How much of a step up is platinum from gold?

[History]

Hello everyone!

Every year, I do several domestic trips (not work related) to Australian cities to see shows, events, etc and try to go abroad at least once every 12 months. However, it looks like there is an exciting opportunity for me to earn a bit more money this time by next year, and after my sensible allocations to bills, taxes, and savings, I'm considering maybe an extra trip or two.

I'm currently on Accor Gold (Plus) and I'm wondering if it is worth aiming for Platinum next year, because I have a trip to China planned, one in New Zealand, and of course, a European and MENA trip (world affairs depending on the latter). I usually travel solo and for leisure, the nature of my work does allow for the occassional digital nomad day. I like the Accor program, I stay in all levels of service from economy to luxury (depending on destination), and the perk I seem to most value from the platinum offerings is the free breakfast in Asia-Pacific. Unsure whether lounge access is nice or worth it, as I've never experienced it before.

So, I'm curious to hear whether Accor Platinum is worth it, because the alternative is staying as a Gold and trying out other hotel brands like Shangri-La, IHG, and Hyatt, or OTAs. Thanks for any advice,
Madeleine

 

[goldenhorn]

Since I became platinum I’ve never looked back. But I love the whole executive lounge experience which really makes it for me, along with free breakfast. And I generally only book hotels where there’s an executive lounge where possible. I don’t really care that much about welcoming amenities although upgrades are always nice.

The big challenge I’ve noticed over the last two years is now that so many people are platinum due to the Accor subscriptions that make it relatively easy., many of the lounges are overcrowded and the experience is less pleasant. Sometimes there’s a rush for the food and drinks and it’s a bit like “pigs at the trough” I’m afraid to say.

For me though, trips to Vietnam have been the best platinum experience. They roll out the red carpet and you’re treated like royalty. The upgrades are fabulous and the lounges are very good.

 

[History]

I guess I kind of assumed executive lounges were for business or networking travellers, or for massive hotels with hundreds upon hundreds of rooms (like the Stamford in Singapore). Not against trying a lounge, but it isn't a deal breaker.

I do value the possibility of upgrades, early check in AND late check out, and Asia-Pacific breakfasts, as I find them rather expensive in Australia and New Zealand, at least.

Thanks for answering

 

[goldenhorn]

I guess I kind of assumed executive lounges were for business or networking travellers, or for massive hotels with hundreds upon hundreds of rooms (like the Stamford in Singapore). Not against trying a lounge, but it isn't a deal breaker.

I do value the possibility of upgrades, early check in AND late check out, and Asia-Pacific breakfasts, as I find them rather expensive in Australia and New Zealand, at least.

Thanks for answering

The breakfasts are a huge value, and if you're not into lounges, probably the best part of being platinum.

Almost all the breakfasts we've had in Asia are generally spectacular buffet breakfasts that impress.

 

[Seat0B]

I agree with the other posters that the free breakfast in Asia Pacific is a fabulous benefit. I have also (in an inconsistent way) had free breakfast in the Middle East. The other big benefits for me are the early and late checkout - and sometimes these have been stellar eg check in at 11 am (in Europe) and check out at 6pm (in Singapore) as the stand outs, but many less substantial early and late checkouts have been enjoyed. The upgrades I have had as a Platinum are fantastic, and offered nearly every stay, in every location. I also like the executive lounge privileges and so far have not had the totally crowded experience mentioned by others. Some places are more generous in the lounge than others, but usually you can relax with a nice drink and at least a snack, with some places effectively giving you a free grazing style dinner if you stay long enough! I have been Gold for several years previously and now Platinum for 3 years and I would not like to go back to Gold.

 

[Cutty]

Agree with the above comments regarding the breakfasts, this is by far the most valuable perk for me. I travel for work most months, solo, and so the room upgrades are nice when you are alone. But the breakfast benefit is a huge cost saver for me when I travel for leisure with my family, as everyone in the one room gets the free breakfast. Taking two kids to a buffet can save hundreds daily as they often eat enough to skip a heavy lunch!

We travelled to Fiji earlier this year and had a wonderful stay at the Sofitel; it paid for the Plus annual fee for many years. 4x person saving on a huge buffect breaksast daily as well as an upgrade to a family suite. Couldn't ask for more.

So if you have some personal travel with others staying in your same room coming up, definitely reach for Plat.

 

[Daver6]

For me the step up from gold to platinum is quite significant. As everyone has touched on the breakfasts themselves can be quite valuable. Lounge access too, especially if the offering is good enough for a light meal. If you add on a few drinks, then it can be a real money saver.

It's hard to quantify room upgrades. It's so individual the value too. Obliviously a suite is nicer than a room but if you're not spending much time in your room then the value is less. If it's a flop and drop holiday then way more valuable (or even just a room with a nicer view).