Caveat Emptor - Accor Gift Cards

[kangarooflyer88]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

 

[sudoer]

Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

Probably because gift cards aren't really intended to be used by loyal customers....

These terms aren't new, and the topic has been discussed on AFF previously. The gift cards can't be used with prepaid rates of any description either, in most cases one is better off using Shopback/Cashrewards.

 

[oz_mark]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

In my experience, it is more that you can't use them on Advance Purchase rates, rather than specifically AccorPlus rate. AccorPlus rate when paid at the hotel haven't been an issue, but if you're staying on Red Hot Room rates, then the cards are not a product for you

 

[Lynda2475]

Loyal customers would be most likely to book via Accor Plus or All Accor website to secure best rate, which is typically pre-paid and therefore not available to gift cards.

Id say gift cards are mostly gifted to non-regular customers to entice them to try Accor.

Better to book direct with a points earning card so you get both FF and hotel points.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Probably because gift cards aren't really intended to be used by loyal customers....

Loyal customers would be most likely to book via Accor Plus or All Accor website to secure best rate, which is typically pre-paid and therefore not available to gift cards.

Id say gift cards are mostly gifted to non-regular customers to entice them to try Accor.

I'd make the argument that loyal customers are most likely to use said gift cards in the sense that they have colleagues who instinctively would get them said gift card as a present. I know some of my colleagues back home in Canada refer to me as Mister Accor given how often I patronize Accor properties (particularly in my TRs).

In my experience, it is more that you can't use them on Advance Purchase rates, rather than specifically AccorPlus rate. AccorPlus rate when paid at the hotel haven't been an issue, but if you're staying on Red Hot Room rates, then the cards are not a product for you

Did not know that. Will try giving these gift cards a shot at a pay at the hotel property. I mean there are likely some instances where the price difference between the Accor+ rate and the regular member rate aren't huge. In which case using a gift card might make sense.

-RooFlyer88

 

[sudoer]

Did not know that. Will try giving these gift cards a shot at a pay at the hotel property. I mean there are likely some instances where the price difference between the Accor+ rate and the regular member rate aren't huge. In which case using a gift card might make sense.

Gift card still won't make sense. Book the Accor Plus rate through Shopback/Cashrewards.

 

[jase05]

Just thought I'd warn those interested in purchasing Accor gift cards (perhaps due to there being a bonus EveryDayRewards points offer) that these cards are restrictive in how they can be used: only at hotels in AU/NZ/FJ and only for normal rates (i.e. no Accor+). Why Accor decides to penalizes their most loyal customers with such terms is beyond me.

-RooFlyer88

Each to their own but I’ve been Accor Platinum and now Diamond so a very loyal customer for many years and have never once used an Accor gift card and I don’t know any other high tier members that do either