How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[Lynda2475]

Couldn't get into the pool to take a picture, no idea why door was locked will have to ask tomorrow.

 

[markis10]

In BNE no brekkie in EL. Only in downstairs zoo

That’s a change since I last stayed there which has been a while given it’s my home city

Firstly let me say I feel Darwin hotel options for those wanting to be guaranteed a shubless stay are really limited across all brands. There are no Indigo, Voco, Crystalbrook properties which generally provide modern comfort with great walk in showers and no carpet, seriously carpet is stupid in the tropics. Hilton has shubs, so had to lower my standards and consider the less premium options.

Darwin has always struggled with hotel options given it’s a town of 100K population. IHG haven’t had much luck since the Bergers moved their holdings to Hilton some time ago, new hotel investment has been lacking unless your talking the wharf area or airport.

Behind rich list families impacted by Hilton helicopter crash fallout - realestate.com.au

Two rich list Aussie families have been impacted by the Hilton helicopter crash incident – one owns the aircraft, the other owns the building.

www.realestate.com.au

 

[Lynda2475]

Yes it's lacking higher end properties for the tourists who want to be spoilt.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Mercure Sydney Macquarie Park
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Standard Queen Room
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: Nights 1/2 - ACCOR PLUS - SPECIAL EVENT RATE ($139/night) Night 3- ACCOR PLUS - SAVER RATE - COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST ($167/night)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Late Check out to 12 PM granted
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome gift: Fruits, bottle of wine, cheese platter
Recommended. Yes, particularly if you are staying in North Sydney and/or need a place to stay in Ryde/Macquarie University

Stayed here for three nights on the basis that I had yet another (soft) deadline for my thesis that I needed to complete. This time I was staying with my partner, so the welcome gift was slightly different (bottle of wine instead of selection of beers). The third night was booked first as I was only planning on staying on Friday night. However, given the deadline I ended up booking the Wednesday and Thursday nights as I saw it was on a discount and we needed the luxury of the hotel. On check-in I explained the situation to reception, and they were able to get me to keep the same room for all three nights no problem.

As I think I mentioned prior this used to be a Travelodge hotel, and keeps some of the amenities (if we can call it that) of the Travelodge like a kitchenette.Having stayed at a number of Mercures, this is not too bad even if it is starting to feel a bit dated:




The restroom was the most dated part of the room, but fortunately provided a shub free experience:


The various welcome gifts:


Breakfast was buffet style and was available between 6:30 and 10 AM weekdays and 7 AM to 11 AM on weekends. The buffet consisted a mixture of western and Asian (rice, kimchi) choices, naturally I went for the Western options:


The hotel has a restaurant and the prices aren't too bad (toasties are $11-$12, pizza is less than $20) and they accept the Accor+ discount which I used for my dinner on the last day. Additionally, the drink voucher I had could be used for anything at the bar so I chose Aperol for a change:


There are two principle downsides I see to staying at this hotel, at least based on this experience. One I don't think they give upgrades (this is now the second time staying without an upgrade). Now I'm not sure if there's a difference between the Deluxe and Standard room, but it would've been nice to get that upgrade, even if it is a slight one (I believe the Deluxe room has a balcony). The second downside is the limited late checkout. Standard check out is at 11 AM and I requested a late checkout on the evening prior to check out. The best reception could offer was 12 PM. Maybe I am unrealistic in my expectations but I would think that a 1 or 2 PM late checkout shouldn't be a problem, particularly given the status and the fact that this isn't a huge hotel and there weren't tons of people staying here either (at least so far as I can tell).

-RooFlyer88

 

[RooFlyer]

Darwin has always struggled with hotel options given it’s a town of 100K population. IHG haven’t had much luck since the Bergers moved their holdings to Hilton some time ago, new hotel investment has been lacking unless your talking the wharf area or airport.

Yes it's lacking higher end properties for the tourists who want to be spoilt.

