How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[oz_mark]

Question regarding Accor upgrades - if the property upgrades you ahead of arrival, do you see the upgraded room type in the ALL app, or would you only find out on arrival to the property?

Not normally, there doesn't seem to be a sync between the system used in the hotels and the reservation system.

 

[Daver6]

I'd actually say Accors tech offering is well behind other brands. No digital room keys. No ability to select a specific room at check-in. No ability to communicate with the hotel via the app (although I've found with some Sofitels they will give you a SMS or whatsapp number). I feel they could really improve things by investing in this area.

 

[sudoer]

I'd actually say Accors tech offering is well behind other brands. No digital room keys. No ability to select a specific room at check-in. No ability to communicate with the hotel via the app (although I've found with some Sofitels they will give you a SMS or whatsapp number). I feel they could really improve things by investing in this area.

I did a paid 121 research session with ALL late last year. It focussed on UX improvements around the website & app, but we also spent 10-15 minutes discussing tech shortcomings compared with their major competitors.

To their credit they've done a lot of work on the app since that session, and the ALL rep on the call seemed to really taking note of my feedback to pass on to relevant teams.

They have fixed the problem of upcoming corp TA (GDS) bookings not showing on the website/app, which wasn't strictly within scope of the session we did but was feedback I gave.

They also implemented a reward/status point projection for each upcoming booking, which I'll take credit for



Live chat, digital keys, in-app room upgrades were all discussed but presumably a bigger challenge to implement.

 

[jase05]

I did a paid 121 research session with ALL late last year. It focussed on UX improvements around the website & app, but we also spent 10-15 minutes discussing tech shortcomings compared with their major competitors.

To their credit they've done a lot of work on the app since that session, and the ALL rep on the call seemed to really taking note of my feedback to pass on to relevant teams.

They have fixed the problem of upcoming corp TA (GDS) bookings not showing on the website/app, which wasn't strictly within scope of the session we did but was feedback I gave.

They also implemented a reward/status point projection for each upcoming booking, which I'll take credit for

View attachment 342754

Live chat, digital keys, in-app room upgrades were all discussed but presumably a bigger challenge to implement.

Damn, I got ripped off.
I had a good chat with a ALL rep in Jakarta about a month ago and discussed much the same topics. Cheque must be still in the mail

 

[rackxp]

Cracked 40 nights this year staying at the Mercure in Parramatta. A really nice touch!

 

[Daver6]

Cracked 40 nights this year staying at the Mercure in Parramatta. A really nice touch!

View attachment 342934

Did you use the provided knife and fork for your chocolate though?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Pullman Auckland Hotels & Apartments
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room, King Bed
Room upgraded/type: Yes (to Deluxe Room)
Rate: Accor+ Longer Stay, Bed & Breakfast ($211 NZD/night)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed. Late check out of just 12 PM given (requested 2 PM).
Welcome amenity: 2 bottles of still water, 1 glass bottle of sparkling water replenished every day. 1 box of sweets.

Emailed the hotel to indicate I'll be arriving late to the hotel on account of me taking the late night QF flight to AKL. Hotel promptly responded confirming request and saying it shouldn't be a problem (as an aside the phone number on the Accor site doesn't work). Arrived at the hotel around 2 AM and sure enough could check in with a very friendly host who quickly and professionally explained everything I need to know for the stay (i.e. Executive Lounge, breakfast, hotel amenities, etc.). Needless to say, I didn't need to ask for the drink vouchers. Overall, I was left with a very good first impression.

For the room itself:





Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30 AM on weekdays and from 6:30 to 11 AM on weekends in the restaurant. It is buffet style but there's also some items like omelettes that can be ordered from the kitchen and sent to your table.

There's also a decent executive lounge on the ground floor just by the reception area. It is open 24/7 with it being staffed from 8 AM to 8 PM. There is a "happy hour" every day from 6 PM to 8 PM with hors-d'œuvres and beer/wine as well. Outside those hours there is coffee, a fridge stocked with various soft drinks, waters, tonics, and a Nespresso machine that can produce various coffees. There is a decent amount of seating and power ports although towards happy hour things start to get a bit busy (especially if there are enough Platinum elites who know who they are):


Overall, I must say I was blown away by this Accor hotel and would recommend it:

 

[Lynda2475]

For the room itself:

Was considering this for an upcoming AKL stay but your photo of the shub just relegated this to the no stay category (it is so time to ban shubs). Looks like I will be going with IHG.

