Le Club Accorhotels - A|Club will rename to Le Club Accorhotels

http://www.a-club.com/partners/leclub/en/

On March 28, A|Club will become
Le Club Accorhotels
From now on, it's even easier to manage your account and your reservations directly at www.accorhotels.com

Not unlike Air France, Le Club ;)

Would be the perfect time to introduce some overdue changes to the programme. Name change without improvements = damp squib.

I find it quite interesting that they appear to be fully integrating the "Le Club" functionality into the main accorhotels.com website. Could this lead to the long-awaited ability to book pre-paid rates with points, or would that be too much to hope for?

Would be the perfect time to introduce some overdue changes to the programme. Name change without improvements = damp squid.

Squid does tend to be damp (unlike squibs)... ;)

But yes, developing a system to automatically request an upgrade for members would be nice, as would expanding benefits to more of their chains.

I wonder whether it will still be stupidly easy to get Plat status when the change goes through?

:D Damn that spell check :p

I find it quite interesting that they appear to be fully integrating the "Le Club" functionality into the main accorhotels.com website. Could this lead to the long-awaited ability to book pre-paid rates with points, or would that be too much to hope for?

It might be the next move, as Accor clearly set its marketing and loyalty programs to international standards, and is now a seperate company from Edenred (part of the reason to use cheques instead of points).

If Accor improves its Sofitels (more luxurious properties, more destinations, club, pool) and its loyaly programme (like InterContinental Royal Ambassasor), I could be one of their most loyal customers (like the quality of service at Accor hotels, but not a big fan of their design and location).

As the date for the name change is approaching, is there anything improvements to the programme or is it just a name change?

As the date for the name change is approaching, is there anything improvements to the programme or is it just a name change?

Paging the Accor Concierge ;)

Hi tycosiao,

While the name is changing, like you rightly point out, the terms and conditions of the program will remain the same until further notice.

Please don't hesitate if you have any further questions.

Many thanks,

Chris

As the date for the name change is approaching, is there anything improvements to the programme or is it just a name change?

What's wrong with A Club? I like it. Now it's such a mouthful and frenchy.

Now it's ... frenchy.

Well that is really not surprising for a French company no? ;)

Might as well go the full way Le Club des hôtels Accor. Le Club Accorhotels is frenchy but not French,yes?:)

Might as well go the full way Le Club des hôtels Accor. Le Club Accorhotels is frenchy but not French,yes?:)

Well Accor is headed by a guy from McDonald's, be glad it's not called McClub :D

For quite some time, until I actually made an MGallery booking, I used to read the sub-brand name as McGallery...

Well Accor is headed by a guy from McDonald's

Ominous, no? :p

For quite some time, until I actually made an MGallery booking, I used to read the sub-brand name as McGallery...

:eek: I have always read it like that... until now of course... :D

And on the new name: IMO the name was the only good thing in the program. Simple, short and international. No idea why they wanted to change it (while they had so many other things they could change to improve the program). :rolleyes:

So it is March 28th and I had a short look on the all "new" Le Club Accorhotels. Okay, all my points have been transferred. Could have been worse.

I still don't understand the whole thing. The name was multilingual, the card looked better than a lot others and better than the new one. Okay, the benefits were a lot smaller compared with other cards. Think about the years and far more money it costs to get a name remembered in public! One could have gone further with the already somehow established name A-Club ... Ask your friends, who do not travel that much, they will perhaps know the hotel brands (at least in Europe, where Accor is really big) but they will not know the name Accor. So, was the whole change really worth it?

Alors (we now speak french :-)), no changes in benefits, had a look at the partners as well: Mouvango is not to be seen. Mouvango - a very small version of something like the new "Avios" in the UK or the even far bigger "Payback" in Germany. When in France and having lunch or dinner on the l'autoroute at Courtepaille I used to show them my A-Club-card. In recent times far more Courtepaille-staff even knew what to do with this card (1 A-Club point for 2 Euro spent).

