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Property: Novotel Christchurch Airport
Status: Gold
Room booked: Superior Double
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Executive Double
Rate: Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Early check in/late out: not needed
Welcome drink: 1x drink vouchers
Welcome gift: 2 bottles of water + cheese platter left in fridge

View attachment 330773

Also bonus points for the cool A380 view

View attachment 330774
Sounds very similar to my experience (post #1484) from the photo I might have been 1 or 2 floors above you
 
Property: Sofitel Brisbane Central
Room booked: 'Luxury room' high floor
Room upgraded/type: no. Room on level 29 (of 30).
Rate: Advance purchase
Free internet: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes - drink voucher, 2 small bottles Perrier in room, also a plate of 3 fancy chocolates and fruit, and a welcome card. Fancy chocolates a bit of a fail cos they were stuck to the plate and they broke when moved so the filling leaked out and made quite a mess.
Early check in/late out: 2pm check out granted
Access to executive lounge (if existing): yes

The thing I like most about this hotel is its proximity to Brisbane Central station. Not sure I would stay here otherwise.

The stay didn't get off to a great start but improved along the way. I never ask at checkin about getting an upgraded room, so it was a bit annoying to be proactively told on arrival 'we haven't upgraded your room because we are at 100% capacity tonight. Sorry.' As the customer that just sounded like code for 'your room is cough and we are full so the service will be cough too'. Then I got to the room to find the room temperature set at 10 degrees. It took hours for the room to warm up to a reasonable temperature. Plus there was a connecting door, and a really noisy pair of d***heads next door, with the sound very clear through that door. And, the bed wasn't even that comfortable! That was a first for a Sofitel for me. It was somehow better the second night though, and quieter too.

Breakfast was in the restaurant and it seems that platinum and above get the tables next to the windows. Ok that's nice but the crumbs all over the table pedestal weren't nice, and as I was at breakfast at 6.45am I doubt they were from that morning. Good range of breakfast food, and fairly good service apart from being told 'no we only fetch coffee, if you want tea you can make it yourself over there' - however I did notice the server who said that getting told off by the supervisor for saying it. I was surprised how many people were at breakfast so early on a Saturday morning and even more surprised that most of them were in suits and about half with ties on as well - and again on Sunday! Weird.

I went out after breakfast and when I came back at 2pm housekeeping had not touched my room although they had done the room opposite and the room adjoining. Thinking the hotel must have introduced some weird request system for housekeeping I went to enquire at reception what the new system was and this was when the service started to get a bit better. The receptionist was very helpful in saying there was no new system and she would get it fixed. And when I got back at 4.30 it was fixed. Except housekeeping had turned the thermostat down, but only to 18 degrees so it didn't take too long to warm up 🙄

The Club Millésime on level 30 has nice views and has food between 3-5 and 5.30-7.30. (It's open from 2-9pm though). I was surprised that it was basically the same food both times, just with 3 warm dishes on offer in the evening. Arriving at 4.30 I was offered coffee and when I said I wanted tea I was again told, fairly politely this time, to make it myself. I had a scone and some fruit and watched the sunset which was surprisingly early. By 5.35 they still hadn't put out the hot food, only the warming plates, and I didn't hang around to see what food they came out with. It didn't look like it was going to be a great feast. There was hardly anyone in the lounge at that time, none of those pushy crowds who descend immediately the free drinks are put out in some lounges.

The barman was very helpful with my wine selection to use the drink voucher. Room service was prompt, with an $8 'tray charge' which is ridiculous, and the food wasn't hot, just warm. No salt and pepper on the tray, just some unidentifiable gloop that I couldn't work out whether it was mustard or mayo, or maybe it was both 😂

Late checkout to 2pm was granted after another short lecture about 'we are very busy this weekend'. But she did persist with looking and eventually 'computer said yes'.

Would I stay again? Well yes, probably, even though the rooms and the bathrooms with their shubs are very brown and the furniture is quite dated - but that also means the light switches are straightforward and easy to operate, and there aren't any annoying device lights making the room too bright to sleep at night, so there is an upside to 'dated' 😜 And the room rate was pretty reasonable for a Sofitel. Plus I quite like the views. So I expect I'll go back.
 
