How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[wsthong]

Property: Hotel Chadstone Melbourne - MGallery Collection
Status: Accor Gold
Room booked: Classic Room with 1 King Size Bed
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Superior Room with 1 King Size Bed, appears to be a bigger room on a higher floor
Rate: Stay Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Accor Dining Benefit
Early check in/late out: Late check oou
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 on the app
Welcome gift: Yes, cake platter but no bottle of water
Dislike: Pool is always crowded with family
Staff: Check in staff was friendly and courteous. Concierge too.

 

[serfty]

One other thing I should have pointed out about the Novotel Melbourne airport is the access. They do run a shuttle bus but the easiest way is to walk, there are some signs (that take you the long way around) but the shortest route is to head towards the T4 drop off zone but don’t go up the escalators instead keep heading towards the regional bus bays, head across the first crossing down the bays starting row 7 and all the way to the end. The hotel is across the road it’s two lanes no crossing but an island in the middle and it’s not a busy road. If you take this route almost all of it’s undercover except for the road crossing right at the end.

Thanks ... so it's near the Broady (901) bus stop?

 

[serfty]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there aren’t a couple hotels that participate in ALL but don’t offer breakfast.

-RooFlyer88

This is a service standard for all APAC properties that participate in ALL.

Here is all you need to know re lounges and breakfast worldwide... (scroll down to the second section for free Platinum brekky.)

List of hotels with an Executive Lounge

List of hotels with an Executive Lounge

all.accor.com

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Thanks ... so it's near the Broady (901) bus stop?

Correct, right across the road from it

 

[Daver6]

Property: Banyan Tree Bangkok
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Base room but best view option
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Serenity suite (average view?)
Rate: flexible
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes. EL or main restaurant
Early check in/late out: Neither required. Late checkout offered
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 on the app
Welcome gift: Yes. Some cakes plus fresh fruit in the room topped up daily.

All up a pretty good stay. Pim in the lounge who checked us in was amazing!

Lounge has all day beers as well as soft drinks, tea, coffee etc. Decent breakfast spread and other than one day, had breakfast in the lounge.

Gym was on the poor side in terms of equipment. Pool was nice enough and pleasant but very limited space. Once it was an issue for us but for a hotel if it's size, not sure how the pool copes when a bunch of people want to go.

Being a guest of the hotel gets you priority access to the various rooftop restaurants and bars. They did this really well actually. We dined at the Chinese restaurant one night as well as the Saffron River cruise which is run by the hotel. Wine lists at all restaurants were really poor though. The river cruise was worth doing IMHO. Food was excellent and I realise there are a bunch of different operators running such things, but this one seemed way more refined and the dining deck nicely air-conditioned with a glass roof. Also get an Accor+ discount for the cruise (I think it was 20%). Only disappointing aspect was having to make your own way to and from the boat. I think (even at an extra charge) it would be good if they offered a transfer service.

 

[Cutty]

I’ve seen some discussion on here about lack of top notch options but what are the recommendations on the best available Perth hotels?

I’ve stayed at a few places in Perth in recent years; including the Ibis Styles East Perth and The Adnate. The latter was before I had joined A+ and this forum, so will post a review in 2 weeks time with an update.

Ibis Styles was a great location for walking distance to the WACA and Optus Stadium, which I was thankful for after a late Sunday arvo AFL game. But the rooms were average and pretty small as Ibis are. Service was pleasant and helpful though. The Adnate location is great for CBD and freeway access.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Suites at Novotel Langley have great views. Otherwise the hotel is old and tired.

That's correct. And here's a pro-tip, if you hold Accor Platinum status you stand a good chance of getting upgraded to such a suite from the nose bleed seats:


I should note that the term "old and tired" is a very relative one. If, like me you pride yourself at staying at $60/night ibis budgets or Comfort Inn hotels, then it's not too tired. However, if you contrast it to something like a more modern Novotel then there's no contest:

Good central location and Miss Mi is there. I've heard decent things about the Adnate for not been there myself. The new Wonil hotel by UWA looks ok, but not a heck of a lot in terms of things around that area.

