How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[Cloud9]

Agree with the others go for it for the bucket list.
Just double check how many points they will let you use for one reservation.
If you have Diamond Status you will have the butler service regardless of room choice, not just in suites.
Both Diamond & Platinum have guaranteed restaurant availability.

However I also agree that the Sofitel City Centre is an immaculate choice.
The Privilege Suites are incredible.

It isn't quite as luxurious but the Swisshotel is also nice and they often have very good deals on suites.
The corner ones are the best.

Yeah - Crest suite's always good.

Plus, much easier to get to bed from Skai when you've indulged a little too much.

 

[Daver6]

Talking of up-market is Raffles Singapore worth it for a bucket list 3 night stay? It would be in January and about 12 hundred +++ a night but I do have about 100K points I could burn which would go a long way to settle the bill. We would top it off with SQ First back to Syd.

Might be worth investing in Accor Plus and using a Stay Plus night for that.

Yeah - Crest suite's always good.

Plus, much easier to get to bed from Skai when you've indulged a little too much.

You mean butler service won't carry you back to the Raffles?

 

[dairyfloss]

Just double check how many points they will let you use for one reservation.

Should be pretty safe on this front - the limit is apparently 1,000,000 rewards points per reservation!

 

[DejaBrew]

Should be pretty safe on this front - the limit is apparently 1,000,000 rewards points per reservation!

(checks ALL+ Points balance)

Just as I thought - zero risk of hitting the limit

 

[jase05]

Might be worth investing in Accor Plus and using a Stay Plus night for that.

Very limited availability each day for Raffles Singapore. Need to get in very early

 

[Cloud9]

Might be worth investing in Accor Plus and using a Stay Plus night for that.

You mean butler service won't carry you back to the Raffles?

I'm way too bloody heavy, pal.

Way too heavy.

No poor bugger gets paid enough to deal with me, pissed as a newt, trying to dance with doormen, while switching between English, Latin, and Greek. (Yes, this is a thing). Let alone having to carry me.

 

[RooFlyer]

Property: Hôtel Mercure Amiens Cathedrale, Normandy
Status: Explorer+ Platinum
Room booked: Suite with terrace, cathedral view
Room upgraded/type: No - booked top category
Rate: A$400
Early check in/late out: N/A
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome amenity: Couple of small sweets
Recommend: Yes

At the end of a long trip, I booked a 'top' room to relax in and take in the view, but it was only partly successful. It was 38 degrees, so the curtains stayed shut all the time!







Ooops - hi there.



The 'cathedral view' was true to its word, but too hot to stay outside to admire it!



In the evening light ...



Funny set-up; the loo was right around the other side of the 'suite', rather than near the bathroom, which was off the bedroom. But overall pretty good. Parking off site, 5 mins walk away. Two restaurants directly below this room - but closed by 11.

 

[rake]

Property: Mercure Canberra Belconnen, Canberra
Status: Explorer+ Platinum
Room booked: Executive Studio Room with Separate Lounge, Sofa Bed and Bath
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: A$557
Early check in/late out: Early check in asked, but not availed. Late checkout requested during stay, granted for 11am
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes - on the app, but did not avail
Welcome amenity: Wine bottle., water bottle and couple of Tim Tam

Stayed as a family. The italian restaurant next door - Giannis - has great pizzas! The breakfast is served at the Labor Club next door - no live kitchen but an average variety of hot and cold food. Parking was $15 per 24h - Kudos to them it included free EV charging (4 bays).

 

[QfHrGr]

Wondering if there are any recent experiences with the Kuala Lumpur Banyan Tree or the Pavilion by BT stays as to breakfast, club lounge and recognition of status.
I'm looking for late July/early Aug. I had a booking for Pullman KL in an apartment but cancelled because my friends returned and told me the apartments are old and not very nice. I tried to get an upgrade/change as a Diamond but the woman in charge of the club lounge would only change me to a Premier room (they're nice but I hate having to turn my head to watch TV (news mainly) which are next to the bed rather than in front of it. Yes it swivels out but it's still next to the bed not down from it. She insisted the hotel is strictly 1 category upgrade regardless of Plat or higher. BTW @jase05, she's not aware of PCV nor how the status is achieved (paid stays or membership earned). All status guests are treated the same she says. She was surprised at your Dlx rm to Gov Suite upgrade when I was pointing out that she was perhaps mistaken about the hotel's strict 1 category upgrade rule. Last year I booked Premier and got upgraded to the same room type on a higher floor with club access (that's her strict 1 category upgrade). Rather put me off so looking at alternative Accor but want to be sure I'm changing for a better hotel. Hope for some feedback on the 2 alternatives in the same locality. I am already staying at the Sofitel Damansara later into the trip.