Property: ibis Styles London Southwark
Status: Gold
Room booked: Double Room with view
Room upgraded/type: Yes, suite.
Rate: Standard
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Check out is midday anyway, but was offered later if needed. Not required.
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers, redeemed in downstairs bar.
Welcome gift: 2 x Bottles of water & 2 x chocolates.

A cool little hotel in London. Close to Borough Market. Funky décor and great, friendly staff.
Welcome drink was easy to redeem and suite upgrade was very welcome after travelling through Europe for 3 weeks.
 
Property: Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Status: Accor Plus Dismond
Room booked: Premium Superior room
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Deluxe Executive Suite
Rate: Accor Plus Saver
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: 12pm check in, 2pm Checkout.
Welcome drink: 2 x drink vouchers
Welcome gift: Plate of chocolates and bottle of white with hand written thank you letter.

Only a quick 1 night stay as we were going to the Football Saturday night at the MCG.
Room was ready when we arrived early so happy to grab a shower and head over to the football. Didn’t use the EL and wasn’t really hungry for breakfast so just went and grabbed a coffee. Breakfast area was bedlam so arranged for them to send coffees up to our room. Not a remarkable stay but a solid stay. We prefer the Sofitel but the proximity to the MCG can’t be beaten
Have not worked out how to post my comments in this thread on our trip into town staying overnight due to an appointment at Southbank.
Will post here if ok, happy for moderator to move.

Property : Melbourne Mercure Southbank
Status : Accor Gold
Room type : King
Rate: "Drive and stay" $200 with parking, breakfast and midday check out.
Late check out of 1.30 pm given upon request.
Amenity : Koko Black chocolate dotties and 2 bottles of water
Welcome drink : As no bar/ restaurant open yet, offered the choice of any bottle of wine from their cabinet at Reception, see photo - chose Pinot Grigio
No upgrade as King is the top room category (only one with Drive & Stay package) but given high floor.

Clean, bed and pillows comfy, given shower cap on request, free wifi, no Smart TV. Happy with it as it suited our requirements.
 

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Property: Novotel Barossa Valley
Status: Platinium Accor Plus
Room booked: Base room
Room upgraded/type: One level upgrade. Basically the same room with robe, slippers, bigger TV and nespresso machine.
Rate: Prepaid $210 on Amex with SA 20% cashback
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Called the day prior requesting early check-in. Knew they weren't sold out the night prior. Was told they'd put a note on file. Turned up and 10:50am and the room was ready. Late check-out not offered or needed.
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers. Any drink at the bar up to $13 or $13 off a more expensive drink
Welcome gift: 1x bottle of red wine delivered later in the day. Was informed at check-in this would happen.

All up a comfortable place for the night after lunch at Rockford. Rooms have been refurbished since I was last there around 8 years ago. All round a pleasant experience which exceeded expectations.
 
Have not worked out how to post my comments in this thread on our trip into town staying overnight due to an appointment at Southbank.
Will post here if ok, happy for moderator to move.

Property : Melbourne Mercure Southbank
Status : Accor Gold
Room type : King
Rate: "Drive and stay" $200 with parking, breakfast and midday check out.
Late check out of 1.30 pm given upon request.
Amenity : Koko Black chocolate dotties and 2 bottles of water
Welcome drink : As no bar/ restaurant open yet, offered the choice of any bottle of wine from their cabinet at Reception, see photo - chose Pinot Grigio
No upgrade as King is the top room category (only one with Drive & Stay package) but given high floor.

Clean, bed and pillows comfy, given shower cap on request, free wifi, no Smart TV. Happy with it as it suited our requirements.
Same property, same room type but Plat status and the only difference I note is that I received one bottle of water not two. Thankfully there was still plenty in the tap.

Breakfast is a standard, but modest buffet. Hot items being pancakes, chipolatas, bacon and scrambled eggs.

There is no barista coffee, so no coffee tax. As far as the machine coffee goes, I recommend the juice. ;)

It feels like a high-end ibis. And I don't say that by way of complaint. I'm paying $159/night so high-end ibis is about what I anticipated.
 
Same property, same room type but Plat status and the only difference I note is that I received one bottle of water not two. Thankfully there was still plenty in the tap.

Breakfast is a standard, but modest buffet. Hot items being pancakes, chipolatas, bacon and scrambled eggs.

