How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[jase05]

I will point out that I was a bit disappointed in the room in the sense that we weren't upgraded to a higher room (given my Accor status and the fact we're staying for 4 nights). Also the Junior Suite whilst spacious technically isn't a suite in the sense that the bedroom and the living area are in the same room

My understanding is that in Australia as a Platinum it’s very rare to get an upgrade for a room that already has a SNU applied to it.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I was sent a feedback form on the day of checkout and left constructive criticism about lack of status recognition, assigned on non Gold floor, etc. Received an "our fault but too bad, see you next time" sort of response. Considering the price of Gold rooms I think I'll try another property next time I'm in MNL.

Best bet in this instance would be reaching out to Accor rather than the hotel documenting the service failings and seeing what they can do. Based on your review I would expect at a minimum a couple thousand Accor points for the poor service and wrong room easily. To give you some perspective here, I stayed at a Doubletree in Minneapolis back in October and they did not provide housekeeping for the 6 nights I stayed there. Chatted with the GM by phone and was promised 30,000 bonus points for the clear service failure here. Two weeks went by with nothing. Emailed Hilton and a day later I got an apology from the GM and the 30,000 bonus points were in my account.

-RooFlyer88

 

[kangarooflyer88]

My understanding is that in Australia as a Platinum it’s very rare to get an upgrade for a room that already has a SNU applied to it.

SNUs are weird.The suite you book is booked as thought you paid cash for it, but then the SNUs are counted as the "already paid" portion of the reservation which cover the cost differential between the room you originally booked and the "upgraded room," which leads me to believe that from the Accor side it would be treated as thought you booked into a suite. Will be interesting to see how many Accor and Qantas Points I earn (and cashback) from that booking.It should either be the total price or the price after the SNU is applied.

 

[sudoer]

Best bet in this instance would be reaching out to Accor rather than the hotel documenting the service failings and seeing what they can do.

I have challenged the 'too bad, so sad' email (it dismissed a few of my points, possibly due to misunderstanding) and am waiting a response, depending on that I might reach out to Accor. But generally I find them less likely to give compensation than the US chains.

I couldn't post the pics in my last post due to attachment limits, but here's the difference between Fairmont Gold and non Fairmont Gold floors.

 

[Daver6]

Property: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Status: Accor+Platinum
Room booked: Junior Suite (SNUs applied to Superior Room I believe)
Room upgraded/type: Corner room on 47th floor
Rate: Accor Plus Festive Season Offer - 25% - room only, 4 nights ($266/night)
Early check in/late out: Early check-in not needed, late checkout only granted to noon
Welcome drink: Yes (2) - not used
Welcome gift: Box of cakes, bottles of water replenished every night

Had 4 suite night upgrades burning a hole in my pocket and $200 in Accor gift cards that no Accor hotel has yet to accept which I desperately wanted to use up. Also, it was my birthday and my partner's birthday during this time so decided to go ALL out and book a Sofitel rather than peddle in the ibis and ibis budget stays RooFlyer is notorious for.

As others have noted, I received a welcome email a couple of days before arriving at the hotel with details about my stay. Here's an except of that:


Checked via the executive lounge on the 35th floor and the service was impeccable. Not only were they able to check me in and explain the benefits of my stay in great detail but they also managed to redeem the $200 in Accor gift cards I had.

We then proceeded to the 47th floor which was where our Junior Suite was. I will point out that I was a bit disappointed in the room in the sense that we weren't upgraded to a higher room (given my Accor status and the fact we're staying for 4 nights). Also the Junior Suite whilst spacious technically isn't a suite in the sense that the bedroom and the living area are in the same room. Anyway, the room itself wasn't bad:
View attachment 365306
View attachment 365307

The bathroom consisted of a separate shower and bath tub (no shub for those afraid of shubs!). The lights could all be controlled with a panel on the side of the bed. Climate control was good and bed was comfy.

As a Platinum I am eligible for lounge access and free breakfast at this property. Breakfast can either be had at the lounge or at the adjacent No35 restaurant on the 35th floor. The benefit of the lounge breakfast is it is more quiet than breakfast at the No35 restaurant. Additionally a-la carte ordering off the menu is possible in addition to the small buffet they provide. The downside to having breakfast at the lounge is the buffet selection isn't as large as the restaurant. Breakfast was served from 6:30 to 10:30 AM

Speaking of lounge, the Executive Lounge is open until 8 PM and hosts a number of culinary experiences throughout the day such as canapés and high tea. We stopped in a couple of times to enjoy these experiences:
View attachment 365308

The hotel also has a couple of restaurants. There is the aforementioned No35 restaurant on the 35th floor, the atrium on the 35th floor and I think also a restaurant on the ground level. Importantly, the No35 restaurant offers the usual Accor+ dining discounts on everyday except holidays and exclusion days. I decided to book dinner for my partner and I on her birthday, making the reservation at the lounge. When we arrived at the restaurant and were seated the host asked if it was a special occassion and I mentioned it was my partners birthday. The restaurant itself has a two course ($90) or three course ($110) prix-fixe menu, along with small sides that can be purchased for a nominal fee and a decent wine and booze menu. We settled on the two course menu along with a side of potato wedges and it was good. Afterwards, the waiter came by with a present:
View attachment 365309

After the Accor+ discount the total cost of the dinner was $106 for both of us.

