How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest?

[jase05]

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

We have stayed at plenty of MGallery’s and have enjoyed most.
The MGallery Muse Langsuan in Bangkok was to this date our favourite hotel in Bangkok and when it moved from the Accor stable we were very upset

 

[yangry]

Property: Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (Japan)
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Swiss Advantage Room King Plus
Room upgraded/type: Upgraded to a 'Select' room but it was hard to tell.
Rate: ALL Accor+ Explorer - 15% off flexible rate, ¥34,850
Early check in/late out: Late checkout offered but not required
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes in app
Welcome amenity: Some fruits and a small chocolate birthday cake
Recommend: Yes

We only had around 24 hours in Osaka (in and out of Kansai Airport), and the location of Swissotel Nankai Osaka was ideal. Took a train directly from the Airport and the hotel was right within Namba Station.

Only had a minimal upgrade to a 'Select' room but that might be a function of us travelling with others (we had connecting room, which was not requested but was appreciated).

We initially booked three rooms but got an email from the hotel saying there's a limit of two rooms that I can book with the applicable rate. Had to book the third room separately in another person's name.

Breakfast was very very good. Did not have time to visit the lounge.

Property: Novotel Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Standard King Room with 1 King size bed and sofa
Room upgraded/type: Junior Suite with 1 king-size bed and sofa
Rate: ALL Accor+ Explorer - 15% off flexible rate + Member's Stay Plus benefit, $287.04 for two nights
Early check in/late out: Not required
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes, cardboard voucher
Welcome amenity: None
Recommend: Yes

Stayed here for two nights before heading out to the Mongolian steppe. Location was reasonable, there are a number of shops around including a supermarket. 10-15 minute walk to various museums and the Sükhbaatar Square.

Appreciated the upgrage to the Junior Suite but otherwise a fairly unremarkable stay. Breakfast was reasonable.

Property: Sofitel Kunming (China)
Status: Accor+ Platinum
Room booked: Luxury Room City View, One King-size Bed
Room upgraded/type: Same room but on an Executive floor (which was a non-upgrade at all given my status)
Rate: Free night with Accor+ China, then ALL Accor+ Explorer - 15% off flexible rate + Member's Stay Plus benefit, $0 for the first night, $146.98 for the last two nights
Early check in/late out: Not required
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes, in app
Welcome amenity: Fruits
Recommend: Yes

It was my first time using the free night benefit of the Accor+ China, very straight-forward. Booked through the Accor mini program within WeChat, recieved a confirmation email strightaway, and stay appeared within my Accor account strightaway.

The location of the hotel was ok, there's not a lot for tourists within the vicinity of the hotel. We travel to places by Didi, which was very convenient (never more than a two-minute wait) and cheap.

Breakfast spread was very very good. Lounge was reasonable, very friendly service at the lounge, as I needed help with some of the Chinese apps and with booking attractions that required a Chinese phone number, which I didn't have.

Our room was a little bit warm which we mentioned in passing to a lounge staff on Day 2 but it was not fixed.

 

[Seat0B]

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.

This was our experience of the VIE MGallery in BKK too when we stayed there in late 2024 - really liked it a lot. So much so that we will be staying there again on our upcoming "Christmas in the Middle East" trip as as lazy stop over on the way home in early January 2027. I won't even bother looking at other Accor properties there.

 

[jase05]

Property: Pullman Adelaide
Status: Explorer+ Diamond
Room booked: Deluxe, 1 King, City view room
Room upgraded/type: Yes, Junior suite (not really a suite IMO)
Rate: Hotel Sale 20% off, $200p/n
Early check in/late out: Arrived at 5pm, late check out offered until 3pm but only required 1pm
Free internet: Yes.
Welcome drink: Yes, 2 of beer, wine, spirits including top shelf
Welcome amenity: Bottle of Chardonnay, chocolates, fudge and cookies. Parking fee waived
Recommend: Yes

