How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[Daver6]

Property: Novotel BNE Airport
Status: Platinum Plus
Room booked: base room using stay plus night. State of origin was on that night so saved $500!
Room upgraded/type: Yes....no! (see below)
Rate: stay plus
Free internet: Yes, average speed
Free breakfast. Yes not used
Early check in/late out: Not required or offered
Welcome drink: Yes.
Welcome gift: Yes (see below)
Recommend: probably not

Needed to overnight by the airport. Pullman was over $800 for a base room, so saving $500 by using the stayplus at the Novotel seemed like a good option.

At check-in I asked about an upgrade (hotel showed as full). Was told it's full but we're in a premier room. Curious to understand the difference I checked the website. Premier room should have a Nespresso machine, robe and slippers. Ours did not. When grabbing a drink at the bar I asked about this at reception (a different person). Was confirmed our room was a base room. So given the old lie about an upgrade and hope the customer doesn't notice.

Room was a Novotel room, no complains. Excellent view and great sound proofing at least. Unless you need to save money, just stay at an airport hotel that's at the airport.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Property: Sofitel Melbourne
Status: Platinum Plus
Room booked: 3x nights junior suite (SNU) 1x base room (see below)
Room upgraded/type: Yes, prestige suite
Rate: flex
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast. Yes but ate in lounge
Early check in/late out: Not required or offered
Welcome drink: Yes.
Welcome gift: Yes (see below)
Recommend: Yes

Only had 3 SNUs to use which gets you to a junior suite. I booked the fourth night separately with a backup plan elsewhere. On check-in advised we were upgraded to a prestige suite which I've stayed in before. It's huge yet has a tiny bathroom with a shub. One day 2 I asked in the lounge if we were to stay on for the fourth night whether we could remain in the same room, despite the booking being for a base room. Tap tap tap on the computer and it says yes, so we stayed on.

I was staying here for work two weeks prior and mentioned on check-out that I'd be back and requested something other than regular chocolate for the welcome gift as MrsDaver6 has a cocoa sensitivity. They left a lovely high-end white chocolate which impressed MrsDaver6.

We also had dinner at No35 restaurant. With the Accor Plus discount it's worthy of a visit. We had the steak to share which was excellent!

Also, last time I stayed, the wifi in my room was patchy and internet speed average. It was much better this time around.

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Thanks for the review @Daver6 staying there for my 70th birthday in 2/52.

 

[masco131]

Property: Sofitel Melbourne
Status: Platinum Plus
Room booked: 3x nights junior suite (SNU) 1x base room (see below)
Room upgraded/type: Yes, prestige suite
Rate: flex
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast. Yes but ate in lounge
Early check in/late out: Not required or offered
Welcome drink: Yes.
Welcome gift: Yes (see below)
Recommend: Yes

Only had 3 SNUs to use which gets you to a junior suite. I booked the fourth night separately with a backup plan elsewhere. On check-in advised we were upgraded to a prestige suite which I've stayed in before. It's huge yet has a tiny bathroom with a shub. One day 2 I asked in the lounge if we were to stay on for the fourth night whether we could remain in the same room, despite the booking being for a base room. Tap tap tap on the computer and it says yes, so we stayed on.

I was staying here for work two weeks prior and mentioned on check-out that I'd be back and requested something other than regular chocolate for the welcome gift as MrsDaver6 has a cocoa sensitivity. They left a lovely high-end white chocolate which impressed MrsDaver6.

We also had dinner at No35 restaurant. With the Accor Plus discount it's worthy of a visit. We had the steak to share which was excellent!

Also, last time I stayed, the wifi in my room was patchy and internet speed average. It was much better this time around.

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Oh when were you there? I was just there on Tuesday, 27th of May and stayed a night. The lounge is actually really nice and have one of the best staff I have encountered.

 

[Daver6]

Oh when were you there? I was just there on Tuesday, 27th of May and stayed a night. The lounge is actually really nice and have one of the best staff I have encountered.