Some other thoughts: the hotel has a gym on the 36th floor which has a number of bikes including pelotons, a variety of strength training machines, weights, and most importantly two massage chairs of decent quality.

On the night before checkout I headed to the lobby to see if I could be granted late checkout. Reception offered standard complimentary check out of noon. Ordinarily I would argue with reception on this but thought better of it, particularly if we manage to get Qantas to switch us onto QF9 (in which case we'd want to be at the airport earlier anyway).

Overall, a good stay and certainly well worth the money spent.

-RooFlyer88

To be fair, a junior suite is exaclty that, not two separate rooms.

No shub...sounds like it's been refurbished. Do you have pics of the bathroom?

 

[sudoer]

am waiting a response

They have responded to offer a complimentary 60 minute massage for two on our next stay at Fairmont Makati

If anyone is staying soon send me a PM, I'll ask if I can transfer it to you.

 

[elanshin]

Property: Mercure Singapore Bugis
Status: Accor+Platinum
Room booked: Signature Loft Room with Queen Bed and Sofa
Room upgraded/type: Executive Loft Room with Queen Bed and Sofa
Rate: Red Hot Rooms, 1 night
Early check in/late out: Room available on checking in around 2pm
Welcome drink: Yes (2)
Welcome gift: Chocolate and Bottled Water

Moved hotels as we were flying out early the next morning.
Stay was good.
Happy Hours 6pm to 8pm, basic drinks and food on offer.

View attachment 364632

Stayed there myself 4 nights in Nov. Did you find the bathroom a little confusing to use the shower and change?
We were slightly confused by the layout but otherwise a reasonable room and the tall windows were nice.

 

[ksthommo]

Stayed there myself 4 nights in Nov. Did you find the bathroom a little confusing to use the shower and change?
We were slightly confused by the layout but otherwise a reasonable room and the tall windows were nice.

One night was fine, we departed around 0430 in the morning.
Navigating the stairs from the loft bed to the toilet in the middle of the night was okay, left the light on downstairs just in case.
Bathroom was okay, seemed to be quite a bit of wasted space.
Skydeck/Rooftop Garden was nice.

 

[fantastikforce]

Property: SO/ Sofitel Hua Hin
Status: Accor Plus - Silver
Room booked: SO Studio 2 Twin Beds w/Pool View
Room upgraded/type: No upgrade
Rate: Accor Plus Flexible Rate w/Breakfast
Early check in/late out: Wasn't required
Welcome drink: Yes x 3
Welcome gift: Fruit platter (have to call when you are ready to receive the fruit platter)

This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered whilst in Thailand. Very friendly and accommodating and will always greet you when they see you around the resort. It also has the best facilities to keep it busy so you don't need to leave the resort.

 

[Muppet501st]

Property: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns
Status: Accor Plus -Diamond
Room booked: Superior room city view
Room upgraded/type: yes- junior suite? new layout to me
Rate: $280n
Early check in/late out: Wasn't required
Welcome drink: Yes x 2 black dot
Welcome gift: Wine and local chocolate

My 56th stay here, and possible my last for some time, ( due to change in work ) Lovely upgrade to this junior suite? level 3, never been on a floor this low here. Will miss the place.

 

[Silvia]

Property: Swissotel Sydney
Status: Accor Plus - Gold
Room booked: Premier King
Room upgraded/type: yes- Premier King in Executive Floor
Rate: Used my Accor plus complimentary night
Early check in/late out: Wasn't required
Welcome drink: Yes - 1 voucher
Welcome gift: Box of chocolate

A quick day trip away from the family. Location is great for shopping and if you need to go to the city or usual suspects.

Lifts are a bit slow and the windows could be cleaned but that’s where my rant ends. Really nice room and hotel, well worth my free night. Had my drink at the bar which had really good service. Happy hour M-F 5 30 to 7 30. My Accor plus dining discount was applied and the food was really good too!

Great “free” night. I would definitely stay here again if the price was right and I would even take the family here as I saw there is a room for kids activities during summer.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Property: SO/ Sofitel Hua Hin
Status: Accor Plus - Silver
Room booked: SO Studio 2 Twin Beds w/Pool View
Room upgraded/type: No upgrade
Rate: Accor Plus Flexible Rate w/Breakfast
Early check in/late out: Wasn't required
Welcome drink: Yes x 3
Welcome gift: Fruit platter (have to call when you are ready to receive the fruit platter)

This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered whilst in Thailand. Very friendly and accommodating and will always greet you when they see you around the resort. It also has the best facilities to keep it busy so you don't need to leave the resort.