Done a hep of reviews in the past and a 2 night stay at what is a solid enough property. We tend to alternate between the Sofitel and Pullman in town just depending on which side of town we want to stay. Hotel lobby was heaving due to the Suns football team playing there but check in was prompt and greeted by familiar faces. Valet parking offered free of charge as very regular guests and asked which wine we would prefer in room. Upgrade from base category to a Junior suite as per normal and yes I don’t how how they are called suites
Regardless the rooms are comfortable, have very comfortable beds and a nice balcony with great views (was terrible weather though) Heating and cooling is very efficient and showers have stacks of pressure. Welcome gift of chocolates, brownies and cookies and a letter.
Had a quick shower and went down to the EL, food range is small and only a very small seating area but always have no problems getting one and the staff are amazing. As soon as we entered Bohman greeted us by name with the usual “Welcome back Mr and Mrs Jase, your usual?” We always have a Scotch and Soda no ice and vodka lemonade with ice and he always gets it just right and always has the next one ready to go before we finish the other. Very proactive in offering drinks up to the very last minute and then after the staff clear out we often stay and finish the drink and it’s a quiet place to relax. Can use the room at any time and help yourself to soft drinks, water and juice.
First night we didn’t feel like eating out as weather was poor so just had dinner at Parc. Meal was great and Accor dining and beverage discount proactively offered. After dinner went to the bar to claim our welcome drinks and initially offered house wine, beer or coffee but Toby came back and greeted us before offering us the “usual” which includes the decent stuff. My standard drink is Belvedere and Lemonadec and Mrs Jase has the Oban 14yo and a dash of still water. Breakfast a bit of a mess both days as hotel was fairly busy but just your standard fare although they do have amazing bacon and pretty decent coffee.
Used the pool on the Saturday whilst Mrs Jase went shopping and basically did very little for the rest of the stay. Another night down there this weekend ahead of a birthday dinner in town

 

[Muppet501st]

Property: Mercure Townsville
Status: Accor+ Diamond
Room booked: Standard room
Room upgraded/type: Upgraded to a 2 bedroom bungalow
Rate: not sure- thru CT
Early check in/late out: not required
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: Yes
Welcome drink: Yes in app
Welcome amenity: box full of badness

Been 2.5 years since my last visit to Mercure Townsville.​

So nice to see the original staff here, especially Bobbi.
Upgraded to a bungalow which feels more like an upmarket mine site donga. But handy if you have luggage as you can park right next to your bungalow.
Breakfast imo is still my favourite, just has the basic Aussie staples, nothing fancy, it’s just right.
Bathroom a little tight, but best of all, quite.
I recommend swimming in the hotel pool not the lake

 

[goldenhorn]

Property: HYDE Perth
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard/base room
Room upgraded/type: Upgraded to Super King with Pool View
Rate: ~$330/night
Early check in/late out: Didn't require early check-in. Late checkout offered, 1:30pm
Free internet: yes
Free breakfast: Yes, breakfast was à la carte from Farra restaurant next door
Welcome drink: yes, nice wine list
Welcome amenity: a bottle of white wine and chips

A genuinely groovy hotel and a welcome addition to Perth's Accor hotel scene. Check-in at 3pm was smooth after a short wait, Platinum status was recognised straight away, and we scored a nice upgrade from a base room to a Super King with pool view.

Breakfast is à la carte (made at Farra )with excellent barista-made coffee. Didn't get to try Farra, the restaurant next door, but it looks cool and came highly recommended by other guests. On Saturday night, the downstairs bar had a DJ playing, drawing a lively 30-something crowd, but the music wrapped up by 9pm, and the hotel was quiet soon after.

The pool looked inviting, though we didn't get a chance to use it. Worth noting some reviews mention it's heated to 29 degrees, but staff told us it's currently sitting at 23, a bit cool for winter.

Design is a real highlight; everything feels considered and stylish, and staff matched that with genuinely warm, friendly service. Location is excellent too, an easy walk to the Murray Street and Hay Street malls and close to everything in the CBD.

One downside is that the room's layout isn't very functional. The door to your room opens directly onto the bedroom, so there's no privacy if other guests are in the corridor. And there are also sound issues as a result of this. I was woken several times after midnight by rowdy guests returning to their rooms. So, if noise is an issue, this might be worth considering.

Not a budget option, paid around $330 a night versus about $200 at the nearby Novotel Murray St for the same night, but for the design, service, and overall experience, it's an easy choice over the more average options in Perth if you aren't bothered paying a bit more. If you're price sensitive, I'd still go with Novotel Murray Street.

 

[Cloud9]

View attachment 515190

That looks a quality benny. Will give this a try if I ever have to spend a night in the wild west.