We would have overlapped than. 27th was my last night there. I was the (obviously very good looking) guy in the lounge with a beard and would have been accompanied by MrsDaver6 (blonde lady).

I agree, it really is a peaceful lounge with good service and lovely views.

 

[sap1l]

Just received an email from the Sofitel in Brisbane saying that the club has recently moved down to the ground floor. Has anyone been there since?

If not, I shall be the guinea pig.

 

[PrezRegan]

Got an email from Novotel AKL saying that because I was an elite (am gold so not really but I'll take it) they are offering a free upgrade to the nicer Pullman next door.

I actually booked the Novotel intentionality so I could compare it to the Pullman - I haven't stayed at either but will be flying in and out of Auckland next week a couple times so thought I'd try it out.

Unfortunately I don't care enough about the science of the comparison to say no to the free "upgrade". From what I've seen the Pullman does look nicer so I'll take it

 

[markis10]

Just received an email from the Sofitel in Brisbane saying that the club has recently moved down to the ground floor. Has anyone been there since?

If not, I shall be the guinea pig.

After it converted from a Sheraton it was on the ground floor in an area of the restaurant adjacent to the bar, as a roped off section.

 

[RB001]

Got an email from Novotel AKL saying that because I was an elite (am gold so not really but I'll take it) they are offering a free upgrade to the nicer Pullman next door.

I actually booked the Novotel intentionality so I could compare it to the Pullman - I haven't stayed at either but will be flying in and out of Auckland next week a couple times so thought I'd try it out.

Unfortunately I don't care enough about the science of the comparison to say no to the free "upgrade". From what I've seen the Pullman does look nicer so I'll take it

Good to see that they're still doing this - I had 2 stays a couple of weeks apart last year "upgraded" in the same way - one even after cancelling a flexible boking to secure a better rate.
I do like the range of non-alcoholic options for welcome drinks at the Pullman, particularly as I choose the location due to an early start the next day.
I've stayed multiple times at the Novotel and don't mind it at all, but also don't look this particular gift horse in the mouth.

 

[TheRealTMA]

After it converted from a Sheraton it was on the ground floor in an area of the restaurant adjacent to the bar, as a roped off section.

When was this? When we’ve been there in recent times, it’s been in its own special floor at top of hotel. Always packed.

 

[markis10]

When was this? When we’ve been there in recent times, it’s been in its own special floor at top of hotel. Always packed.

As I said after it rebranded. As a Sheraton its lounge was in a high floor in the north west corner while the top floor was a function space mostly, I had done a few events there. Sofitel did a refurb turning that into the club and also removing the top floor of the opera suite. During the refurb the lounge was as described on the ground floor.

 

[Dr Bob]

Property: Sofitel Melbourne
Status: Accor plus Platinum
Room booked: Superior room for 2 nights applied SNU
Rate: Prepaid no refund $648
Room Upgrade: Yes and YES
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes in lounge as Platinum
Early check in / late out: Arrived at 12.30 and a room was ready
Welcome drink: voucher in app x 2
Welcome Gift: not that was notice