There is no barista coffee, so no coffee tax. As far as the machine coffee goes, I recommend the juice. ;)

It feels like a high-end ibis. And I don't say that by way of complaint. I'm paying $159/night so high-end ibis is about what I anticipated.

Same property, same room type but Plat status and the only difference I note is that I received one bottle of water not two. Thankfully there was still plenty in the tap.

Breakfast is a standard, but modest buffet. Hot items being pancakes, chipolatas, bacon and scrambled eggs.

There is no barista coffee, so no coffee tax. As far as the machine coffee goes, I recommend the juice. ;)

It feels like a high-end ibis. And I don't say that by way of complaint. I'm paying $159/night so high-end ibis is about what I anticipated.
Melbourne has the best tap water @Captain Halliday!

My choice would have been Movenpick as I do want to try chocolate hour!
But requirements for this trip into Town though :
free cancellation, location
(only a few minutes walk to my appt) and car parking ticked our boxes.

Can't believe the costs of parking now in Melbourne- range from $35-60+!
 
Property: Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaram
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Classic King Pool View Room
Room upgraded/type: Junior Siite
Rate: Member Private Sale
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check in requested. Room available around 1:30
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers, no beers on the list, had to settle for coughtails.
Welcome gift: Plate of small cakes.

First time staying here, enjoyed it.
Not far to stroll down to Jimbaram Beach Seafood Cafes, but beach gate closes at 7pm.

Nice breakfast.
 
Property: Novotel Parramatta
Status: ALL Platinum
Room booked: STANDARD ROOM 1 QUEEN BED
Room upgraded/type: Executive Suite 1 King Bed
Rate: Stay Longer and Save
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes - Platinum benefit
Early check in/late out: Not required
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers, redeemed for beer and wine
Welcome gift: Plate with cheese, cracker fresh and dried fruit, 1 bottle de bortolli Shiraz cabarnet

Quite a decent upgrade from a standard room to a suite.
Suite itself is a bit dated, weirdly the suite has two bathrooms, but both of them (one under the sloping roof) very small and they feel crammed.
Also the second room is just a couch and a TV, doesn’t feel very homely.
But of course it’s a first world Problem to criticise a free suite upgrade ;)
Brekkie is standard Accor, but it feels more like a Mercure breakfast than Novotel (for example, Novotel Darling Harbour breakfast is definitely one or more steps above than here)

Forgot to take any pictures
 
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Property: Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaram
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Classic King Pool View Room
Room upgraded/type: Junior Siite
Rate: Member Private Sale
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Early check in requested. Room available around 1:30
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers, no beers on the list, had to settle for coughtails.
Welcome gift: Plate of small cakes.

First time staying here, enjoyed it.
Not far to stroll down to Jimbaram Beach Seafood Cafes, but beach gate closes at 7pm.

Nice breakfast.

Any pics of the room/resort?
 
Property: Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Premier Harbour + SNU
Room upgraded/type: Harbour View Suite
Rate: Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Neither needed
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers available to redeem at 4 or 5 venues in the complex
Welcome gift: Ridiculous fruit plate (12 pieces) and bottle of California red

Booked about a month out, the SNU gave three options and this middle one seemed the best bang for buck.

Screen Shot 2023-05-12 at 4.19.42 pm.png

The room and view were stunning, and newly renovated as billed in the booking engine description.

PXL_20230608_110905834.jpg PXL_20230608_111252138.jpg PXL_20230608_110922674.jpg PXL_20230608_110940820.jpg PXL_20230608_112628429.jpg

It's debatable on whether this is really a suite - being more like a very large room - but by Singapore standards it was bigger (on sqm terms) than other split bedroom/living suites I've stayed in. Not pictured was a separate guest toilet next to the entrance.

Some small gripes -
  • Selling the category as "high floor" when it's less than 40% up the building feels questionable
  • Chilled & filtered water tap (usually a great feature) was incredibly slow and located in the kitchenette (strangely part of the wardrobe area) which had no glasses. The only glasses were hidden in the tea & coffee station at the opposite end of the room.
  • No universal power points anywhere in the room - surely an oversight in a new renovation - although there were 2 x USB Type A ports at each bedside table.
Points 2 & 3 were different to the experience I had at Fairmont (part of the same complex) last year which had a more logically thought out room, and at least one universal power point. I could only laugh at the inclusion of a full-sized fridge in addition to the bar fridge.