Grrr, Accor, for me, this whole name change could be a chapter in one of Stephen Clarke's books...

Is it just me? I have to say I don't like the new Le Club section on the Accor website at all, all very confusing on where to find programme info and previous stays. Surely this can all be kept on one page?

They should have at least fixed the Accor mobile website to have a "desktop version" button, as the mobile version is buggy at best on iPhones. I will no longer be able to do anything Accor or AClub/ Le Club related except from laptop which is quite annoying.

Is it just me? I have to say I don't like the new Le Club section on the Accor website at all, all very confusing on where to find programme info and previous stays. Surely this can all be kept on one page?

I agree. I very much preferred the old pages. I know that this is the typical reaction for new web pages, but in this case I really took me a while to find my current number of nights and points.

Personally, I like the idea to have everything on single web site/page and a single login/password. OK, it takes a few minutes the 1st time to get used and find the info, but I believe we'll get used to it very quickly :)

Hi tycosiao,

While the name is changing, like you rightly point out, the terms and conditions of the program will remain the same until further notice.


Good to know it's still lousy for now then compared to other programs!

So it is March 28th and I had a short look on the all "new" Le Club Accorhotels. Okay, all my points have been transferred. Could have been worse.

I still don't understand the whole thing. The name was multilingual, the card looked better than a lot others and better than the new one. Okay, the benefits were a lot smaller compared with other cards. Think about the years and far more money it costs to get a name remembered in public! One could have gone further with the already somehow established name A-Club ... Ask your friends, who do not travel that much, they will perhaps know the hotel brands (at least in Europe, where Accor is really big) but they will not know the name Accor. So, was the whole change really worth it?

Alors (we now speak french :-)), no changes in benefits, had a look at the partners as well: Mouvango is not to be seen. Mouvango - a very small version of something like the new "Avios" in the UK or the even far bigger "Payback" in Germany. When in France and having lunch or dinner on the l'autoroute at Courtepaille I used to show them my A-Club-card. In recent times far more Courtepaille-staff even knew what to do with this card (1 A-Club point for 2 Euro spent).

Grrr, Accor, for me, this whole name change could be a chapter in one of Stephen Clarke's books...

The entire Mouvango Network seems to have disappeared, the website http://www.mouvango.com/ is down at the moment.

Good to know it's still lousy for now then compared to other programs!

Yeah, there's no point in changing the name if everything else remains.

I do hope that the name change is the first step in improving this program to a better one.

Let them use the new name 2 or 3 years, until the next manager will introduce A|Club back or choose a completely new name and design.

Somehow the marketing team has to show what it is paid for.

For the customers, as usual : no change, no improvements.

So it is March 28th and I had a short look on the all "new" Le Club Accorhotels. Okay, all my points have been transferred. Could have been worse.

I still don't understand the whole thing. The name was multilingual, the card looked better than a lot others and better than the new one. Okay, the benefits were a lot smaller compared with other cards. Think about the years and far more money it costs to get a name remembered in public! One could have gone further with the already somehow established name A-Club ... Ask your friends, who do not travel that much, they will perhaps know the hotel brands (at least in Europe, where Accor is really big) but they will not know the name Accor. So, was the whole change really worth it?

Alors (we now speak french :-)), no changes in benefits, had a look at the partners as well: Mouvango is not to be seen. Mouvango - a very small version of something like the new "Avios" in the UK or the even far bigger "Payback" in Germany. When in France and having lunch or dinner on the l'autoroute at Courtepaille I used to show them my A-Club-card. In recent times far more Courtepaille-staff even knew what to do with this card (1 A-Club point for 2 Euro spent).

Grrr, Accor, for me, this whole name change could be a chapter in one of Stephen Clarke's books...

Fully agree. No understanding from my side. Maybe some other changes will come and I revise my opinion.. hope springs eternal ;)

The entire Mouvango Network seems to have disappeared, the website http://www.mouvango.com/ is down at the moment.