 

[ellen10]

Thanks for the review @goldenhorn, I am looking at staying at this hotel in September. Actually also looked at the Novotel Murray Street, which is more expensive for the same stay.
If the restaurant is next door does it give the 30% dining discount? We would have to pay for breakfast.

 

[Daver6]

Property: HYDE Perth
Status: Accor Plus Platinum
Room booked: Standard/base room
Room upgraded/type: Upgraded to Super King with Pool View
Rate: ~$330/night
Early check in/late out: Didn't require early check-in. Late checkout offered, 1:30pm
Free internet: yes
Free breakfast: Yes, breakfast was à la carte from Farra restaurant next door
Welcome drink: yes, nice wine list
Welcome amenity: a bottle of white wine and chips

A genuinely groovy hotel and a welcome addition to Perth's Accor hotel scene. Check-in at 3pm was smooth after a short wait, Platinum status was recognised straight away, and we scored a nice upgrade from a base room to a Super King with pool view.

Breakfast is à la carte (made at Farra )with excellent barista-made coffee. Didn't get to try Farra, the restaurant next door, but it looks cool and came highly recommended by other guests. On Saturday night, the downstairs bar had a DJ playing, drawing a lively 30-something crowd, but the music wrapped up by 9pm, and the hotel was quiet soon after.

The pool looked inviting, though we didn't get a chance to use it. Worth noting some reviews mention it's heated to 29 degrees, but staff told us it's currently sitting at 23, a bit cool for winter.

Design is a real highlight; everything feels considered and stylish, and staff matched that with genuinely warm, friendly service. Location is excellent too, an easy walk to the Murray Street and Hay Street malls and close to everything in the CBD.

One downside is that the room's layout isn't very functional. The door to your room opens directly onto the bedroom, so there's no privacy if other guests are in the corridor. And there are also sound issues as a result of this. I was woken several times after midnight by rowdy guests returning to their rooms. So, if noise is an issue, this might be worth considering.

Not a budget option, paid around $330 a night versus about $200 at the nearby Novotel Murray St for the same night, but for the design, service, and overall experience, it's an easy choice over the more average options in Perth if you aren't bothered paying a bit more. If you're price sensitive, I'd still go with Novotel Murray Street. View attachment 515183View attachment 515184View attachment 515185View attachment 515186View attachment 515187View attachment 515188View attachment 515189View attachment 515190View attachment 515191

I was about to question the pool view form the earlier picks. Clearly I need to look down and not across at the aircon ducting

 

[goldenhorn]

Thanks for the review @goldenhorn, I am looking at staying at this hotel in September. Actually also looked at the Novotel Murray Street, which is more expensive for the same stay.
If the restaurant is next door does it give the 30% dining discount? We would have to pay for breakfast.

Sorry I’m not sure about the A+ discount next door. Breakfast is in the Hyde downstairs bar area but the food is made in Farra and brought across. The quality was excellent. Maybe call them and ask.

 

[jase05]

Thanks for the review @goldenhorn, I am looking at staying at this hotel in September. Actually also looked at the Novotel Murray Street, which is more expensive for the same stay.
If the restaurant is next door does it give the 30% dining discount? We would have to pay for breakfast.

From the exceptions page

• Hyde Perth
  All restaurants and bars: ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 15% off food and beverage

 

[History]

The stay was two weeks ago.

Property: Sofitel Brisbane
Status: Accor+ Gold
Room booked: Classic Room
Room upgraded/type: Luxury Room
Rate: ALL Accor+ Explorer - One Night Free, $254 for a two night stay
Early check in/late out: Not needed, but room was ready an hour and a half prior to arrival
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: No, but I purchased it on one of the mornings, used Accor+ discount. Found it underwhelming, but solid
Welcome drink: Yes in app - hot chocolate time!
Welcome amenity: No... and I raised it at reception, and they seemed a bit shocked and instantly gave a chocolate bar. So yes!
Recommend: Yes

I understand some previous criticisms of Sofitel Brisbane, but tbh, I had a lovely time. The air conditioning worked great, the location was absolutely perfect, I appreciated the fridge (take notes, Sofitel at Darling Harbour), and it was absolutely lovely to swim on a Monday afternoon with pretty much the entire pool to myself. Special note to the staff - who were consistently lovely and kind. When I was leaving the pool, I struggled to climb the stairs, and I kid you not, a staff member (who I think was doing some pool & spa checks, idk) asked if I needed help. And of course, Chromecast is always a plus.