It was probably better in the 1980s when I lived there. I think it was the Sheraton that just opened (now Hilton) and it was very high standard (bosses used to stay there and we went there often).

And a place whose name I can't recall, but now DoubleTree, built by Japanese and by all accounts really high end. But the market obviously couldn't sustain it.

The dear old Mindil Beach Hotel/Casino was well past its prime even by then.

 

[markis10]

And a place whose name I can't recall, but now DoubleTree, built by Japanese and by all accounts really high end. But the market obviously couldn't sustain it.

Beaufort Hotel, built in 1984, became my go to hotel when it was a Holiday Inn, where I often got the suite on the top left (King Premier) with a spa on balcony and one in the bathroom on the mezzanine level where you could have held its own party.


Photo credit Darwin History | The 23rd April. On this day in Darwin History .. | Facebook


The Qantas Link crew stayed there, you would often see the local tradies taking the service road in the hope of spotting one or two relaxing by the pool.

 

[RooFlyer]

Beaufort Hotel, built in 1984, became my go to hotel when it was a Holiday Inn, where I often got the suite on the top left (King Premier) with a spa on balcony and one in the bathroom on the mezzanine level where you could have held its own party.

That's it, thanks! I enjoyed many a Saki highball in their poolside bar.

 

[Lynda2475]

An update re Mantra Pandanus Darwin.

Although website specifies the included breakfast is a buffet in wet/low season it is a la carte via menu (a positive), the buffet option only for shoulder and high season. The included breakfast does not include barista coffee and the coffee machine made coffee is undrinkable.

As it is Christmas/New Years period the on-site restaurant/ bar is only open from 7am (7:30 on weekends) to 2pm (10:30am on weekends) daily. This means if you want to redeem your welcome drink for alcohol you can only do so between 12pm and 2pm on weekdays; I ended up redeeming them for barista coffees (very average) at breakfast instead.

If I were here in high season I'd book a rate without breaky as there are many coffee shops nearby that are closed this week but from menus on the doors look more appetising.

The chef seems to add copious amounts of rocket or spinach and a handful of fresh herbs to everything. Had to send my eggs Benedict back for new ones as came out with disgusting coriander sprinkled all over the hollandaise sauce and wasn't mentioned on the menu nor typical (infection I've never seen coriander in any western breakfast dish anywhere else).

The pillows are awful (thin, unsupportive and only 1 for each side of bed not the usual 2), I have a very sore neck as a result and if were ever to stay here again would need to bring a pillow from home.

I was offered late check-out to 1pm for tomorrow but my flight is at midday so 10:30am checkout is all that is needed.

 

[mel-world]

Property: Pullman Melbourne, Albert Park
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe, King
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: SNA + $170 - but was night prior to NYE.
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes - Buffet + Eggs on order
Early check in/late out: Not offered but did not need
Welcome drink: Yes x 2 on the App but only house pour spirits
Welcome gift: Nothing.
Recommended. No. Maybe if you want to stay in the area.

So disappointing despite being advertised as 5-star.

No recognition at Check-in. In fact the agent was so busy interrogating his computer that he took a couple of minutes to even realise we were waiting. (I thought he was on the phone but he did look up when we announced our presence). He then proceeded to tell us we owed him the $170 despite me prepaying. Eventually sorted.

Some rooms have a view over Albert Park Lake and the Bay - must be expensive at GP time. (We did not get this view but were on the top floor.) Executive Lounge not open - someone said it may open next year.

Room very basic although, I think, the bathrooms may have been upgraded to take out bath. Only a few of the numerous room lights worked and they were either all on or all off. Reception said nobody available to look at them until tomorrow due to holidays?

Breakfast buffet a zoo - although I eventually got 2 over-poached eggs but only the two eggs - no toast or, heaven forbid, any garnish.