Booked this as a last minute stay 6 nights out so took the pre pay rate as it was nearly $100 cheaper than the refundable and, as a Platinum, didn't need the breakfast included. So with the SNU was getting a Junior Corner Suite which was going for $1440, so was pretty happy.
Now we've been coming to the Sofitel since the late 90's and I'm sure we have stayed on every floor except 50. At check in I didn't listen properly and thought the upgrade was just to the Prestige Suite but in the lift my wife pressed 50 and announced "we've made it".
So the Deluxe Suite Room number 5057 is very flash, lots of marble and leather and quality furnishings but at 61sq. m. is a little smaller than a prestige suite down lower. The bathroom is big with a sperate vanity but, alas, still only a shub. I've always found the Sofitel beds to be very comfortable but this one was superb.
The room is certainly in need of a tec upgrade as there wasn't a USB plug in site only the old data and video sound plugs for the surround sound speakers still in the ceiling. There was a Bose wave radio CD player from the 90's but no CDs so didn't try the volume on that. I checked the rate of the room and it came in at $3045 for the 2 nights.
The lounge staff were excellent again with Derick leading the team. The drinks menu is a welcome addition with regular refills and the evening food selection was better than I've experienced on many occasions.
On my next visits I'm sure I'll be quite happy with superior room bay view or higher floor but I'm going to start asking for a walk in shower and see what happens.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Property: Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Status: Platinum
Room booked: One bedroom (suite like) apartment
Rate: Flexible long stay special rate £168 pn
Room Upgrade: No
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Not applicable
Early check in / late out: Early checkin denied
Welcome drink: voucher in app x 2
Welcome Gift: nil
Value for what you got but his place had the hardest, most uncomfortable bed I've slept in in years. It was a relief to get up.
Recommend: Avoid like the plague.

Just received an email from the Sofitel in Brisbane saying that the club has recently moved down to the ground floor. Has anyone been there since?

If not, I shall be the guinea pig.

A review would be much appreciated. I have 3 consecutive SNUs booked in October there.

 

[PrezRegan]

Property: Pullman AKL Airport
Status: Gold A+
Room booked: Superior room with 1 king bed
Rate: Flexible - 300 NZD*
Room Upgrade: No?
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in / late out: Didn't ask as I have to be at the aiport around 0600
Welcome drink: Technically no?
Welcome Gift: Small platter of chocolates, a card, some water.
Recommend: Yes!

So as mentioned above, I'm staying at the Pullman at AKL airport, after originally booking the Novotel. For those not familiar with AKL airport, the Novotel is actually a lot closer to the airport, being directly opposite it. Whilst getting to the Pullman isn't hard, it requires a short walk that is not undercover - which sucked a bit because it was raining when I landed.

The lobby was packed, but there was no one qeueing at the priroty/Accor line so it was quick for me. No upgrade as far as I'm aware, but there was a platter in my room which was quite tasty so they were clearly tracking I was coming. Room is nice, no shub, quite spacious and matches the pictures in the app. I was going to stay at Novotel, but I'm not sorry I didn't because this room is nice.

I had a quick gym sesh before dinner - the gym is really good! Then went across to the Novotel for dinner just because their menu was a bit cheaper and lighter and I was on the fence about getting food. I do intend to eat at the Pullman when I come back at the end of this week. The lamb cutlets at the Novotel were amazing, really, really good. I was able to use my drink voucher from my original booking (which showed up in the app as cancelled) as I didn't have anything for the Pullman and the booking didn't exist in the app at all, although I did get an email of a pdf confirmation. Dinner came to 33 NZD with the Accor Plus discount for 4 cutlets and a side of veg - not bad value for me, would go again.

Interestingly I appear to have been charged 6 NZD more for this booking than what I originally would've paid, despite being guaranteed that the rate and conditions would be the same. Ah well.

FWIW both hotels get top marks for convenience, and seeing as I'm flying out at 0730 tomorrow I'm happy to pay a bit more to make sure I don't have to worry about Ubers etc. Unfortuntely I won't get a chance to compare with Novotel, but from what I've seen, all things being equal it's worth the extra 20m walk to go here instead, even if it is raining!

 

[sap1l]

Property: Mercure Okinawa Naha
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Classic double
Rate: ~$90 per night, some non-refundable promo rate
Room Upgrade: Yes, Superior King
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: Yes
Early check in / late out: Room not ready until 1.30 (2pm regular check-in time). Late out not required.
Welcome drink: Yes, in restaurant during lunch or for can drinks from concierge.
Welcome Gift: Japanese rice liquor, and some sweets
Recommend: Yes, but don’t pay too much.