 

[oz_mark]

PCV is an Amadeus thing, and really only has meaning within the process it is being used. It ranks people rather than provides a number to anyone

 

[jase05]

Wondering if there are any recent experiences with the Kuala Lumpur Banyan Tree or the Pavilion by BT stays as to breakfast, club lounge and recognition of status.
I'm looking for late July/early Aug. I had a booking for Pullman KL in an apartment but cancelled because my friends returned and told me the apartments are old and not very nice. I tried to get an upgrade/change as a Diamond but the woman in charge of the club lounge would only change me to a Premier room (they're nice but I hate having to turn my head to watch TV (news mainly) which are next to the bed rather than in front of it. Yes it swivels out but it's still next to the bed not down from it. She insisted the hotel is strictly 1 category upgrade regardless of Plat or higher. BTW @jase05, she's not aware of PCV nor how the status is achieved (paid stays or membership earned). All status guests are treated the same she says. She was surprised at your Dlx rm to Gov Suite upgrade when I was pointing out that she was perhaps mistaken about the hotel's strict 1 category upgrade rule. Last year I booked Premier and got upgraded to the same room type on a higher floor with club access (that's her strict 1 category upgrade). Rather put me off so looking at alternative Accor but want to be sure I'm changing for a better hotel. Hope for some feedback on the 2 alternatives in the same locality. I am already staying at the Sofitel Damansara later into the trip.

Sounds like she really isn’t sure of much
TBH I’d be very disappointed as a Diamond at any hotel that only gave a 1 category upgrade.
The Governor suite was quite nice though
Can’t comment on the Pavilion but many stays at the BT and as I’ve noticed in the last few stays the standard seems to have dropped. You are paying for the views but the rooms are quite nice and they do usually offer decent upgrades especially if you snag a sky or sanctuary suite. Staff are mostly great but status recognition can be a touch lacking. No club lounge but breakfast is quite decent with a buffet plus a-la-carte menu with some great dishes

 

[QfHrGr]

Sounds like she really isn’t sure of much
TBH I’d be very disappointed as a Diamond at any hotel that only gave a 1 category upgrade.
The Governor suite was quite nice though
Can’t comment on the Pavilion but many stays at the BT and as I’ve noticed in the last few stays the standard seems to have dropped. You are paying for the views but the rooms are quite nice and they do usually offer decent upgrades especially if you snag a sky or sanctuary suite. Staff are mostly great but status recognition can be a touch lacking. No club lounge but breakfast is quite decent with a buffet plus a-la-carte menu with some great dishes

Thanks for the response.
Pavilion by BT informed me they are not full Accor. Explorer+dining discounts are not offered. I couldn't find out if it earns full ALL points or at reduced rates. Not sure where to look that up either.

 

[serfty]

Not sure where to look that up either.

You can review ALL+ variations here:

ALL Accor+ Explorer Member Stay Benefits Variations

Discover Accor Plus membership stay and dining exceptions for some hotels and resorts. Also, access blackout dates of the year.

www.accorplus.com

Note that while Pavilion by Banyan Tree is not a brand specifically excluded by that page, it would fall under the general exclusion for "The Banyan Group".

 

[jase05]

You can review ALL+ variations here:

ALL Accor+ Explorer Member Stay Benefits Variations

Discover Accor Plus membership stay and dining exceptions for some hotels and resorts. Also, access blackout dates of the year.

www.accorplus.com

Note that while Pavilion by Banyan Tree is not a brand specifically excluded by that page, it would fall under the general exclusion for "The Banyan Group".

BT properties normally earn full points so the Pavilion should too.
I do find BT a bit weird though as despite being in Accor it just feels at times like they try to stay at arms length and can pick and choose what benefits they apply. Their properties are mostly good but I’d say that out of the Accor brands they are the ones I have to argue with most to get benefits

 

[serfty]

BT properties normally earn full points so the Pavilion should too.
I do find BT a bit weird though as despite being in Accor it just feels at times like they try to stay at arms length and can pick and choose what benefits they apply. Their properties are mostly good but I’d say that out of the Accor brands they are the ones I have to argue with most to get benefits

Properties generally earn points as per the ALL terms.

@QfHrGr's referred to ALL Explorer + benefits at a Banyan Tree Group property. FWIW, these BT group properties are also listed as a general exclusion from any Explorer+ Dining benefits.

ALL Accor+ Explorer Member Dining Benefits Variations

Discover Accor Plus membership stay and dining exceptions for some hotels and resorts. Also, access blackout dates of the year.

www.accorplus.com

 

[jase05]

@QfHrGr's referred to ALL Explorer + benefits at a Banyan Tree Group property. FWIW, these BT group properties are also listed as a general exclusion from any Explorer+ Dining benefits.

