My review of the Platinum status at Accor Hotels
The loyalty program has 5 statuses (from the simplest to the most prestigious):
- Classic
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
So far, I’ve enjoyed Gold status thanks to the shareholder club benefits offering Gold status for a year (which was extended by a year due to Covid-related travel restrictions).
In 2022, I had the opportunity to stay 45 nights in Accor hotels and earned 15 status nights through my (free) membership in the Accor payment card. I thus earned Platinum status, which requires 60 nights or €5,600 in spending.
Here’s my take on the various perks that come with Platinum status.
Member rates
Whatever your status, Accor gives you a 10% discount off the public rate. It’s not much, but it does ensure that the price won’t be higher than what you’d find on Booking. A few years ago, a loyal customer could end up paying more for a room by booking directly with Accor than a regular customer through Booking…
Online check-in and express check-out
Basic but nice. You can enter your payment method and passport number online. Check-in and check-out are quick.
Free internet access worldwide
In 2023, touting this as a perk is a bit of a joke, since internet access has become so standard.
Platinum and Diamond members can enjoy Premium Wi-Fi in hotels that offer it, but I’ve never actually seen one.
Access to private sales and previews
Maybe I’m not subscribed to the right newsletter, but I’ve never heard of this :s
Fitness center and sports facilities
The perk is getting free access if the facility normally charges, but again, I’ve never seen a paid gym at an Accor hotel.
Dedicated customer service
A real plus: starting at Platinum, you get a dedicated phone line to reach customer service. Below Platinum, you have to fill out an online form with hit-or-miss response times.
Partner perks
I haven’t dug into this much. However, I’ve linked my Accor account to my Flying Blue account, and every stay at Accor earns me a few Air France miles. It’s trivial, but I won’t turn my nose up at it.
Priority check-in
It’s not systematic, but some hotels, like Sofitel, have a dedicated counter for Silver and above. It’s really handy when you arrive right after a tour group—no waiting.
Welcome drink
I talked about it here, it’s a nice little touch.
Early check-in and late check-out
Silver status gives you late check-out.
Gold status gives you either early check-in OR late check-out.
From Platinum status, you get both early check-in AND late check-out.
If a standard night runs from 3 PM to noon (21 hours), you can check in at noon and leave at 3 PM the next day (6 extra hours). Great for aligning with your travel schedule.
Room availability guarantee
I’ve never had to use this, but up to 2 days before your planned travel date, Accor will find you a room even if the hotel is fully booked.
This benefit should be taken with a grain of salt, as certain dates are excluded from this guarantee. These dates correspond to periods when there are major events (conferences, sports, concerts, etc.), precisely when the hotel is most likely to be fully booked.
Upgrade to a higher room category
Subject to availability. If no higher category room is available, you’ll get the best room in your category.
Unless the hotel is truly full, it’s systematic, and it’s very much appreciated.
Personalized attention
Mostly symbolic, but it always pleases. It usually comes in the form of a small treat waiting for you in your room.
Suite Night Upgrade
Upon reaching Platinum status, you get two Suite Night Upgrades, which allow you to book a suite at the price of a standard room. Very nice!
Executive Lounge access
In Accor’s most prestigious brands (I believe it’s standard at Sofitel, for instance), there might be an Executive Lounge. Similar to airport lounges, you can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks over a very wide time window.
Complimentary breakfast
Only in Asia-Pacific hotels.
In Southeast Asia, where I’ve frequently stayed with Accor, breakfast is usually already included in the base rate anyway. So I struggle to see the benefit in those cases 😀 But it’s a great perk when breakfast is charged extra.
Turndown service
For Sofitel, Fairmont, and MGallery hotels. A housekeeper comes by in the evening to prepare your room for the night, closing the curtains, retouching the bed, and often leaving a little treat.
I was puzzled the first time I heard about this, but it’s actually a nice touch. You get used to luxury quickly 🙂
Conclusion
The gap between Gold and Platinum status, even though there’s no revolution, is still notable, as you also get:
- Early arrival AND late departure
- Two Suite Night Upgrades
- Executive Lounge access
- Complimentary breakfast in Asia-Pacific hotels.
Reaching Diamond status (out of my reach) additionally offers:
- Complimentary weekend breakfast worldwide
- A €100 credit per year for the restaurant and spa
- The gift of Gold status to a person of your choice