Is it gone forever? When having a look at http://www.courtepaille.com/partenaires/partenaires-restaurant-grillades.php
I only see 15% discounts (wow, never heard of this!) for "F1" and "etap" (have you read "etap", not "Ibis budget"!) hotels).
So have they deleted any Mouvango-information or am I just blind?

Hi tycosiao,

While the name is changing, like you rightly point out, the terms and conditions of the program will remain the same until further notice.

Please don't hesitate if you have any further questions.

Many thanks,

Chris

why don't u guys improve the club!? Just add some more benefits for yr best customers (Plat)... just have a look at the competing programs like ICH RA or SPG Plat+...

Personally, I like the idea to have everything on single web site/page and a single login/password. OK, it takes a few minutes the 1st time to get used and find the info, but I believe we'll get used to it very quickly :)

I agree with Goldorak on this one (which I have a tendency to do quite a lot - After all he's my flight and hotel mentor). Same happened when AF/KL changed their websites (which in all fairness STILL contain some flaws) but it's just something to get used to ^

On a more serious note, now our beloved A-Club f(l)ora has moved down the list on FT so no longer a quick click but rather scroll and click :D

why don't u guys improve the club!? Just add some more benefits for yr best customers (Plat)... just have a look at the competing programs like ICH RA or SPG Plat+...

Nobody at Accor appears to be listening, anyone remember this: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/le-club-accorhotels-accor-club/1008635-accor-club-looking-your-views.html

What happened as a result? Nothing! (except having the Accor Concierge here on FT).

What happened as a result? Nothing! (except having the Accor Concierge here on FT).

Dieu Anh was very helpful to me. No other hotel or airline took to individual issues like Accor did. Despite the weakness in the program, this one effort was very appreciated and I have continued to stay at Accor.

Dieu Anh was very helpful to me. No other hotel or airline took to individual issues like Accor did. Despite the weakness in the program, this one effort was very appreciated and I have continued to stay at Accor.

I absolutely agree, having the Accor Concierge here is very beneficial and I also appreciate the hands on approach of Dieu Anh and now Chris.

The 2009 feedback session clearly identified the need for Accor to be active on FlyerTalk and they did react. Good on them. ^

However it also identified lots of other issues such as lack of perks, points registration, redemption on prepaid rates etc. On those issues no progress has been made. :td: Meanwhile other hotel programmes have evolved, especially at the top level, and A-Club/Le Club has not made one substantive change since it came into being.

However it also identified lots of other issues such as lack of perks, points registration, redemption on prepaid rates etc. On those issues no progress has been made. :td: Meanwhile other hotel programmes have evolved, especially at the top level, and A-Club/Le Club has not made one substantive change since it came into being.

You mean like the priority check in line that is merely a sign?

You mean like the priority check in line that is merely a sign?

They never work in any hotel (Hilton is the same), complete waste of money on signage.

Dieu Anh was very helpful to me. No other hotel or airline took to individual issues like Accor did. Despite the weakness in the program, this one effort was very appreciated and I have continued to stay at Accor.

I absolutely agree, having the Accor Concierge here is very beneficial and I also appreciate the hands on approach of Dieu Anh and now Chris.

+1 ^ Dieu Anh and Christopher has done/are doing their best to help us and I really thank them both. We're glad you're here :)

I absolutely agree, having the Accor Concierge here is very beneficial and I also appreciate the hands on approach of Dieu Anh and now Chris.

The 2009 feedback session clearly identified the need for Accor to be active on FlyerTalk and they did react. Good on them. ^

However it also identified lots of other issues such as lack of perks, points registration, redemption on prepaid rates etc. On those issues no progress has been made. :td: Meanwhile other hotel programmes have evolved, especially at the top level, and A-Club/Le Club has not made one substantive change since it came into being.