 

[sudoer]

Property: Pullman London St Pancras
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe King
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: Stay Longer and Save Room Only (avg 289 GBP)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: Early check-in at 7:45am granted, late check-out not requested
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome amenity: Box of 4 chocolates

Rather unremarkable stay except for the early check-in. The front desk staff checking me in did warn me that it was a room with a connecting door, and suggested that I could take it for the one night and move the following day to a better room - which I thought was nice. Both rooms were the same category, but the 2nd room felt slightly larger and had a better layout.

First room (northern aspect)



Second room (southern aspect)

 

[sudoer]

Property: INK Hotel Amsterdam MGallery
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Classic Queen
Room upgraded/type: Superior King
Rate: Flexible rate (244 EUR)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: 4pm late check-out granted
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome amenity: Macarons, local chocolate bar, chocolate love hearts, stroopwafels, additional bottles of water, INK branded hessian bag

Excellent property in so many ways - unique theme (the building was historically a newspaper office), compact but well fitted rooms, and outstanding service at every interaction. Zero resistance when I asked for a 4pm checkout.

Location was very hard to fault - several trams around 100m from the entrance, Amsterdam Centraal 500m away. Not in a particularly rowdy part of the city, but also not too far away if that's your thing. Guests seemed mostly 35+ or young families, which is probably a good thing in Amsterdam...

Minibar was also well stocked and complimentary in line with ALL benefits.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Was considering this for an upcoming AKL stay but your photo of the shub just relegated this to the no stay category (it is so time to ban shubs). Looks like I will be going with IHG.

Shub? What's that?

 

[Lynda2475]

Shub? What's that?

Shower over Tub/Bath.

I only book properties which guarantee a room with decent walk in shower (with a glass screen or wall and not icky unhygienic shower curtains).

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Mantra on Sydney Airport
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Studio King
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: Accor+ Flexible Rate, Room Only
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed. Late check out of just 12 PM given (requested 2 PM).
Welcome amenity: 1 bottles of sparkling water, 1 small box of cakes

Decided to stay near the domestic terminal as I arrived from AKL yesterday night and had to fly out to Darwin today and didn't want to faff about with trains to/from home (~1 hour each way). At the same time, I wanted to finally say I've tried every Accor property in the Sydney airport precinct. Also I had several Accor gift cards I wanted to use (more on that later).

Check-in went relatively smooth. Reception tried using the gift card but couldn't get that to work for some reason (they said there was an issue with the card). Oh well, I guess I'll give it a go at another Accor property. I was given a 8th floor studio room at the hotel and was provided with drink vouchers without asking. The hotel offers breakfast for Accor+ Platinum elites although I decided not to have breakfast today. I requested a late check-out and was given a noon check-out (standard check out is 10 AM apparently).

The hotel is fairly basic - not as basic as ibis but a bit underwhelming for a Mantra which I am told bills itself as being like a home away from home:




Would I stay at this Accor property again? Probably. But I certainly wouldn't pay $189 for the 'privilege'.

For those curious here is how I rate the Accor properties in the Sydney airport precinct:

1. Pullman Sydney Airport (Domestic)
2. ibis Sydney Airport (Domestic)
3. Novotel Sydney International Airport (International)
4. Mantra on Sydney Airport
5. ibis Budget Sydney Airport (Domestic)

Note: I am basing the Mantra rating on the price paid. If you can get it in the low $100s it's better than the ibis (albeit not as good as the Novotel). Similarly if you can find the ibis budget for under $100 it's a solid option too, since it is literally 10 minute walk from the domestic terminals. The Mantra which is located directly beside the ibis budget is also a quick 10 minute walk to the domestic terminal. What I will say about the Pullman is it is nice in every regard, rooms are well done, breakfast spread is good and interestingly enough the room rates for us Accor+ members can be quite competitive (i.e. it would have cost $135 to stay there last night). The only downside of the Pullman (and by extension the ibis Sydney Airport located directly beside it) is it is further away from the domestic terminal (about 15-20 minute walk located approximately equidistant between Mascot station and the airport)