They did also ask if the property earns full points for stays and from my experience BT properties earn the full amount not reduced like Peppers, Mantra etc

 

[Silvia]

Property: Novotel South Brisbane
Status: Explorer+ Gold
Room booked: Junior N Suite with 1 King Bed
Room upgraded/type: No
Rate: All Accor+explorer red hot room $230pn
Early check in/late out: Room ready at 1pm, won’t need late check out
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome amenity: bottle of wine
Recommend: Yes, but after Sept 2026

Ok, so I couldn’t see this property much in this thread. Currently some renos until September so I would recommend to wait until it’s all completed. It all looked very disorganised.

We had a level 2 room with a view to a tank , which isn’t ideal but also not here for the view so whatever. Regardless of it, the manager extended free breakfast to all of us which was a nice touch as no room upgrade or no higher floor was available.

As a FYI - barista coffee at breakfast is at an extra charge.

Drink vouchers were at the restaurant which is at partial capacity and some staff were being trained as such slower service but all quite polite.

Some nice features, one of the best hair dryers I’ve seen at a hotel, pool was great too. The power plugs are at not very convenient spots (e.g. not near the couch and just opposite the wall where you have to place things on the floor)

In all for the price, I would stay again but if you come soon, just expect a bit of a mess in the check in process and the experience.

 

[Daver6]

Does anyone have a name or contact for the GM or someone senior at Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney?

 

[Cloud9]

Does anyone have a name or contact for the GM or someone senior at Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney?

Here you go, bro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atsuko-asano-aa4ba741/?locale=en

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Property: Sofitel City Centre Singapore
Status: Explorer+ Platinum
Room booked: Luxury Room
Room upgraded/type: Luxury Room High Floor
Rate: Accor Plus BOGO (2 nights)
Early check in/late out: Yes
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome amenity: Couple of small sweets
Recommend: Maybe

I found experience mediocre. To date, I'm not sure I've stayed at a Sofitel that I've enjoyed. Perhaps the brand doesn't resonate with me or maybe I have unrealistic expectations. Rooms are well appointed. Still looking great for a 10 year old hotel. Lounge offerings are great and lounge staff are very attentive. Breakfast offering had an excellent spread. I would recommend the restaurant over the lounge.

I found the soft touch elements lacking (if we exclude the lounge). It didn't give me a sense of luxury. Porters/Bellmen downstairs seemed to always be on their phones watching videos. No interest in greeting guests or saying hello/welcome back. Check in was a little odd as the staff didn't seem to know whether I've stayed at the hotel before (I hadn't). Wouldn't they have a record and if there was no record, then they could have continued to explain to me the facilities? Staff overall seemed disinterested.

Prior to staying at the Sofitel, I had stayed at the Conrad at MBS on a free night booking. Despite the Conrad being slightly dated and heaving with elites, the environment that staff were able to create made the experience more pleasant than the Sofitel. As another point of comparison, I also found the Pullman on Hill Street more enjoyable (free night + 1 paid night).

Depending on the activity and price, I would prefer Conrad over Sofitel. The food selection in the lounge is higher quality at Conrad than Sofitel. Sofitel wins in terms of location and has access to a great MRT line. I found the circle line or DT line of the Conrad a bit annoying to get around to the places I frequent.

---

Property: VIE Hotel Bangkok - MGallery Collection
Status: Explorer+ Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe Room
Room upgraded/type: Deluxe Suite
Rate: Unlock Luxury (-25%) (4 nights)
Early check in/late out: N/A
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes
Welcome amenity: Couple of small sweets
Recommend: Yes

The only other MGallery Collection I've stayed at was the Silveri at HKG. VIE Hotel was excellent. Breakfast was great if you preferred asian options over western options. The hotel was a bit dated with some of the finishes and fittings starting to fall apart. I've visited the "Lounge" once. It was just downstairs in the Bar area. Food options were okay but nothing fancy. Drink selection was decent but I don't think there was any champagne but happy to be corrected.

Location wise, it's next to Ratchathewi BTS station and 10-15 minute walk from Siam BTS station/Shopping Malls. They also have a tuktuk service that departs to Siam every hour on the hour that's free. I enjoyed the location as it wasn't too busy (like around the shopping centre) but also close enough that if I wanted to be in that environment I could easily go there.

Staff were impeccable. I've never seen staff pay attention to such little detail. As an example, on the day I was departing, I had ordered a taxi and when I got into the car, the staff member realised it was a little cramped for me and adjusted the seat for me without prompting. Similarly, at the restaurant for breakfast, the staff member asked whether I wanted to sit in the same location as the day before. The entire experience felt incredibly personal.

I would definitely return back depending on my activities but the location and staff make it a stand out for me. As a point of comparison I would take this over the Sofitel at Sukhumvit if the location was suitable.

I'm not sure where MGallery collection sits in terms of tiers but It's definitely one of my favourites when compared to Sofitels.