May I ask please @fantastikforce - how did you travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin and also would you consider it humid at present?
Looking at Thailand for next January and haven't settled on where to stay.

 

[Roflco]

Any opinions on Melbourne Movenpick on Spencer vs Pullman on swanston (now Pullman city centre)

I’ve stayed at the Pullman and it was fine. Good lounge, fantastic gym.

But just wondering if the Movenpick rooms or view would outweigh the lounge/gym? Any concerns about train noise?

I know the Miss Mi restaurant is amazing, but I can always just head there for dinner regardless of where I stay. Sofitel is a no go due to price

[edit]

Forgot to mention Accor diamond status. I’ve read Movenpick will have better recognition, but basically that just means the “suite” (which is a large room) and some chocolate? Both will be the same De Bortoli….

 

[sudoer]

But just wondering if the Movenpick rooms or view would outweigh the lounge/gym? Any concerns about train noise?

The rooms don't have much of a view, but those that do are impacted by tram & traffic noise on Spencer and Bourke (not really any train noise) on the lower floors.

I haven't stayed at Pullman so can't compare the rooms.

 

[Roflco]

Property: Swissotel Sydney
Status: Accor Plus - Gold
Room booked: Premier King
Room upgraded/type: yes- Premier King in Executive Floor
Rate: Used my Accor plus complimentary night
Early check in/late out: Wasn't required
Welcome drink: Yes - 1 voucher
Welcome gift: Box of chocolate

A quick day trip away from the family. Location is great for shopping and if you need to go to the city or usual suspects.

Lifts are a bit slow and the windows could be cleaned but that’s where my rant ends. Really nice room and hotel, well worth my free night. Had my drink at the bar which had really good service. Happy hour M-F 5 30 to 7 30. My Accor plus dining discount was applied and the food was really good too!

Great “free” night. I would definitely stay here again if the price was right and I would even take the family here as I saw there is a room for kids activities during summer.View attachment 365735View attachment 365736View attachment 365737View attachment 365738

What kids activities were there? Was there an age suggestion? (Just trying to gauge if my 3 and 6 yr old would like it, or if it’s for older kids)

 

[Silvia]

What kids activities were there? Was there an age suggestion? (Just trying to gauge if my 3 and 6 yr old would like it, or if it’s for older kids)

I saw painting and other stuff that my 3yro would be keen to do. I thought they had a bit of everything for younger and older

 

[aikman]

and $200 in Accor gift cards that no Accor hotel has yet to accept which I desperately wanted to use up.

I'm keen to hear about your experience with the gift cards. Are we talking widespread rejection by staff for no real reason? I'm considering buying one from Costco but don't want to end up being stuck with it.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

To be fair, a junior suite is exaclty that, not two separate rooms.

You're right! Still it would've been nice to have my suite upgraded (maybe I should have called Sofitel a few days before to mention it was a special occasion as it was my birthday and my partner's birthday when we were there!)

No shub...sounds like it's been refurbished. Do you have pics of the bathroom?

Do I ever!



Friends don't let friends do shubs!

I'm keen to hear about your experience with the gift cards. Are we talking widespread rejection by staff for no real reason? I'm considering buying one from Costco but don't want to end up being stuck with it.

Couple points about Accor gift cards. First they cannot be used online to make a payment for a hotel. Instead they must be redeemed directly at the hotel at check-in. This means you cannot use those gift cards on prepaid stays, which if you are an Accor+ member is not appealing since most of the Red Hot Rooms and other discounted stays are prepaid. Second, there is language on the gift cards which says you cannot use an Accor+ rate when redeeming the card (even if you do manage to find a non-prepaid Accor rate). That means that hotels have every right to refuse them if you are an Accor+ member since most of the rates you see will be an Accor+ rates. In practice, as my experience shows, it is possible that some hotels will still let you use those gift cards. Third, not every hotel knows how to use these cards. For instance, I was staying at the Mantra on Sydney Airport and reception could not figure out how to apply them to my stay.

So my advice would be not to buy those gift cards unless you are seeing an exceptional discount and you are staying enough times at Accor properties. In my case, I'm staying over 60 nights a year at Accor properties so it wasn't too difficult to eventually encounter one property that knew how to use them.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Welcome drink: Yes x 2 black dot

I must ask - what does the black dot on the welcome drink voucher mean? Does it mean you can get a proper drink rather than the "house" wines and beers customarily offered?

-RooFlyer88

 

[oz_mark]

You're right! Still it would've been nice to have my suite upgraded (maybe I should have called Sofitel a few days before to mention it was a special occasion as it was my birthday and my partner's birthday when we were there!)

The longer the stay, the more difficult it becomes. One-night stays often get the good upgrades., byt the time you are at 4 nights, the rarer they are