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).

 

[Assassin]

The benefits in Europe are much less than in Asia Pacific - no breakfast and few hotels have lounges. Also, the European hotels don't seem to upgrade to the same degree as in AP. If you are travelling mostly in Australia / Asia to hotels with lounges, then it's a definite benefit.

 

[MSAstro]

Figured this thread would be the best place for it - I'm about to hit Platinum for the first time after my next stay in October. Have been Gold (A+) through Amex Plat for many years. I'd be interested to hear any tips or suggestions from people or things you didn't think about when making the step up?

I've always booked a room that I'm at least comfortable staying in, given the upgrades with Gold are very minimal. (And by saying that I'm comfortable in, I mean the wife!). I see a lot of you with Platinum or above book the absolute base room. Is that something it takes a while to get comfortable doing, knowing you are likely to get an upgrade? (depends on how likely I guess).

 

[Daver6]

I would still book the room you're comfortable staying in. While I've had some great upgrades at times, there are just as many with either no upgrade or a meaningless upgrade (eg, same room on a different level or view).

 

[oz_mark]

I would book what you are comfortable with. In most cases, I am ok with a base room which is why I book it like that. There are, of course, exceptions!

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Figured this thread would be the best place for it - I'm about to hit Platinum for the first time after my next stay in October. Have been Gold (A+) through Amex Plat for many years. I'd be interested to hear any tips or suggestions from people or things you didn't think about when making the step up?

I've always booked a room that I'm at least comfortable staying in, given the upgrades with Gold are very minimal. (And by saying that I'm comfortable in, I mean the wife!). I see a lot of you with Platinum or above book the absolute base room. Is that something it takes a while to get comfortable doing, knowing you are likely to get an upgrade? (depends on how likely I guess).

It depends.
If you are new to the hotel, I would book the least expensive room you are comfortable in.
However if you become a regular guest, this may be unnecessary.
I regularly have a "staycation" at the Novotel in Perth so am well known there.
The managers have explicitly told me that, for short stays, I can book the cheapest room, and they will upgrade me to the best room available, including suites. I am now Diamond, but in my experience, the difference from Platinum is only a question of degree. They may not upgrade Platinum to the suites, for example.
In my view, Platinum is the sweet spot in the programme.

 

[Pvcmenace]

My last actual proper upgrade was July 25th 2004 in Venice at the then Sofitel Venice from the entry level room to the rooftop suite. 22 years later and half that time as platinum nothing better than a better view, higher floor even when booked into junior suites etc.
Prior to that it was 2001 when from the Sofitel Melbourne staying in a prestige suite, I asked for an upgrade “Sorry sir you are in our best room” I enquired what about level 50? “Oh we don’t sell those rooms” Long and the short we stayed in the “Manhattan Suite” circa 80’s decor, record player and cassette collection. It was great. Now it’s the Imperial Suite.

 

[k_sheep]

I always book absolute cheapest but for me as long as it has a bed and access to a bathroom, I'm set!

 

[jb747]

Well, they're next to each other on the periodic table, so perhaps not much.

 

[Seat0B]

I book the lowest grade room that I am happy with and then if I get an upgrade, great! If not, I have a room that I am happy with.

For me, this is usually the second cheapest room - we tend to stay a few days in a single location and so I prefer a slightly bigger room over the very entry level of they have one. But if it's just an overnight, the cheapest room will do. I'd say my hit rate on getting an upgrade (some are real, some are just to a higher floor/better view) is realistically 80% of the time, I get an upgrade, and quite often it's a very nice upgrade too. I have noticed that if I ever use a Stay Plus night (ha, very hard to do), even if I use 1 might and stay for a week, I do not get any upgrade. So if that applies to you, it might be worth thinking it through when you book - is that OK? Should you book the Stay Plus 2 nights and then the rest of the nights separately and move in between? Would you be lucky enough to get upgraded if you did this?

 

[SYD]

Well, they're next to each other on the periodic table, so perhaps not much.

But you’d be mad to go up a level using that scale!

 

[Flyfrequently]

I book the lowest grade room that I am happy with and then if I get an upgrade, great! If not, I have a room that I am happy with.

For me, this is usually the second cheapest room - we tend to stay a few days in a single location and so I prefer a slightly bigger room over the very entry level

Should you book the Stay Plus 2 nights and then the rest of the nights separately and move in between? Would you be lucky enough to get upgraded if you did this?

Agree with booking a room you are happy with @Seat0B " guaranteed room upgrade- subject to availability" means to me, never guaranteed!

Slightly different scenario (haven't used Stay plus ) but for Sofitel Nusa Dua this year ( my 1st using SNU) booked our 5 nights in 2 separate bookings and moved rooms.
Guess it would depend on hotel occupancy, Sofitel wasn't heavily booked but no upgrade on the non SNU booking.