The Novotel is an okay hotel and its main selling point is it is a 10 minute walk to the international terminal so can be great if you have an early morning flight out of there. The downside to the hotel is it is dated and when I last visited late last year things were still re-opening (i.e. bar). I will be staying here in a few weeks time as a Platinum now so hope to provide some additional data points here.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Novotel Darwin CBD
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Twin Queen
Room upgraded/type: Yes - Superior Queen Harbour View
Rate: Accor+ Red Hot Rooms, Room Only ($149.50/night)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed. Late check given to 1 PM (requested 2 PM).
Welcome amenity: 2 bottles of still water, 1 box of the unexpected guest (6 granola bars)

Staying in Darwin as part of a writing retreat for my PhD. Originally booked another hotel in Darwin via Expedia as a fully refundable booking when Shopback was offering 12% cashback. However, I noticed this property go on sale as a red-hot room along with a comparable cash back from CashRewards and decided to rebook this instead.

Arrived late into Darwin on the back of a late night QF flight from SYD. Called the hotel to let them know I'd be checking in late and they said no worries. Sure enough when I got to the hotel around 1:30 AM I was promptly let in and checked in. Inside the hotel packet provided by reception was a drink voucher (i.e. I didn't have to ask for one) which was later redeemed for a bottle of Sprite. I requested a late check out and was told to request that on my last night there where I managed to get a 1 PM checkout. The hotel is located on the Esplanade in the heart of Darwin, so a good choice if you want to explore the city.

The room itself felt fairly modern (aside from the restroom which IMHO could be updated) and quite spacious for a Novotel:



The property has a pool on-site and an arrangement with a nearby fitness centre to use their facilities.

Free breakfast for Platinums is served at the restaurant from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and is a buffet style:

One nice thing is the reception at the restaurant was quite attentive offering me a barista coffee on each day for free (i.e. no latte levy).

Given the price paid, the facilities and how I was treated as a valued Accor+Platinum, I would certainly recommend staying here and intend on staying here again (if the price is right).

-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

Property: Novotel Darwin CBD
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard Twin Queen
Room upgraded/type: Yes - Superior Queen Harbour View
Rate: Accor+ Red Hot Rooms, Room Only ($149.50/night)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed. Late check given to 1 PM (requested 2 PM).
Welcome amenity: 2 bottles of still water, 1 box of the unexpected guest (6 granola bars)

Staying in Darwin as part of a writing retreat for my PhD. Originally booked another hotel in Darwin via Expedia as a fully refundable booking when Shopback was offering 12% cashback. However, I noticed this property go on sale as a red-hot room along with a comparable cash back from CashRewards and decided to rebook this instead.

Arrived late into Darwin on the back of a late night QF flight from SYD. Called the hotel to let them know I'd be checking in late and they said no worries. Sure enough when I got to the hotel around 1:30 AM I was promptly let in and checked in. Inside the hotel packet provided by reception was a drink voucher (i.e. I didn't have to ask for one) which was later redeemed for a bottle of Sprite. I requested a late check out and was told to request that on my last night there where I managed to get a 1 PM checkout. The hotel is located on the Esplanade in the heart of Darwin, so a good choice if you want to explore the city.

The room itself felt fairly modern (aside from the restroom which IMHO could be updated) and quite spacious for a Novotel:

View attachment 343908View attachment 343909

The property has a pool on-site and an arrangement with a nearby fitness centre to use their facilities.

Free breakfast for Platinums is served at the restaurant from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and is a buffet style:
View attachment 343910
One nice thing is the reception at the restaurant was quite attentive offering me a barista coffee on each day for free (i.e. no latte levy).

Given the price paid, the facilities and how I was treated as a valued Accor+Platinum, I would certainly recommend staying here and intend on staying here again (if the price is right).