The downsides - in the elevator, a little video plays (it's like an ad) with hip hop music and it is awful and not needed. The shub (shower over bath) is rather shallow, which makes getting in and out easier, but if you planned to have a bath, you couldn't. The overall feel of my room may seem dated, but personally, I did not mind.

Note: Sofitel Brisbane is across the road from ANZAC Square, and you should see it. There are a few museums underneath, near the tunnel, and they offer a fantastic insight into Australian military history during the 20th century. These museums had a few staff to answer questions. Nothing to do with Sofitel - but something worth checking out. Just note the Woolworths nearby is closed on Sundays, as are many of the shops in Central station.

 

[QfHrGr]

I appreciated the fridge (take notes, Sofitel at Darling Harbour),

What's wrong with the fridges in the rooms at the Sofitel DH?

 

[History]

What's wrong with the fridges in the rooms at the Sofitel DH?

They don't really cool drinks or food. I stayed at DH in April, and the drinks were warm.

 

[jase05]

They don't really cool drinks or food. I stayed at DH in April, and the drinks were warm.

This belongs on my pet hates list.
Fridges that are room temperature at best are just useless

 

[Cloud9]

This belongs on my pet hates list.
Fridges that are room temperature at best are just useless

Fair warning - they're very nearly that way at Sofitel City Centre in SIN, too. Even in the Prestige Suites... Two days I've got to leave anything in here to "chill" properly.

 

[Seat0B]

Some very delayed reviews from late September 2025, but probably still worth posting it for information as there are not many reviews for the Balitcs

Property: Novotel Vilnius Centre
Status: Accor Explorer + Platinum
Room booked: Executive King
Room upgraded/type: No, highest grade room already booked, but given a corner room and higher floor so sort of
Rate: Flexible member rate with breakfast, 3 nights $750
Early check in/late out: neither needed
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: No
Welcome drink: Yes in app
Welcome amenity: Yes
Recommend: Yes

Welcome to the Baltics, where people are reserved, direct and a little brusque. Check in was very efficient, but no warmth at all. No acknowledgement of Platinum status. Great English spoken, but did not understand my attempts at humour. Ah well, I guess I'm not here to make friends.

We picked this place for its absolutely fabulous location in the city centre. It was just minutes to walk anywhere to see the major sights of Vilnius - Gediminas Castle, any of the cathedrals, the old town, the museum of occupations and freedom fighters etc. And we could see almost all these directly from our window. There was a tram stop directly opposite the hotel that we used to connect to the train station and to the central markets. A supermarket diagonally opposite. Loads of restaurants and bars within 100-200m walk. A very convenient location.



The room was very comfortable, and there was a separate shower not a shub, so that was very good too. There was also a large entry foyer with coat hanging, a wardrobe and a seat to sit on while putting shoes on/off (no photo) and we found this quite practical.



A good tea/coffee making area, with a fridge cold enough to keep the milk (not provided, form the supermarket):


A nice charcuterie plate (cheese, olives, salami and garlicky snap/cracker things) and 2 mini bottles of wine, and a handwritten note as a welcome amenity:


And a fairly standard buffet breakfast:

The breakfast was literally closed on the minute at finish time. They just pulled a curtain around the buffet and cleared from behind that. So that was that. No chance to sneak in late and grab something if you overslept until the last minute. Did not affect us, but on 2 of the 3 mornings we were there, we saw people miffed at missing out.

We used the welcome drinks for a of glass of wine for Mr Seat0A (perfectly serviceable, he said) and a cafe latte for me at the window seats in the downstairs wine. Made a bit of small talk with the (comparatively) friendly bar tender and she gave him a second glass for free - thus earning a EUR2 tip. She was basically astonished that anyone from Australia would be visiting Latvia, and enjoying it as much as we (truthfully) told her we were. She could not believe we used the trams. I think most of the clientele of this hotel was Euro/UK business people and loud American tourists.

