How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe 1 King Bed
Room upgraded/type: Yes, upgrade to corner room
Rate: Corporate Rate
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast? Yes
Early check in/late out: N/A
Welcome drink: Redeemed at restaurant for mega pint of wine
Welcome gift: N/A

Headed back to Brisbane this week to attend a symposium hosted by my sponsor. My organization booked me to stay at the ibis Styles. I suspect many people would be offended at being booked at such a hotel. Then again, I am a student, and a valued Accor Platinum member. Consequently, I looked forward to seeing how Accor treated me during this stay. Since the trip was booked by a Corporate TA I wasn't able to input my Accor details into the booking and decided to just provide the Accor membership details on check-in which reception gratefully accepted and added to the reservation. I was informed that I was upgraded to a corner room on an upper floor (floor 14 out of 24 IIRC) which I won't complain about since we're talking about ibis here and there is no such thing as an executive suite at most ibis properties (exceptions do apply, see my report on the Canberra property for instance).

Room itself was spacious, modern and just a notch above the usual basic amenities you would find at an ibis property:


Look ma, no shub:


And the best part of the hotel? The view:


Breakfast was served from 6:30 - 10:30 AM and was complimentary on account of my Platinum status. On the first day, the reception at the restaurant saw I was Platinum on their sheet and welcomed me in, offered to get me a complimentary coffee from the barista. On the second day, the reception couldn't find my details and was about to charge me for the visit until I showed them the Platinum card.

As for breakfast itself it's a buffet style affair as you would expect to find at most ibis properties. The selections consisted of the basics eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, beans hash browns, fresh fruit, cereal etc. There was also some muffins and waffles/pancakes along with dumplings. Overall not a bad spread:


I redeemed my drink voucher on the 2nd night of my stay there at the restaurant (located on the Floor 1) which the bartender graciously provided me a liberal serving without me asking:


Overall, a very solid ibis property indeed and one where I would not hesitate to book if I was staying in Brisbane, particularly if there was a red hot rate attached bringing it in the $100/night range.

-RooFlyer88

 

[jase05]

Ref Sofitel Brisbane. As a Platinum does anybody have experience receiving plat benefits especially lounge access and breakfast regardless of room booked or upgrade.
tia

Have stayed there many times as a Plat and a few times as a Diamond and have found they have always been pretty good with status recognition and benefits. As a Plat I’ve always been upgraded at least one category but only to a suite once (as Diamond it’s been 3 out of 5 stays) and no issues with the lounge and breakfasts except for a couple of visits during Covid where the lounge was shut. Did receive free parking last trip but that was the first time this had been offered. As a Plat I’ve always received a late checkout if requested whereas as a Diamond it’s been proactively offered at check in. All in all a good hotel IMO

 

[eric2011]

Thanks for the info KF, PS & J05

 

[aikman]

I am considering chasing platinum and was wondering what the lounge benefit is actually like. In my mind, I am imagining a small amount of finger food, plus a drink, in a small crowded room during set times in the afternoon. Is that pretty much it? I expect I'll be paying more in choosing a hotel with a lounge so I'd arguably be paying for that finger food anyway.

I've been getting upgrades in my journey as silver and gold so that leaves the free breakfast as the only other benefit to consider.

 

[jase05]

I am considering chasing platinum and was wondering what the lounge benefit is actually like. In my mind, I am imagining a small amount of finger food, plus a drink, in a small crowded room during set times in the afternoon. Is that pretty much it? I expect I'll be paying more in choosing a hotel with a lounge so I'd arguably be paying for that finger food anyway.

I've been getting upgrades in my journey as silver and gold so that leaves the free breakfast as the only other benefit to consider.

Depend where you stay and if you plan on staying enough for the benefits to be worth it.
Being Adelaide based we stay at the Sofitel and Pullman combined up to 40 nights per year and with the Red Hot Rooms you can pick them up for around $200 for the Sofitel and $120 for the Pullman at times. As well as the breakfasts we might spend an hour or sometimes two in the lounge time permitting and although it’s only light food we probably have a couple of glasses of wine each and maybe 2-3 spirits or beers so that’s probably over $100 right there and that’s before breakfast. In Asia of course it’s even better as I think the food selections in the lounge can be absolutely sensational and that’s before their breakfasts which mostly blow the socks of any Australian offerings.
As a Plat you will also enjoy other perks such as better upgrades, late check outs etc. if you are close to Plat then absolutely chase it but if you are going to requires $1000’s extra to reach it then only you can decide that

 

[PineappleSkip]

In my mind, I am imagining a small amount of finger food, plus a drink, in a small crowded room

Never thought of the quantity of finger food as small, and the room is not always or even usually crowded, that depends on the property. There are exceptions, like SYD airport pullman where canapes are in a corner of the bar-dining area. Some places come out with vats of food in recognition of guests eating the lounge canapes in lieu of dinner in the restaurant. Never found a dearth of drinks either.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I am considering chasing platinum and was wondering what the lounge benefit is actually like. In my mind, I am imagining a small amount of finger food, plus a drink, in a small crowded room during set times in the afternoon. Is that pretty much it? I expect I'll be paying more in choosing a hotel with a lounge so I'd arguably be paying for that finger food anyway.