Generally, all of the boutique hotels Accor has are very nice. In other words, if it says Signature Collection or is a name that doesn't sound like a chain like Tribe, then it won't feel cookie cutter and by definition will have a degree of modernity to it.

I think it will all come down to what's important to you more than anything. Definitely no wow hotels in Perth from Accor though.

Well that's the problem with Perth: a lack of luxury hotels. I mean you're never going to see a Ritz Carlton or an Intercontinental in a city like Perth. Oh wait, never mind. And I think that's the rub. If luxury is your concern, you need to throw any notion you have about brand loyalty out the window and see what is there. I know for some of us who have worked very hard to earn Platinum status with Accor (and by comparison only have lower level status with Marriott, say Gold) might be disappointed having to book another property and not receive the same benefits and recognition we get when staying at Accor but that is the trade off. On the flip side, if you can handle a mid-scale property that is somewhat dated, you can get good deals on the property and get recognition if you have Accor status.

 

[Flyfrequently]

One other thing I should have pointed out about the Novotel Melbourne airport is the access. They do run a shuttle bus but the easiest way is to walk, there are some signs (that take you the long way around) but the shortest route is to head towards the T4 drop off zone but don’t go up the escalators instead keep heading towards the regional bus bays, head across the first crossing down the bays starting row 7 and all the way to the end. The hotel is across the road it’s two lanes no crossing but an island in the middle and it’s not a busy road. If you take this route almost all of it’s undercover except for the road crossing right at the end.

Thanks @henrus
We popped in there recently to check it out when dropping family at T4. Mr Flyfrequently, along with all my c**p, will have his guitar (naturally) so it will be the shuttle

 

[Flyfrequently]

Slightly OT, but discovered Miss Mi at Movenpick Melbourne is closed on Mondays.
Fortunately, they apply the Accor Plus Dining discount with their Bar Street food menu - not all for me!

 

[RooFlyer]

Property: FV by Peppers (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane)
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Standard 1 bedroom apartment
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: flexible
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in/late out: Neither required
Welcome drink: Bottle of wine in the room
Welcome gift: No
Recommended? No, under no circumstances.

I had stayed here one night before (without status) so had an inkling of what it would be like but it was so convenient to what I had to do while in Brisbane (plus very close to the train station), I gave it a go as a new Plat.

A shocker.

Parking - its park yourself nearby or 'valet' parking'. But to get the latter you have to hope there's somewhere to park outside, in a very busy location. I was told "if there's no spot, you might have to go round the block a few times". Sure enough this happened a couple of times. If they are busy at the desk or, one time "I'm here on my own" - there will be a decent wait for your car.

No recognition at all of status on check-in. Bottle of wine in room "if its not what you like you can bring it back and we'll replace it". I knew getting from reception to the room would be a hike, from before. Check-in; then to elevator # 1 - two, servicing 30 floors; always a queue. Get off at 6, walk around, out of the building, through the next building, into the third tower, call elevator #2, three this time for another 30 floors.

My standard enquiry if my standard request for a quiet room had been honoured met with the answer that she didn't know about the rooms. On pressing, she found some maps and I was, of course, close to the elevator but I could see that I wouldn't be impacted by people chatting there, so OK.

In the room, there was this note.



Now, that's very nice but sort of rubbing salt into the wound of no status stuff. I had to dash out straight away but discovered later that the room was very noisy - over-looking several very busy streets, not the quiet other side.

So, the apartment (my splashing!)





Typical apartment bathroom - impractical sink with no bench



And check this out - I assure you it's not me, but long term. Honestly - they think this is OK?

Spoiler: Not too gross - just ikky

Lastly, the nice little balcony to have a sundowner. No - you sit there and you are blasted by hot air from the aircon.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there aren’t a couple hotels that participate in ALL but don’t offer breakfast.

-RooFlyer88

...

Property: FV by Peppers (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane)
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Standard 1 bedroom apartment
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: flexible
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No

Looks like we found one! With that being said, Accor is better than most hotels in offering this perk. Back when I was an SPG Gold, it was very hit or miss whether a property would provide free breakfast as a Gold member. If I were to stay at a Courtyard, generally no, but even staying at a Sheraton sometimes they didn't participate. Hilton was worse, since whilst there was always some breakfast benefit it varied by geography and brand. Staying at the Hilton Saint John in 2022 it was a $20 dining credit. Fast forward to this year and it's back to continental breakfast.