On the plus side, the exec lounge would have capacity for 100-150 guests, and had sweeping views of the bay with outdoor balconies which could be easily accessed to take in the amazing view.

PXL_20230608_232230874.jpg PXL_20230608_232225348.jpg PXL_20230608_232019476.jpg

Breakfast in the lounge was quite limited (standard western inc egg station, a couple of dumpling options, and congee) so we decided to eat at Clove instead which had a far better selection.

Lastly, Swissotel has implemented a new paperless & self-service check-in/check-out using about a dozen large touchscreens in the lobby. A roaming staff member offered to help us check-in, but I was surprised they've gone the self-service route at a 5 star hotel. I did the check-out entirely by myself, and wasn't prompted at any step of the process of return the room keys, which I realised were still in my pocket when I was going through security at Changi. I suspect they'll be losing quite a few keys...
 
Property: Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Premier Harbour + SNU
Room upgraded/type: Harbour View Suite
Rate: Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Neither needed
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers available to redeem at 4 or 5 venues in the complex
Welcome gift: Ridiculous fruit plate (12 pieces) and bottle of California red

Booked about a month out, the SNU gave three options and this middle one seemed the best bang for buck.

View attachment 333078

The room and view were stunning, and newly renovated as billed in the booking engine description.

View attachment 333042 View attachment 333079 View attachment 333044 View attachment 333046 View attachment 333047

It's debatable on whether this is really a suite - being more like a very large room - but by Singapore standards it was bigger (on sqm terms) than other split bedroom/living suites I've stayed in. Not pictured was a separate guest toilet next to the entrance.

Some small gripes -
  • Selling the category as "high floor" when it's less than 40% up the building feels questionable
  • Chilled & filtered water tap (usually a great feature) was incredibly slow and located in the kitchenette (strangely part of the wardrobe area) which had no glasses. The only glasses were hidden in the tea & coffee station at the opposite end of the room.
  • No universal power points anywhere in the room - surely an oversight in a new renovation - although there were 2 x USB Type A ports at each bedside table.
Points 2 & 3 were different to the experience I had at Fairmont (part of the same complex) last year which had a more logically thought out room, and at least one universal power point. I could only laugh at the inclusion of a full-sized fridge in addition to the bar fridge.

On the plus side, the exec lounge would have capacity for 100-150 guests, and had sweeping views of the bay with outdoor balconies which could be easily accessed to take in the amazing view.

View attachment 333050 View attachment 333049 View attachment 333048

Breakfast in the lounge was quite limited (standard western inc egg station, a couple of dumpling options, and congee) so we decided to eat at Clove instead which had a far better selection.

Lastly, Swissotel has implemented a new paperless & self-service check-in/check-out using about a dozen large touchscreens in the lobby. A roaming staff member offered to help us check-in, but I was surprised they've gone the self-service route at a 5 star hotel. I did the check-out entirely by myself, and wasn't prompted at any step of the process of return the room keys, which I realised were still in my pocket when I was going through security at Changi. I suspect they'll be losing quite a few keys...
I've got two stays coming up here and booked Crest Suites for both (ever hopeful of an upgrade to the Presidential!). I've not been there since they changed the check-in process, but I was told you can check in and check out at The Level 65 lounge now, if preferred to the self check-in area in the lobby

Cheers,
Matt.
 
Property: Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Premier Harbour + SNU
Room upgraded/type: Harbour View Suite
Rate: Accor Plus
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: Neither needed
Welcome drink: Yes, two vouchers available to redeem at 4 or 5 venues in the complex
Welcome gift: Ridiculous fruit plate (12 pieces) and bottle of California red

Booked about a month out, the SNU gave three options and this middle one seemed the best bang for buck.

View attachment 333078

The room and view were stunning, and newly renovated as billed in the booking engine description.

View attachment 333042 View attachment 333079 View attachment 333044 View attachment 333046 View attachment 333047

It's debatable on whether this is really a suite - being more like a very large room - but by Singapore standards it was bigger (on sqm terms) than other split bedroom/living suites I've stayed in. Not pictured was a separate guest toilet next to the entrance.