My advice would be you should weigh the costs of attaining Accor Platinum against the benefits of such status. For me lounge access is but one benefit in being a Platinum. A couple others perks that are valuable is the free breakfast everyday at most hotels (except ibis budget) in Asia-Pacific, two suite night upgrade awards that let you book a cheap-ish superior room at a Sofitel then upgrade to a Junior suite at no cost, better room upgrades, welcome gifts and the occasional early check-in/late check out perk. Keep in mind too that not every Accor property has a lounge, as they tend to be reserved for high end properties like Sofitels and the occasional Pullman.

In my case, for my travel habits, Accor Platinum makes sense since I travel regularly domestically and Accor tends to have the best price (especially as an Accor+ member), there's often a good cashback offer with Shopback or Cashrewards (effectively letting me get 8%-10% of my spend back at a property), the ability to earn Qantas and Accor points, etc. This doesn't really work if you travel rarely since in the best case scenario you need to stay 40 nights in a calendar year at an Accor property to earn Platinum (and that's supposing you forked out money for Accor Plus which credits your account with 20 nights on sign up) If I was travelling a lot elsewhere (i.e. North America) Accor would likely be my last choice given the limited Accor hotels in the region (and the ones that are available tend to be Fairmonts that are outside my price range).

I've been getting upgrades in my journey as silver and gold so that leaves the free breakfast as the only other benefit to consider.

Free breakfast can be nice and the type of breakfast you receive will depend on which hotel you stay at. If you're staying at a budget minded hotel like an ibis expect a buffet with the traditional English style breakfast options of sausage, eggs, bacon, hash, etc. If you stay at a more upscale property like a Novotel or Mercure it'll still be a buffet but the quantity and quality of the items is better (i.e. I stayed at a Mercure last week in Brisbane and you could order an omelette). Then of course we've got hotels like the Mövenpick and Sofitel where you can order off the menu and they'll prepare it fresh for you.

 

[dairyfloss]

This doesn't really work if you travel rarely since in the best case scenario you need to stay 40 nights in a calendar year at an Accor property to earn Platinum (and that's supposing you forked out money for Accor Plus which credits your account with 20 nights on sign up)

Just noting that some (many?) seek status using ALL status points, rather than status nights, so there's no way it needs to be 40+ [actual] nights to reach Platinum. I hit it in 9 nights this year, less than one needs for ALL Silver status. Even better; if you can book for another party travelling with you, you can earn status points on that room and eligible charges (paid on your folio) at the same time as your own room. This doesn't work with status nights.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just noting that some (many?) seek status using ALL status points, rather than status nights, so there's no way it needs to be 40+ [actual] nights to reach Platinum. I hit it in 9 nights this year, less than one needs for ALL Silver status. Even better; if you can book for another party travelling with you, you can earn status points on that room and eligible charges (paid on your folio) at the same time as your own room. This doesn't work with status nights.

All correct. I assume that the OP was a cheapskate like I am and would be relying on nights (instead of status points) to get to Platinum. To earn Platinum status by status points alone you need to rack up 14,000 status points. You earn status points based on $$ spent at the hotel and which type of property you stay at. Supposing you stay at a Sofitel or higher end hotel (which presumably you would be doing to earn status quickly through status points) you would need to spend €5,600 (~$9,200 AUD) before taxes.

-RooFlyer88

 

[jase05]

Just noting that some (many?) seek status using ALL status points

Yep, that is mostly us
Diamond can only be attained by spend not nights and last year for instance we made Diamond comfortably by spend but didn’t even stay the required nights to get Platinum

 

[PineappleSkip]

Yep, that is mostly us

+2. never got there via nights.

 

[Daver6]

Stayed at the Fairmont Chicago Millenium Park, but via QF Hotels as was significantly cheaper than the Accor price, plus 6 points per $ due to PC. So no Welcome amenity, but thought Id post a review incase anyone is considering it.

I picked this property as guaranted a wak in shower no awful shub. Room was large and quiet with decent view (no carparks in sight), but very much in need of a update. The decor was very 90s, seriously needs a refurb and no USB ports. The bed was very high, i imagine a short person may have had trouble climbing onto it.

Location was convenient to the Loop and Millenium park, short walk to Miracle mile.

I didnt have breakfast included and whilst the resort fee granted a $5 credit at the lobby cafe each day, there was rarely any staff there to be able to use it towards a coffee or muffin, so my credits went unused.

I did have dinner one night at the restaurant, Lobster Roll was decent.