Most disappointing for our one night stay-cation.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Property: Pullman Melbourne, Albert Park
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe, King
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: SNA + $170 - but was night prior to NYE.
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes - Buffet + Eggs on order
Early check in/late out: Not offered but did not need
Welcome drink: Yes x 2 on the App but only house pour spirits
Welcome gift: Nothing.
Recommended. No. Maybe if you want to stay in the area.

So disappointing despite being advertised as 5-star.

No recognition at Check-in. In fact the agent was so busy interrogating his computer that he took a couple of minutes to even realise we were waiting. (I thought he was on the phone but he did look up when we announced our presence). He then proceeded to tell us we owed him the $170 despite me prepaying. Eventually sorted.

Some rooms have a view over Albert Park Lake and the Bay - must be expensive at GP time. (We did not get this view but were on the top floor.) Executive Lounge not open - someone said it may open next year.

Room very basic although, I think, the bathrooms may have been upgraded to take out bath. Only a few of the numerous room lights worked and they were either all on or all off. Reception said nobody available to look at them until tomorrow due to holidays?

Breakfast buffet a zoo - although I eventually got 2 over-poached eggs but only the two eggs - no toast or, heaven forbid, any garnish.

Most disappointing for our one night stay-cation.

Sounds like it hasn't improved much since my first (and last) stay there.

C

Post in thread 'How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?'

Aug 11, 2023

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...

• CaptainCurtis

• 
• 
• 

 

[MARTINE]

Sounds like it hasn't improved much since my first (and last) stay there.

C

Post in thread 'How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?'

Aug 11, 2023

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...

• CaptainCurtis

• 
• 
• 

Think they rely on the GrandPrix revenue to subsidize the rest of the year … used to go there for medical conferences last century (and it was tired then)

 

[mel-world]

Sounds like it hasn't improved much since my first (and last) stay there.

That will teach me - I should have found your review before I booked.

 

[jase05]

Sounds like it hasn't improved much since my first (and last) stay there.

C

Post in thread 'How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?'

Aug 11, 2023

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...

• CaptainCurtis

• 
• 
• 

I put it on my banned list a while ago. I honestly didn’t know it is still operating

 

[markis10]

I put it on my banned list a while ago. I honestly didn’t know it is still operating

It’s no wonder Djokovic created a fuss during COVID, it was where they were putting all the AO players up!

 

[Dr Bob]

Property. Mercure Albury
Status. Accor+ Platinum
Room Booked. Executive Queen
Room Upgrade. No
Rate. App rate saving 10%
Free internet. Yes
Early check in / Late check out. Not offered but not needed
Free breakfast. Yes with status
Welcome drinks. Yes on the App
Welcome gift. Nothing

T'was the week before Christmas & I found myself about 600 status points short of maintaining platinum so, rather than an over-nighter back to Melbourne, I decided to book the local for 2 nights (also a chance to pest control the house with some "special" bombs from a pest controller friend of mine). Booked the 27th and 28th for a room that would get the required points expecting an upgrade to the Suite, but alas the house was full with no suites available. The rooms appear to have been upgraded since my last visit here about 10 years ago but the bathrooms are pretty ordinary. No facial tissues so had to ask. Room serviced the next morning but they forgot the bathroom so again had to ask. Had dinner in their restaurant "Fabric" and good value with the Accor benefit but they now seem to be competing with the pubs with oversized meals so trying an entre and main was a bad idea. Local wines were available and the Cofields Sparkling Shariz was good value. Breakfast is a la cart with enough choices. Coffee is out of a pot or Barista (included for Platinum). Disappointing not to be give a welcome gift but didn't bother to ask.
Saturday afternoon went down to the bar at around 4.45 for a drink but found it closed so went down Dean st to DUX for a martini (if anyone is in Albury they do great martinis and also shared plates) well worth a visit. Got back to the hotel at around 8.30 to find the place a zoo, seemed we had missed all the fun. Lift had broken down and was out for several hours so staff had to get guests (again a full house) down by the stairs.
So in Albury there is this or the Mantra, haven't stayed at the Mantra but only offers half the status points and I needed the points. Mantra had a good restaurant but haven't been back since covid (so must try soon). I have read that Mantra also has some pet friendly rooms (not that I would be taking the lab) but may be of interest to others.

