. Decent buffet plus they take orders for coffees, various egg dishes and pancakes. On the first morning staff came round with a small box of snakes and jelly beans for the kids, which was a nice touch (we may have smuggled the leftovers out of the lounge with us and into the stadium for half time…)

Also used the (outdoor) pool which was quiet and cold at this time of year (not that the kids minded).

View attachment 339158

While there was some work going on at the construction site in front, even on a weekend, we couldn’t hear any noise.

View attachment 339159

That's pretty disappointing about the check-in experience. You can just ask the front door guys/concierge to send you up to the lounge to check-in.

If the construction site view is from your room, then it looks like you were upgraded to a Jones Bay room view. Ie, one level upgrade.

How does the Sofitel Wentworth compare to this hotel in your opinion?

 

[MattA]

That's pretty disappointing about the check-in experience. You can just ask the front door guys/concierge to send you up to the lounge to check-in.

Yeah, I guess if you know the system and know what to do it might make sense, but if I'm already at the desk just check me in, don't try to send me somewhere else!

If the construction site view is from your room, then it looks like you were upgraded to a Jones Bay room view. Ie, one level upgrade.

It was indeed, so I think you're right. I didn't know the room categories well enough to be sure.

How does the Sofitel Wentworth compare to this hotel in your opinion?

Definitely preferred DH. It's just more modern/new in terms of the fitout and feels a bit more high end to me than the Wentworth (the difference between a shiny and new 6 year old hotel vs a 50 year old one I guess). Minor quibbles about check in stuff aside, I really rated it and we'll definitely be back.

 

[Daver6]

Yeah, I guess if you know the system and know what to do it might make sense, but if I'm already at the desk just check me in, don't try to send me somewhere else!

100% agree with you.

It was indeed, so I think you're right. I didn't know the room categories well enough to be sure.

I received the same upgrade last month. While the room size is pretty much the same, I quite liked the layout with the bed facing the large window. Access to the window blinds was a little annoying though and thought electronic blinds were needed. I really liked the closet layout though. Very practical.

Definitely preferred DH. It's just more modern/new in terms of the fitout and feels a bit more high end to me than the Wentworth (the difference between a shiny and new 6 year old hotel vs a 50 year old one I guess). Minor quibbles about check in stuff aside, I really rated it and we'll definitely be back.

I've booked the Wentworth for November (closer to where I need to be). The construction noise bothered me a little on weekday mornings but I do really like the hotel. Once the new shops etc are complete I think that whole area will be excellent.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Property: Mercure Paris Place d'Italie
Status: A+ Platinum
Room booked: Classic room with sofa
Room upgraded/type: No, and no sofa
Rate: Flexible with breakfast
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Non
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Yes, House wine for 2
Welcome gift: Soft drinks appeared on day 2

Some Mercures we've stayed in have been great, others meh. This one was near the bottom of the meh category. Water was provided in glass bottles, with a billi to refill them as needed. Breakfast was continental with token scrambled eggs and hot sausages. Room was a shoebox and the "sofa" was a tiny pouffe. The only higher category was privelege rooms with coffee machine and eiffel tower view. It would have been a very small eiffel tower when viewed from the boondocks of the 13 arrt, so no great loss. We had stayed to see the nearby Butte aux Cailles district, and there is an Ibis Styles in the district itself, although its rooms are smaller.

 

[austgap]

Property: Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers
Status: ALL Platinum
Room booked: 1 Bedroom Deluxe
Room upgraded/type: 2 Bedroom Deluxe
Free internet: Yes.
Free Breakfast: Yes. à la carte offering
Early check in/late out: Not needed
Welcome drink: Yes 1x. Even though there's not really a bar, so it would be awkward to use unless you were staying in for dinner.
Welcome gift: Yes. Bottle of wine, 2x bottles of water, sparkling water and salted nuts.

Two stays (Mon, Thrs) last week and tried it out as closer to Melbourne HO. Totally solid hotel, not quite sure who would stay here but it was actually quite busy particularly at dinner on Monday night.

Still chasing points from the Monday after the Thrs stay credited fine.

 

[austgap]

Property: Sofitel Brisbane
Status: ALL Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room 2 double bed
Room upgraded/type: Superior Room 2 double bed
Free internet: Yes.
Free Breakfast: Yes.
Early check in/late out: Not needed
Welcome drink: Yes 1x.
Welcome gift: Sparkling water and chocolates

No upgrade due to using my Accor+ night, check-in agent made that super clear, however later mumbled about the WWC in Brisbane that weekend! Hotel rooms are super tired, stained carpets and everything needs a refresh (reminds me of the Hilton before the update). Will keep looking for a BNE Accor pad.