This hotel is one of two Accor properties in Naha, and the only one that’s convenient without a car (the Novotel is around 15 mins away from the closest station).

The location is excellent - less than a minute to the station and a Family Mart, with a 7 Eleven ~3 minutes away.

The room itself is perfectly fine, but it’s starting to age - there are marks on the walls, and the furniture is starting to go too. I was staying alone, but I think that if you had two people, the base room would definitely be too small - it was 16m2!

There’s a shub, although small bonus points for having good water pressure and a tub that isn’t too small (I can’t fit in some Japanese shubs).

Breakfast was excellent. I don’t have any pictures unfortunately, but the spread was good, with a rotating set of Japanese dishes, standard western fare, ice cream and alcohol! One minor annoyance was that I was told that breakfast ends at 10:30, but they actually start packing up at 10. I wish they had just told me that breakfast ended at 10.

The breakfast restaurant opens again for lunch, which I did not try, and becomes a “members lounge” in the evenings. My understanding is that there are some snacks and drinks available during this time, but I was not home to have a look.

In terms of amenities, there is a coin laundry on site, which is very convenient. However, there is no pool.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel if you are looking for a convenient place to stay in Naha, and you do not have a car. The Novotel might be a better value hotel overall if the prices are about the same and you don’t need to be near a train station.

 

[PrezRegan]

Property: Novotel MEL airport
Status: Gold A+
Room booked: Superior room with 1 queen bed
Rate: Flexible - $224 AUD
Room Upgrade: No?
Free internet: Yes
Free Breakfast: No
Early check in / late out: Didn't ask as I have to be at the airport around 0630
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome Gift: Chocolate bar, a card, some water.
Recommend: Yes!

Because I am a fan of trying different things (and getting Accor Plat) I thought I'd try out the Novotel instead of my usual airport stay which is the ParkRoyal. As a diehard GHA Titanium I was sorely tempted to take the path of least resistance... then I saw it was twice as expensive and decided to check out the Novotel instead.

So, this place is actually joined with the Ibis (which is a fair bit cheaper) and also about as far away from Terminal 1 (QF domestic) as you can get whilst still saying it's technically still part of the airport. It was a solid 10 min fast walk. Thankfully most of it can be done through the terminals if the weather is bad but there is this awkward bit where you have to go past the massive carpark to get to the Novotel/Ibis complex.

The place looks modern - from the advertising I am getting bombarded with on their website I think it just turned 1. I was given a room on lvl 8 overlooking the carpark/entry to the airport which is busy even as I write this at 2230. The room is decent, not massive but pretty good value.

The gym however... is FREAKING AMAZING! It is possibly the best hotel gym I've ever seen, better than most real gyms I've been to. Leaving aside the heated indoor pool and other wellness facilities such as a sauna (which you may have to pay extra for) the gym has every piece of equipment you could ever want and more, from machines, free weights, bars, cages, and a cardio/lifting room. I would probably stay here just for the gym tbh. My picture will never do it justice so I encourage you to refer to the pics here.

After another gym sesh (a pattern is developing here), I went down to the restaurant Bocatta, for a late dinner. I ordered the market fish (whole snapper) and some beans, and a tiriamisu for dessert. The food was absolutely amazing, I was really surprised by how good all the dishes were. The fish in particular was mind blowingly good - leaving aside the fact that you have to work for your meal, and pick out the bones and scales along the way - it was delicious. All up, with Accor+ discount the meal came to a quite reasonable $60 - I think the fish alone was about $30 and it was definitely worth it. I used my free drink on a glass of acceptable white.

The hotel offers a complementary shuttle as well - which I will take advantage of tomorrow given I have to be back at T1 at 0630. I think you can organise it in advance on arrival (I'm lazy so walked [is that an oxymoron?] to the hotel) but the service does exist and is quite flexible. It's not a hard walk but if this was positioned where the ParkRoyal is, and for this price... I don't think I'd ever stay anywhere else again.