 

[bits]

Property. Mercure Albury

Stayed there a year or two ago. No issues.

Norma's (pasta and wine bar) 200m up the road is quite good, been twice.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Property: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room, 1 King Sized Bed
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Luxury Corner Room
Rate: Accor+ StayPlus Free Night
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Late Check out to 1 PM granted
Welcome drink: Yes (didn't use)
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of sparkling water & 1 bottle of wine
Recommended: Yes, particularly if you need to stay near Darling Harbour, have Platinum status and see a nice Accor+ rate (recently I've seen this property go for under $300/night).

Stayed here this past Sunday December 29th as part of my mini-holiday to take full advantage of the Accor+ free night benefit as the free night expires in August and I won't have much opportunity aside from now to use it on a good booking (I consider this property to represent a good booking opportunity).

The Accor app offered the option to check-in via the app and receive a digital key card for the room. I tried that option, but ended up having to go to the executive lounge to complete check-in. As an aside, Platinums and above get access to Accor lounges globally regardless of room type booked (one of the benefits of holding Platinum status). As others pointed out, you need to be badged in to the elevator by staff to go up to the top floor. However, I decided to press my luck and rode the elevator up to the top (always nice when there is someone in the lounge who calls up the elevator for you like that). Check in was prompt, and I was informed that we were upgraded to a Luxury room (a first for me staying at a Sofitel, much less using a free night certificate). However, the room wasn't ready (we arrived around 1:30PM). I inquired if we could hang out in the lounge whilst we wait for the room to become available and they obliged. At the time there was some cookies and drinks I got whilst I waited.

As for the room, I'll let the photos speak for themselves:




Very nice room with tons of windows and a decent view over the harbour. What I enjoy about this Sofitel specifically is they provide both a tub and a shower. I think that's a far more sensible option than the Shubs found in many hotels. 99% of the time I prefer taking a nice shower, but having that option to relax in a dedicated tub is nice to have.

The lounge is open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM and provides the following gastronomic events every day:

• Breakfast: Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and Weekends from 6:30 AM to 11 AM
• Afternoon Tea: 3 to 5 PM
• Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Breakfast consisted of a combination of buffet featuring a number of hot and cold breakfast options like eggs, sausage, fruits, spreads, breads, etc. There was also an a-la carte menu you could order from:


I went with the eggs benedict and found it was good.

The pre-dinner canapés were also good:


It should be noted that to my knowledge the Sofitel restaurant is not open for lunch. Consequently, my partner and I ended up settling for the nearby Novotel on Darling Harbour where we could use our 50% Accor Plus discount to get a pizza and a chicken burger for $28. I inquired about charging the food back to our Sofitel room (so that our free night was recognized as a stay for the purposes of status) but was advised that the Sofitel is run by a different company than the Novotel/ibis on Darling Harbour, so wasn't possible:

One downside that should be noted is that of the construction occurring in Darling Harbour, particularly near the Sofitel, Novotel and ibis properties. Ironically, it would seem that the ibis might now offer the best view of the harbour amongst the 3 hotels given the lack of cranes in its vicinity:


As a final note, I requested late check out at the front desk the night before we checked out. Reception asked what time I'd like to check out and I inquired about a 1 PM check out and that was no problem (which made me think of how far I could push that request). In any event, I was happy to get that late checkout particularly given reports that Sofitel might be a bit tight on handing out much of a late checkout.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Flyfrequently]

Update on Novotel Melbourne Airport hotel.
As of 1 January 2025, parking charge has gone from 1st day $30, subsequent days $20 to $40 per day.
No Accor discount as with other properties we have stayed at. You can use parking even if you are not in house.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Update on Novotel Melbourne Airport hotel.
As of 1 January 2025, parking charge has gone from 1st day $30, subsequent days $20 to $40 per day.