No recognition at all of status on check-in. Bottle of wine in room "if its not what you like you can bring it back and we'll replace it".

Not a complete shocker here. Many properties I've stayed at with Accor are the same way. In particular, a few properties I had to remind reception to check to see if they left an envelope for me (usually as a Platinum management will have an envelope containing a welcome letter and drink vouchers, although that might be changing as more hotels accept the digital ones).

My standard enquiry if my standard request for a quiet room had been honoured met with the answer that she didn't know about the rooms. On pressing, she found some maps and I was, of course, close to the elevator but I could see that I wouldn't be impacted by people chatting there, so OK.

In the room, there was this note.

View attachment 415687

At least you got a card! I can't tell you the number of places I've stayed at where no such note was left.

Now, that's very nice but sort of rubbing salt into the wound of no status stuff. I had to dash out straight away but discovered later that the room was very noisy - over-looking several very busy streets, not the quiet other side.

In fairness, that's an issue staying anywhere in Fortitude Valley. Plenty of party goers at all times. It's sort of like being surprised at the noise staying in the Gold Coast, the Las Vegas of Australia!

As to your point that you wouldn't recommend staying here, I would agree with your assessment given the review. Indeed, there are solid Accor properties to stay at in Brisbane that will treat you better. Off the top of my head:

• ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street (my review)
• Mercure Brisbane King George Square (my review)

The former whilst yes an ibis, is actually quite well appointed, usually competitively priced and in a central location, oh and they do treat Platinums well there. The Mercure is the slightly upscale option. Generally speaking, this is why I tend to avoid apartment hotels like these. Yes the rooms are much better appointed but chances are you won't be treated as well as an elite and they won't have the same facilities that a Mercure or Novotel will have (e.g. gym, breakfast).

-RooFlyer88

 

[RooFlyer]

In fairness, that's an issue staying anywhere in Fortitude Valley. Plenty of party goers at all times. It's sort of like being surprised at the noise staying in the Gold Coast, the Las Vegas of Australia!

As to your point that you wouldn't recommend staying here, I would agree with your assessment given the review. Indeed, there are solid Accor properties to stay at in Brisbane that will treat you better. Off the top of my head:

The definitely was a quiet(er) side to this hotel. Not mine though.

Yes, I usually stay at The Johnson at Spring Hill. Also an apartment type place with no breakfast and wine-in-the-room but 100% better than FV Peppers. I chose FV Peppers this time due to a particular need to be close to a function.

 

[Jstr]

You’ve clearly never been to the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth!

I was there back in Easter. Made the Sofitel Darling Harbour seem like the Ritz Carlton.

And yet, my two best Accor experiences had been at those two Sofitels in terms of cordiality of service. Sofitel Fiji was also good. The rest, including Pullman Paris Eiffel, Mercure Eiffel, Novotel London City, Mercure Central Madrid, were all subpar (to be kind).

 

[Jstr]

A lot of hotels don’t offer free breakfast because they don’t have a hotel run restaurant, Mantra/Breakfree and Peppers properties are prime examples for many locales, easily checked Here

Isn't it terrible, that you log in as an Accor member with Accor Plus and Plat status, and they show you that the hotels you are trying to book has a restaurant and offers a breakfast service. But don't tell you in that same page that your status is NOT valid at this breakfast service unless you check a separate link like that.

What a way to lose goodwill.

 

[RooFlyer]

Property: Pullman Brisbane Airport
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Superior King
Room upgraded/type: Yes - high executive floor
Rate: flexible $278
Free internet: Yes abt 10Mbps
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Checked in early
Welcome drink: Drink and canapés in late afternoon
Welcome gift: Box of 3 wrapped slices (and water, I guess)
Recommended? Yes

Excellent stay. Smooth check-in by a trainee, everything explained; typed welcome note in room. Room & amenities flawless (best I've had wrt absent defects in years). Lounge has coffee, soft drinks and little bikkies, not much used.