-RooFlyer88

Looks like the rooms have had a refurb? I've not stayed here but when previously considering it a few years ago a big gripe was how dated and grubby the rooms were.

 

[jase05]

Property: Pullman Sydney Airport
Status: Accor Plus Diamond
Room booked: 2x Superior with King rooms
Room upgraded/type: Yes - both to Deluxe Executive rooms
Rate: Accor+ Advance saver rate
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed. Late check out offered to 2pm but not required.
Welcome amenity: Both rooms received a bottle of bubbly and a snack pack of nuts, choccies and dried fruit
Originally had this booked 3 months ago as a 1 night stay for Mrs Jase and I as we had an early flight out to HTI. About 8 weeks ago I received a phone call from my parents who told me they were flying out to the UK on QR Saturday night and wanted to catch up so I booked an extra room and changed ours to a 2 night stay. At the time I cheekily asked if an upgrade to room 1118 was available and at checkin we found that our wish was granted and that the other room also received a nice upgrade and view. Staff were a bit overwhelmed at times it seems and the property was very busy.
Room 1118 is a corner room with fantastic views over SYD and spent several hours on both days savouring the views. EL is still not open which is a pain as everyone gets shunted down to a roped off part in the restaurant and seats were hard to find. Thankfully as Diamonds we were assured we would get seats guaranteed.
The old EL still had a fridge with soft drink and water available 24hrs and was a nice quiet place to relax and watch TV. Breakfast at Mobius was the usual assortment but the coffee was pretty average IMO. Dinner at Mobius one night and was pretty decent and hit the spot with the Accor plus discount proactively offered.

 

[kermatu]

Property: Pullman Brisbane Airport
Status: Gold
Room booked: Superior king Room
Room upgraded/type: Executive room
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Included
Early check in/late out: Midday check-in no problem.
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: Handful of Lindt chocolates

First stay here since dropping back to Gold, so was pleasantly surprised with the upgrade to Exec benefits.

I was critical of an airport hotel in the Hilton thread a few months ago, but this one ticks more of the relevant boxes for me: easy walk from the Domestic terminal; early check-in; well stocked Exec Lounge that is accessible 24/7. Only fail was no laundry service (which I had been banking on after a stretch of travel and single night stays).

Evening canapes still down in the Bar. For once I didn't mind as it was quite fun and the lovely bar staff just kept giving me drinks long after my 2 hours were up (I had to cut myself off both nights).

Canapes decent but I prefer the ability to choose. This was the offering (back in May when I stayed).



Staff very friendly and engaging, especially in the Bar and restaurant. Overall a good stay.

 

[Daver6]

Status: Gold
Room booked: Superior king Room
Room upgraded/type: Executive room
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Included
Early check in/late out: Midday check-in no problem.
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers
Welcome gift: Handful of Lindt chocolates

First stay here since dropping back to Gold, so was pleasantly surprised with the upgrade to Exec benefits.

I was critical of an airport hotel in the Hilton thread a few months ago, but this one ticks more of the relevant boxes for me: easy walk from the Domestic terminal; early check-in; well stocked Exec Lounge that is accessible 24/7. Only fail was no laundry service (which I had been banking on after a stretch of travel and single night stays).

Evening canapes still down in the Bar. For once I didn't mind as it was quite fun and the lovely bar staff just kept giving me drinks long after my 2 hours were up (I had to cut myself off both nights).

Canapes decent but I prefer the ability to choose. This was the offering (back in May when I stayed).

View attachment 344048

Staff very friendly and engaging, especially in the Bar and restaurant. Overall a good stay.

I think you're missing the vital bit of info. Which hotel?

 

[kermatu]

I think you're missing the vital bit of info. Which hotel?

I s'pose that might be useful...

Thanks. Fixed now. The Pullman BNE.

 

[PineappleSkip]

I think you're missing the vital bit of info. Which hotel?

I recognise that tabletop and have sat at that chair. Possibly too many times. My guess is Pullman Brisbane Airport.

On another subject, has anyone stayed at a 25h Hotel? Their offering near Frankfurt Hbf looks better value than the Mercure a block or so away.