Some small gripes -
  • Selling the category as "high floor" when it's less than 40% up the building feels questionable
  • Chilled & filtered water tap (usually a great feature) was incredibly slow and located in the kitchenette (strangely part of the wardrobe area) which had no glasses. The only glasses were hidden in the tea & coffee station at the opposite end of the room.
  • No universal power points anywhere in the room - surely an oversight in a new renovation - although there were 2 x USB Type A ports at each bedside table.
Points 2 & 3 were different to the experience I had at Fairmont (part of the same complex) last year which had a more logically thought out room, and at least one universal power point. I could only laugh at the inclusion of a full-sized fridge in addition to the bar fridge.

On the plus side, the exec lounge would have capacity for 100-150 guests, and had sweeping views of the bay with outdoor balconies which could be easily accessed to take in the amazing view.

View attachment 333050 View attachment 333049 View attachment 333048

Breakfast in the lounge was quite limited (standard western inc egg station, a couple of dumpling options, and congee) so we decided to eat at Clove instead which had a far better selection.

Lastly, Swissotel has implemented a new paperless & self-service check-in/check-out using about a dozen large touchscreens in the lobby. A roaming staff member offered to help us check-in, but I was surprised they've gone the self-service route at a 5 star hotel. I did the check-out entirely by myself, and wasn't prompted at any step of the process of return the room keys, which I realised were still in my pocket when I was going through security at Changi. I suspect they'll be losing quite a few keys...

In my mind, your room is what's usually called a junior suite. To me a suite has a separate living room which you can close off from the bedroom. Either way though, looks really nice.

Being less than 50% of the way up is not a high floor.

I had the same gripe about the power sockets when I stayed in a regular pleb room there last year. Annoyingly the USB A ports next to the bed were temperamental too.
 
@emilbulls @aaronm you both stayed relatively recently in Kingscliff any restaurant recommendations walking distance form Peppers?
We’ve been to the Indian place in Salt Village one night, which was okay.
Definitely can recommend al Chiosco.
It’s approx. 10-15 minutes walk from Peppers/Mantra and has lovely Italian food.
Definitely book a table as there is only limited space in the covered alfresco area.
 
Property: ibis Sydney Darling Harbour
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: STANDARD ROOM 2 SINGLE BEDS PYRMONT VIEW
Room upgraded/type: Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed Darling Harbour View
Rate: TravelZoo Promotion ($107 AUD/night)
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in/late out: 1 PM check-in, late check-out N/A
Welcome drink: Yes, two drinks
Welcome gift: Macaroons

Booked this property on Tuesday for a stay yesterday (Sunday night). At the time CashRewards was offering a 8% cash back promotion (effectively bringing the rate closer to $100 AUD/night).

Arrived at the hotel at 1 PM. The agent noted that I had 2 single beds available and inquired if I wanted a double bed (i.e. king bed room) as my partner was staying with me. I said yes and despite the hotel being full, he managed to eke out a corner room on the 9th floor of the hotel with a nice view of Darling Harbour. I inquired how late I could check out and he reminded me that the rate I booked (TravelZoo whatever that is) had a 1 PM late check out which was fine for me:
IMG_0982.jpeg
IMG_0984.jpeg
IMG_0985.jpegIMG_0986.jpeg


If you have been to any ibis before, there is frankly nothing much to write home about. Basic but functional (albeit somewhat cramped). I will, however, give the property credit that they have a desk area with a chair, this isn't always the case at ibis properties (including ibis styles).

The hotel has a restaurant/bar area which serves breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10 AM. Between 10 and 4 PM the restaurant/bar was closed meaning I could not use my free drink voucher to get a coffee on check out (ended up grabbing to mini-bottles of wine to go). Breakfast spread was complimentary as a valued Accor+Platinum member and is typical buffet of what you would find at most ibis properties (there was a self-serve coffee machine so no coffee tax applies):

IMG_0993.jpeg

The only downside of the property I can see is that there is some construction just outside the ibis but to be quite frank, I barely noticed it, particularly on the 9th floor. I have booked this hotel next month (again using the TravelZoo offer whatever that is) as I've got a conference at the ICC and can't be bothered faffing about on the trains to Sydney from Hornsby.

In any event, I would certainly recommend staying at this property at this price, hands down. Great views, good service (if you've got Accor Platinum) and of course great price.

-RooFlyer88
 

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