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Do you recall what room type this was? I'm tossing up between this hotel and the Sofitel.

 

[Lynda2475]

Do you recall what room type this was? I'm tossing up between this hotel and the Sofitel.

Booking confirmation said 1 x Fairmont Room, 1 King Bed, City View I booked via QF Hotels as was not only cheaper than Accor, but paid in AUD, so not sure if Accor room descriptions differ now.

I avoid shubs at all costs and remember struggling to find Chicago hotels in Accor or IHG that guaranteed a shub-less room. I almost booked the Virgin Hotel.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I avoid shubs at all costs and remember struggling to find Chicago hotels in Accor or IHG that guaranteed a shub-less room. I almost booked the Virgin Hotel.

Per the Sofitel website, the classic room (which I suspect is the lowest category room) it clearly states:

Luxury marble bathroom with glass shower and separate tub

Although it breaks my heart to say this (as a Canadian) I would be inclined to choose the Sofitel over the Fairmont (Fairmont is a Canadian hotel chain). Talking with colleagues who are Accor elites in Canada, the impression I get is that the quality of Fairmont properties has gone down since the acquisition from Accor.

Importantly, when you compare the review from Lynda2475 of the Fairmont to the rooms shown on the Sofitel site, to me it seems clear that the Sofitel is a more modern well appointed hotel.

 

[Lynda2475]

From memory Sofitel did not have the right room type available for my dates and was considerably more expensive for a less convenient location, YMMV.

Next visit to Chicago am likely to not stay an an Accor property at all.

 

[Denali]

Darling Harbour Novotel.

Lowly silver and we received a phone call about noon, asking if there is anything they could do for our stay, arriving today.

On check in we were given bottles of water, free parking and hubby discovered the Porters downstairs have a stash of Zooper Doopers and has befriended them that they came to our room with half a dozen for him.

We also received the below snacks. We were here a couple of months ago and received no complementary snacks or phone call back then.

I will be gold by the end of this stay and will be staying again in March and April so will be interested if the attention is a one off for Christmas.

 

[aikman]

I went on an Ibis tour of Melbourne CBD as an Accor Plus Gold.

Property: ibis Styles Kingsgate
Room booked: Single Room
Room upgraded/type: Double Room
Rate: $89
Early check in/late out: N/A
Welcome drink/gift: No but I booked and checked in late in the day

I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised. The room is renovated and perfectly adequate for a sleep and a shower. The shower was great - large cubicle, rain type showerhead and good water pressure. There is even a gym and coin laundry. The room however is still small. The small window doesn't help. The internet was also too slow to be usable. It is located at the western end of the CBD and is handy for Skybus users.




Property: ibis Melbourne Hotel & Apartments
Room booked: Standard room
Room upgraded/type: One bedroom apartment
Rate: $104
Early check in/late out: N/A
Welcome drink: Yes, digital version in app
Welcome gift: Bottle of wine and some muesli bars

Only $15 more than the Kingsgate but I got triple the amount of space plus welcome drinks and gifts. It is located at the northern end of the CBD near the Queen Victoria Market with plenty of restaurants around. The shower could be better though, it has a handheld type showerhead with poor water pressure. The apartment feels dated.






Property: ibis Melbourne Central
Room booked: Compact room
Room upgraded/type: No but I got a high floor and a nice view
Rate: $117 including breakfast
Early check in/late out: N/A
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome gift: Lemon dessert

Newest Ibis in the CBD near the shops and restaurants. Reception is shared with Novotel. The room is small in that there isn't even a desk and chair although the large windows help. I believe the bedside tables double up as chairs/stools and the sink area is your table/desk. Opening up two suitcases will take up all of the floor space. The shower cubicle is the smallest one of the three but it has a rain type shower head with good water pressure. Breakfast is your typical Aussie spread but is presented nicely which makes it seem nicer than it really is. Despite the small rooms, this is the one I would go back to again.

 

[Denali]

Darling Harbour Novotel.

Lowly silver and we received a phone call about noon, asking if there is anything they could do for our stay, arriving today.

On check in we were given bottles of water, free parking and hubby discovered the Porters downstairs have a stash of Zooper Doopers and has befriended them that they came to our room with half a dozen for him.

We also received the below snacks. We were here a couple of months ago and received no complementary snacks or phone call back then.

I will be gold by the end of this stay and will be staying again in March and April so will be interested if the attention is a one off for Christmas.

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Update. What is going on??

It's 7pm and we just got a room phone call, asking if we were happy with our room and if we needed anything. That's a first.

Then there's a knock on the door, with a dessert. It's not our birthday, anniversary ect.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Then there's a knock on the door, with a dessert.

Misdirected room service?

 

[Denali]

Misdirected room service?

Don't think so as we had room service for dinner and our tray came with printed receipt.

We said we didn't order it and they said a gift from the hotel, for the choosing to stay with them. Never seen so much attention from a hotel before.