 

[jase05]

No upgrade due to using my Accor+ night, check-in agent made that super clear,

I would send in some feedback as this is utter rubbish. I have nearly always been upgraded even with the Accor+ night
Doesn’t sound like a great stay and yes the rooms are starting to show their age. Haven’t stayed there for a while now but may have to suss out other properties in the area

 

[oz_mark]

I would send in some feedback as this is utter rubbish. I have nearly always been upgraded even with the Accor+ night
Doesn’t sound like a great stay and yes the rooms are starting to show their age. Haven’t stayed there for a while now but may have to suss out other properties in the area

Might just have been there weren't enough upgrades for everyone, so someone has to dip out. That becomes the tie-breaker.

 

[jase05]

Might just have been there weren't enough upgrades for everyone, so someone has to dip out. That becomes the tie-breaker.

Perhaps and once again that is my issue with handing out elite tier status willy-nilly. You would hope that Golds and below were bumped first unless the hotel was at capacity

 

[Flyfrequently]

Perhaps and once again that is my issue with handing out elite tier status willy-nilly. You would hope that Golds and below were bumped first unless the hotel was at capacity

Slightly OT, I am looking to book a hotel in BNE next week as Gold Accor.
Rang hotel as there appeared to be no availability unless I was logged in.
Reception said Hotel is full but as Gold, if I book prior to 72 hours, I will get a room and they bump someone else out....
Is this a "benefit"?

 

[Daver6]

Slightly OT, I am looking to book a hotel in BNE next week as Gold Accor.
Rang hotel as there appeared to be no availability unless I was logged in.
Reception said Hotel is full but as Gold, if I book prior to 72 hours, I will get a room and they bump someone else out....
Is this a "benefit"?

Yes. Pretty common benefit for status. From ALL – Accor Live Limitless – Benefits and status

 

[Flyfrequently]

Yes. Pretty common benefit for status. From ALL – Accor Live Limitless – Benefits and status

View attachment 339436

Thank you @Daver6 .

 

[Zetta]

Property: Mantra Legends Surfers Paradise
Status: Silver (Accor Plus)
Room booked: Deluxe Twin Room
Room upgraded/type: Not sure. Got a high level facing North which included both the view of Hinterland and Ocean
Rate: Accor Plus Flex
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: 12pm checkout granted on request. (normally 10am)
Welcome drink: 2 drink vouchers
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of Mount Franklin Sparkling water

Cheaper then normal as it was midweek (Tue-Wed).

 

[bits]

Property: Ibis Budget Enfield
Status: A+ Silver
Room booked: Standard Queen
Room upgraded/type: N/A
Rate: $52 Red Dot
Free internet: Yes, quite fast
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: Not requested
Welcome drink: Yes, Perrier mineral water
Welcome gift: N/A

It's an Ibis Budget, so not much to say. Room was clean, in good condition and cheap. Good for a mattress run, better than expected. KFC right next door if you want late night munches.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Property: Pullman Albert Park Melbourne
Status: Accor Plus Gold
Room booked: Classic King Room
Room upgraded/type: Superior Lakeview Room
Rate: Members Long Stay BB Rate
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Not required
Welcome drink: Bottle of water
Welcome gift: None

I'm not going to waste much time on writing this - the synopsis is, avoid like the plague. The hotel is tired and in need of a major renovation. Carpets and furniture in the lobby area are all stained, and it wasn't any better in the room.

At check-in, I was advised that a welcome amenity was waiting for me in my room. When I got to the room, there was nothing there, so I called down to reception, who said they would bring it up. I told them I was going to bed as I had arrived late in the evening, and they advised they would make a note for it to be left in my room the following day. Well I'm sure you can guess where this is going - no amenity ever arrived. Yes I could have followed up again, but I simply couldn't be bothered.

I was upgraded to a Lakeview room, which I believe is the same as the Classic King room, simply with the view (which was nice). The room stank of stale urine, the carpets were stained, as was the lounge seat. On the maximum heat seating, the shower alternated between lukewarm and scalding without being touched, making for eventful and often painful showers.

The "restaurant" in the lobby was no better - I wouldn't call this a restaurant, it's a bar with a few tables. Ordering could only be done at the bar, and service was incredibly slow.

I would not recommend staying here - disappointing status recognition, poor service and a tired, poorly maintained hotel.

Quick update on this one - I received the automated feedback request email a day after my stay, and decided to complete it and send an accompanying email to the hotel. A week later and I still hadn’t received a response, and so I decided to forward the email to Sarah Derry (as the original feedback request email encourages you to do) highlighting that the poor experience was making me question my loyalty to Accor.

Today, about a week and a half since checking out, I received a call from the hotel. He explained that their GM had left (or is leaving), and apologised for the delay in responding to my feedback. He acknowledged the service failures, including that he had visited the room I received and concurred that it was unacceptable for it to be in service. He invited me back to stay at the hotel, and provided his assurances I would be "looked after". I told him that the issues I experienced couldn't be resolved overnight, and with a number of other properties in in Melbourne, there was no reason for me to take another risk on the property. He asked what else he could do, and I raised compensation in the form of points or a cash refund. On the spot he offered me 50,000 reward points, which have already landed in my account. For reference, the total bill for my 4-night stay was ~$800, including two meals.