Refreshing to see the hotel move towards a simpler and fairer pricing scheme!

No Accor discount as with other properties we have stayed at. You can use parking even if you are not in house.

 

[Daver6]

Property: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Superior Room, 1 King Sized Bed
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Luxury Corner Room
Rate: Accor+ StayPlus Free Night
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Late Check out to 1 PM granted
Welcome drink: Yes (didn't use)
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of sparkling water & 1 bottle of wine
Recommended: Yes, particularly if you need to stay near Darling Harbour, have Platinum status and see a nice Accor+ rate (recently I've seen this property go for under $300/night).

Stayed here this past Sunday December 29th as part of my mini-holiday to take full advantage of the Accor+ free night benefit as the free night expires in August and I won't have much opportunity aside from now to use it on a good booking (I consider this property to represent a good booking opportunity).

The Accor app offered the option to check-in via the app and receive a digital key card for the room. I tried that option, but ended up having to go to the executive lounge to complete check-in. As an aside, Platinums and above get access to Accor lounges globally regardless of room type booked (one of the benefits of holding Platinum status). As others pointed out, you need to be badged in to the elevator by staff to go up to the top floor. However, I decided to press my luck and rode the elevator up to the top (always nice when there is someone in the lounge who calls up the elevator for you like that). Check in was prompt, and I was informed that we were upgraded to a Luxury room (a first for me staying at a Sofitel, much less using a free night certificate). However, the room wasn't ready (we arrived around 1:30PM). I inquired if we could hang out in the lounge whilst we wait for the room to become available and they obliged. At the time there was some cookies and drinks I got whilst I waited.

As for the room, I'll let the photos speak for themselves:
View attachment 423144
View attachment 423145
View attachment 423146

Very nice room with tons of windows and a decent view over the harbour. What I enjoy about this Sofitel specifically is they provide both a tub and a shower. I think that's a far more sensible option than the Shubs found in many hotels. 99% of the time I prefer taking a nice shower, but having that option to relax in a dedicated tub is nice to have.

The lounge is open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM and provides the following gastronomic events every day:

• Breakfast: Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and Weekends from 6:30 AM to 11 AM
• Afternoon Tea: 3 to 5 PM
• Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Breakfast consisted of a combination of buffet featuring a number of hot and cold breakfast options like eggs, sausage, fruits, spreads, breads, etc. There was also an a-la carte menu you could order from:
View attachment 423147

I went with the eggs benedict and found it was good.

The pre-dinner canapés were also good:
View attachment 423148

It should be noted that to my knowledge the Sofitel restaurant is not open for lunch. Consequently, my partner and I ended up settling for the nearby Novotel on Darling Harbour where we could use our 50% Accor Plus discount to get a pizza and a chicken burger for $28. I inquired about charging the food back to our Sofitel room (so that our free night was recognized as a stay for the purposes of status) but was advised that the Sofitel is run by a different company than the Novotel/ibis on Darling Harbour, so wasn't possible:
View attachment 423149
One downside that should be noted is that of the construction occurring in Darling Harbour, particularly near the Sofitel, Novotel and ibis properties. Ironically, it would seem that the ibis might now offer the best view of the harbour amongst the 3 hotels given the lack of cranes in its vicinity:
View attachment 423150

As a final note, I requested late check out at the front desk the night before we checked out. Reception asked what time I'd like to check out and I inquired about a 1 PM check out and that was no problem (which made me think of how far I could push that request). In any event, I was happy to get that late checkout particularly given reports that Sofitel might be a bit tight on handing out much of a late checkout.

-RooFlyer88

Seems this hotel is becoming a little more generous with their upgrades. Or perhaps realising that the Jones Bay view rooms are just a construction site and no one is falling for that as an improvement?