This was a very good hotel for our stay and I would definitely stay here again

 

[Seat0B]

Property: Pullman Riga Old Town
Status: Accor Explorer + Platinum
Room booked: Superior King
Room upgraded/type: Premium Deluxe Suite park view (3 room category upgrade)
Rate: Flexible member rate 15% off with breakfast, 4nights $1210
Early check in/late out: early check in granted on arrival at midday - we planned to just leave our bags but the room was ready. Late check out not needed.
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: No
Welcome drink: Yes in app
Welcome amenity: Yes
Recommend: Yes

Again, selected for its proximity to the old town of Riga and the sights of the city. It was very convenient. The old town is not really near the train station, where we arrived, so we had to do a bit of exploring on public transport - ultimately about a 15 minute ride by tram. The location was great for our stay and activities. Beautiful quiet view from our room. which we appreciated all the more as we came to realise how raucous and rowdy the old town was at night.


The room was huge. It had a King bed, a sitting/TV area and a work desk and coffee station.

I was not a fan of the bathroom though - just a very weird layout.

You accessed the sink area directly off the bedroom without any doors etc and to the left was a toilet cubicle with a sensor light that we could not work out how to turn off and a shower cubicle to the right that was a weird shape and had no where for your clothes or towel to stay dry. So you had to undress in front of the mirror (yikes!) and come out of the shower wet to get dry. Not a biggie, but a bit weird.

Welcome amenity was 2 bottles of sparkling water, a bottle of local beer, a mini bottle of wine, some breadsticks and a nice fruit platter.



The gym, sauna and pool area - we did not use any of these facilities as we walked our legs off each day and collapsed at the end of the day! Probably should have tried harder to use the sauna though.




Breakfast was pretty standard, but by the time I remembered to take photos it was the weekend and very crowded, so I did not get any. Here's the menu. You could choose one hot dish plus all the buffet items which were very standard.



We again used the welcome drink vouchers in the bar for a couple of glasses of wine.

Overall, this is a nice property and conveniently located and I I would stay again.

 

[Seat0B]

Property: Movenpick Hotel Tallinn
Status: Accor Explorer + Platinum
Room booked: Deluxe King
Room upgraded/type: Superior Suite park view (2 room category upgrade)
Rate: Flexible member rate 15% off with breakfast, 4nights $1190
Early check in/late out: Neither needed
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: No
Welcome drink: Yes in app, but not without some issues
Welcome amenity: Yes
Recommend: Yes

A little out of the way, but I wanted to stay at an Accor property to secure Platinum again, and this seemed the better choice. it was only about 20 minutes walk to the main tourist areas, and the local area had a big shopping mall, supermarket, coffee shops, restaurants etc, plus easy access to public transport, pharmac_ and medical facilities (which I needed unfortunately during this stay).

The check in staff here were lovely - they did not get the memo about being dour and reserved, and were helpful and friendly. Again, great English, and they got the jokes!

I arrived sick and forgot to take any photos of the room, but it looked exactly like the Accor Web site photos show.

Buffet breakfast was very nice, with lots of beautiful fresh produce. You could also order eggs cooked freshly to your liking.





We also went to chocolate hour (no photos) which was a big disappointment. I have not been to any other Movenpicks so it wasn't disappointing by comparison, it was objectively disappointing.
There was a chocolate fountain, with a few marshmallows and some cut up fruit, but it did not look lavish, the fruit was a bit tired (compared to the lovely breakfast offerings) and they did not have any forks, skewers or anything out to hold these into the chocolate. Several people asked, and some skewers were promised, but they did not eventuate. Oh well, at least they had some little cakes and biscuits, so we tried to use our welcome drinks for a coffee and a glass of bubbles. No way we were told, these are only for coke or lemonade - neither of which I could drink. Ah, we are over 18, we joked. Fell flat. Slightly to my shame, because I was by now quite sick and over it, I said, nope that won't do. I'm a Platinum and everywhere else in the Baltics, this order has been fine. Do you need to get a manager to authorise it? So off she trudged, and came back in 2 minutes saying it was authorised and what would we like. I don;t know what happened there.

After that, I got sicker and sicker and we received excellent support from reception staff to help navigate our way through the medical options open to me (it was a severe urinary tract infection, now about 36 hrs before we headed back to Helsinki to fly home). Once we said we would pay whatever it cost to avoid the public medical system, the reception staff sent me back to bed, called around until they found a private clinic that would take me for an appointment, arranged transport to the clinic, advised how the prescription system worked and pointed us to the very near by pharmac_ and soon I had some antibiotics working their magic.

