Le Club Platinum member lounge access at Pullman (Syd, Mel)

[samuson]

I'm curious to know if there are any le club platinum members who would go out of their way to stay at a Pullman hotel on the basis of complimentary lounge access over a Sofitel in Sydney and Melbourne (where as we all know, the complimentary lounge access benefit is excluded).
I.e. Pullman on the Park / Pullman Albert Park over Sofitel on Collins or Pullman Hyde Park over Sofitel Wentworth

Let's assume that pricing/room rates isn't a factor here...

Considering the Pullmans in Melbourne are outside the CBD and Pullman Hyde Park is on the otherside of town to the Sofitel, I wonder how much of an impact providing complimentary lounge access actually has... or conversely, what's the 'business case' for Sofitel Collins and Sofitel Wentworth NOT to provide complimentary access.

On another note, I wonder what the impact has been on Sofitel Brisbane changing their policy... unlike Sydney and Melbourne, the Pullman and Sofitel are literally a block apart.

On a personal level - in the past I have chosen to stay at Pullman on the Park over the Sofitel (basically same rates at the time) and enjoyed the extra 15 minute walk through treasury gardens...

 

[trippin_the_rift]

No doubt others have different opinions but I always book location over brand or amenities.
Lounge access is worth maybe $20 max to me - even less on business trips. And since everyone and their mum has Accor Plat, status isn't my driving factor when booking hotels.

 

[sycokid]

Depends on the circumstances really i suppose. Personally i have over 40 stays this year self funded and nothing what so ever to do with work or business trips so every little perk is much appreciated Stayed at Mercure Melbourne Albert Park last week and even though it is not included with the Sofitel (Sydney & Melbourne on the Accor websites refusal of complimentary upgrade to club lounge ( it happened to me last week when i was refused same upgrade via status. Not sure if that would happen if you were staying in the Pullman side of things mind you . In Brisbane (which is basically the same shared set up of hotel amenities at the Melbourne counterparts both Mercure and Pullman guests receive complimentary upgrades including club lounge access Sofitel Sydney by the way is currently trialling complimentary access to Club lounge for Platinum members until the end of this year so i have heard so maybe things are about to change like Brisbane. Whilst i cannot fault the staff for their effort and commitment at the Pullman / Mercure in Brisbane the Sofitel is definitely a step above regarding what's on offer in the lounge now that it is free but if that status perk is removed i would be back to the former in a shot lol !

 

[puppysparkes]

I've alway selected the Novotel based on location. I'd be tempted to book the Sofitel if lounge access was available.

 

[basso]

I've alway selected the Novotel based on location. I'd be tempted to book the Sofitel if lounge access was available.

I understand the Sydney Sofitel is trialling platinum lounge access till the end of the year. Check with them.

 

[puppysparkes]

I understand the Sydney Sofitel is trialling platinum lounge access till the end of the year. Check with them.

Cheers, will do!

 

[SFSC]

SWMBO and I are at Melbourne Pullman on the Park week after next on one of the heavily discounted rates. We selected this hotel in preference to the Sebel because of possible lounge access. We know this hotel had a lounge when it was a Hilton and hope the lounge is still existing.

 

[samuson]

SWMBO and I are at Melbourne Pullman on the Park week after next on one of the heavily discounted rates. We selected this hotel in preference to the Sebel because of possible lounge access. We know this hotel had a lounge when it was a Hilton and hope the lounge is still existing.

Yep it definitely has a lounge! Continental breakfast in the morning and drinks & canapes 6-8pm.
My experience is they're pretty proactive about ensuring you get access as a platinum.
Might be booking a stay there myself week after next... maybe see you in there.

 

[SFSC]

We will be at the Wellington Pde. property, not the Queens Rd. one. The names can be confusing.

 

[sycokid]

We will be at the Wellington Pde. property, not the Queens Rd. one. The names can be confusing.

Ooops sorry i do apologise !

 

[JohnK]

I will be Platinum in a few days.

I will consider lounge access but price will also be a factor in the decision on hotel choice.

 

[M@rcoPolo]

I understand the Sydney Sofitel is trialling platinum lounge access till the end of the year.

Can anyone confirm this is the case?

 

[samuson]

Can anyone confirm this is the case?

Looks to be confirmed! There's an article on ausbt about this today.
"An AccorHotels spokesperson confirmed the trial to Australian Business Traveller but could not advise whether it would be extended beyond December or if Platinum lounge privileges at the Sofitel Sydney would eventually become a permanent fixture."

 

[M@rcoPolo]

Looks to be confirmed! There's an article on ausbt about this today.
"An AccorHotels spokesperson confirmed the trial to Australian Business Traveller but could not advise whether it would be extended beyond December or if Platinum lounge privileges at the Sofitel Sydney would eventually become a permanent fixture."

Fantastic Would anyone know how much they charge at the Sofitel Sydney to bring an additional guest into the lounge for the 5pm to 7pm coughtails sessions?

 

[SFSC]

SWMBO and I are at Melbourne Pullman on the Park week after next on one of the heavily discounted rates. We selected this hotel in preference to the Sebel because of possible lounge access. We know this hotel had a lounge when it was a Hilton and hope the lounge is still existing.

Yep it definitely has a lounge! Continental breakfast in the morning and drinks & canapes 6-8pm.
My experience is they're pretty proactive about ensuring you get access as a platinum.
Might be booking a stay there myself week after next... maybe see you in there.

We checked-in yesterday. Complimentary upgrade from the most basic room type to lounge floor with access. All staff we have encountered so far seem intent on making each guest's stay as enjoyable as possible.