Only glitch was, after I had the special for dinner and a glass of wine, they said 'oh, sorry, special and drinks not covered by dining discount'. . I pointed out that, when I ordered, I had asked if my Accor status need to be declared then or when I pay, and they said when I pay. Manager type consulted and fixed easily - waived the price of the drink and offered another (declined).

Breakfast in the main restaurant very good.

 

[RooFlyer]

Property: Pullman Sydney Airport
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Superior King
Room upgraded/type: Yes - high executive floor
Rate: flexible $269
Free internet: Yes abt 4 Mbps (5G mobile was 150Mbps)
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Checked in early
Welcome drink: Yes, with canapes in restaurant bar
Welcome gift: Box of 4 choccies (and water, I guess)
Recommended? Not really if you are after Pullman quality. But for the price it was OK.

Arriving, I caught the train to Mascot and then walked 500m and departing the 'Super Shuttle' for $12.

Annoyingly, at check-in when I checked that the room was quiet, as requested, they said its away from the lifts. "Facing the road or other side?' I asked. Facing road. I asked if I could be moved to the other side. "We are fully booked". I didn't reply: "Yes, I booked months ago, with my request and I'm plat, and I'm checking in early but don't need the room". Duty manager called. Was basically "we have upgraded you, should be happy; and the room is quiet." Room on 11th floor - could easily hear the trucks and motorcycles down below.

Like, Brisbane, the Exec Lounge is small and hardly used - coffee, soft drinks and small snacks.

Definitely a step down from the Brisbane Airport Pullman I stayed at the prior night.

EDIT: I just recalled: Wasn't this the place that opened a few years ago and got absolutely panned? If so, I can see why.



The aircon worked well - silent and blew cool air not over you when lying down.



I looked and looked and looked and couldn't find the switch for the lights in the bathroom.

 

[Larko1]

Property: Pullman Sydney Airport
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Superior King
Room upgraded/type: Yes - high executive floor
Rate: flexible $269
Free internet: Yes abt 4 Mbps (5G mobile was 150Mbps)
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Checked in early
Welcome drink: Yes, with canapes in restaurant bar
Welcome gift: Box of 4 choccies (and water, I guess)
Recommended? Not really if you are after Pullman quality. But for the price it was OK.

Arriving, I caught the train to Mascot and then walked 500m and departing the 'Super Shuttle' for $12.

Annoyingly, at check-in when I checked that the room was quiet, as requested, they said its away from the lifts. "Facing the road or other side?' I asked. Facing road. I asked if I could be moved to the other side. "We are fully booked". I didn't reply: "Yes, I booked months ago, with my request and I'm plat, and I'm checking in early but don't need the room". Duty manager called. Was basically "we have upgraded you, should be happy; and the room is quiet." Room on 11th floor - could easily hear the trucks and motorcycles down below.

Like, Brisbane, the Exec Lounge is small and hardly used - coffee, soft drinks and small snacks.

Definitely a step down from the Brisbane Airport Pullman I stayed at the prior night.

EDIT: I just recalled: Wasn't this the place that opened a few years ago and got absolutely panned? If so, I can see why.

View attachment 416202

The aircon worked well - silent and blew cool air not over you when lying down.

View attachment 416201

I looked and looked and looked and couldn't find the switch for the lights in the bathroom.

View attachment 416200

Poor attempt at a green arrow but there are 2 switches on the wall

 

[RooFlyer]

there are 2 switches on the wall

You mean as you walk through the door, where the room light switches are (certainly not on the LH, bathroom side of that black panel)? A dumb place for a bathroom light. In or on bed, you have to walk past the bathroom to turn its light on. Finished? Walk out of the bathroom, round the corner, turn off the lights, walk past the bathroom ... you get the idea.

Putting the switches inside the bathroom, or by the bed would have killed them?

 

[Larko1]

@RooFlyer , I have fat fingers
That arrow points to the edge of the black wall on the side where you walk in, a coupla feet from room lights.
I stay there every time I’m in SYD and have worked out many of the dumb things that most hotels have.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hrrrumf. Still not a sensible place to have the light switches.