Because of all this, I did not use the amazing spa and sauna at this hotel. Mr Seat0A did and said it was wonderful, but no photos.

So overall, again, I would recommend this hotel and would stay here again if I am ever back in Tallinn - which I hope might happen as I was too sick to see most of the planned sights.

 

[History]

Some very delayed reviews from late September 2025, but probably still worth posting it for information as there are not many reviews for the Balitcs

Property: Novotel Vilnius Centre
Status: Accor Explorer + Platinum
Room booked: Executive King
Room upgraded/type: No, highest grade room already booked, but given a corner room and higher floor so sort of
Rate: Flexible member rate with breakfast, 3 nights $750
Early check in/late out: neither needed
Free internet: Yes
Free breakfast: No
Welcome drink: Yes in app
Welcome amenity: Yes
Recommend: Yes

Welcome to the Baltics, where people are reserved, direct and a little brusque. Check in was very efficient, but no warmth at all. No acknowledgement of Platinum status. Great English spoken, but did not understand my attempts at humour. Ah well, I guess I'm not here to make friends.

We picked this place for its absolutely fabulous location in the city centre. It was just minutes to walk anywhere to see the major sights of Vilnius - Gediminas Castle, any of the cathedrals, the old town, the museum of occupations and freedom fighters etc. And we could see almost all these directly from our window. There was a tram stop directly opposite the hotel that we used to connect to the train station and to the central markets. A supermarket diagonally opposite. Loads of restaurants and bars within 100-200m walk. A very convenient location.

View attachment 515284View attachment 515292

The room was very comfortable, and there was a separate shower not a shub, so that was very good too. There was also a large entry foyer with coat hanging, a wardrobe and a seat to sit on while putting shoes on/off (no photo) and we found this quite practical.

View attachment 515286View attachment 515285View attachment 515287

A good tea/coffee making area, with a fridge cold enough to keep the milk (not provided, form the supermarket):
View attachment 515288

A nice charcuterie plate (cheese, olives, salami and garlicky snap/cracker things) and 2 mini bottles of wine, and a handwritten note as a welcome amenity:

View attachment 515289
And a fairly standard buffet breakfast:
View attachment 515290View attachment 515291
The breakfast was literally closed on the minute at finish time. They just pulled a curtain around the buffet and cleared from behind that. So that was that. No chance to sneak in late and grab something if you overslept until the last minute. Did not affect us, but on 2 of the 3 mornings we were there, we saw people miffed at missing out.

We used the welcome drinks for a of glass of wine for Mr Seat0A (perfectly serviceable, he said) and a cafe latte for me at the window seats in the downstairs wine. Made a bit of small talk with the (comparatively) friendly bar tender and she gave him a second glass for free - thus earning a EUR2 tip. She was basically astonished that anyone from Australia would be visiting Latvia, and enjoying it as much as we (truthfully) told her we were. She could not believe we used the trams. I think most of the clientele of this hotel was Euro/UK business people and loud American tourists.

This was a very good hotel for our stay and I would definitely stay here again

I went to this hotel in December last year, where my status with Classic and I found the staff's lack of warmth and manners extremely jarring. I ended up giving the hotel a poor review because of several incidents relating to noise outside, not being able to use points at checkout, and a staff member making the most hostile faces at the bar. I did take it up with Accor corporate (mostly because I couldn't use points at checkout) and was given 1,000 points as an apology.

That said, the hotel is perfectly reasonable as a Novotel. The buffet is efficent, the room is well equipped, and I don't know if I'd stay there again, but the location was terrific (I do think they should have earplugs... but that's another topic for another time)

The people of the Baltics are, as you said, reserved, direct, and a tad brisque. Still, Vilnius is probably the more international out of the three Baltic capitals. I heard Polish, Lithuanian, German, Ukrainian, English, etc. I found the Palace rather excellent in Vilnius, and the Cathedral has a gorgeous exterior but a bit dark inside. Nice walking around the city. Riga and Tallinn have greater old towns, yet are also smaller, with a strong Russian presence with prominently located embassies and churches. Vilnius was the only Baltic capital where I did not hear Russian.