Yh, he is def beneficial but why the hell doesn't he have any connections to the board or to persons with influence ... he read every day so many stuff which need to be improved but nuffing happens :(

I got an email at midnight last night (France time) announcing the new name.

Dear Mr Stimpy,
Please be aware that due to changes in the program the only websites that allow you to earn Le Club Accorhotels points are: www.accorhotels.com and Accor brands websites.

See you very soon on www.accorhotels.com/leclub and at our 2500 participating Accor hotels around the world!


There is also a dedicated 0805 reservation number noted in the email. I'm not sure if that is new or not.

However it also identified lots of other issues such as lack of perks, points registration, redemption on prepaid rates etc. On those issues no progress has been made. :td: Meanwhile other hotel programmes have evolved, especially at the top level, and A-Club/Le Club has not made one substantive change since it came into being.

Tbh, even though FT would love to see it self as a lobbying institution trying to make changes (be it airlines or hotel chains), the input from this forum is more than less specific complaints (generally speaking) about this and that which are individually based and doesn't show the whole picture (FT users staying at Accor hotels are a drop in the Ocean compared to the actual total number of guests the hotels have every year). These are the things that the Accor Concierge's can do something about and I think it is great ^ Accor-hotels are most likely spending huge amounts of money on marketing and research to find a balance and not all can be made happy at the end of the day. We (again generally speaking) are a picky bunch of A-Club (sorry Le Club) elites and we will never all be 100% happy. So, if you don't like it, don't spend your (or your companies money) on Accor - Simples.

I don't fly or stay at hotels for business purposes but pay pure out of own pocket. I have earned my Gold Status by paying myself to reach the desired status and I honestly feel I get great value from it; otherwise I wouldn't have stayed with Accor and found pastures green elsewhere. This said: Is the grass really greener on the other side?

I do actually feel like a valued guest when there is a genuine reason for it. I don't expect to get upgrades, free drink vouchers, free breakfast vouchers etc at Mercure or Novotel but I do expect it at Sofitel which I have gotten so far ^ One thing I do expect (it should be human right really) is free wifi in the rooms but most have this without an extra fee (at least the ones I have stayed in).

My next stay is not going to be with Accor but Best Western and I'm looking forward to see what the difference is really. I have no status with BW and neither have I signed up, so will be fun to see.

Have a great easter weekend (for you who celebrate) and to the rest of you, have a great weekend :) Mine starts tomorrow morning ^

I got an email at midnight last night (France time) announcing the new name.

Mrs IMH and I also got these yesterday. Today we received emails telling us that our new membership cards will be sent out shortly -- with pictures of what look very much like the old A|Club cards embedded in the emails. :rolleyes:

Known website/programme issues since the name change:

- la carte ibis info only available in the French version of the website
- Mouvango Network may not exist any longer

I'm assuming membership number will stay the same? I'm about to stay 17 nights in Brazil and want to get credit. :)

I'm assuming membership number will stay the same? I'm about to stay 17 nights in Brazil and want to get credit. :)

yes

Hello redbeard911,

Yes, your number will stay the same, and you may continue using your current card with the 'A|Club program' name.

Please do not hesitate to ask further questions.

Best wishes,

Chris


I'm assuming membership number will stay the same? I'm about to stay 17 nights in Brazil and want to get credit. :)

Now we know who to call :D

On Hospitality On (http://hospitality-on.com/Accor-appoints-Isabelle-Birem-Senior-Vice-President-Direct-Sales):

Accor appoints Isabelle Birem Senior Vice President Direct Sales

Isabelle Birem joins Accor as Senior Vice President Direct Sales, reporting to Jean-Luc Chrétien, Executive Vice President Sales, Distribution and Loyalty Strategy.

She replaces Cédric Gobilliard, who was appointed Senior Vice President Global Sales on January 1, 2012.

Isabelle Birem will be responsible for defining and implementing Accor’s Direct Sales strategy which notably includes Accorhotels.com (pictured above), the multi-brand booking portal, and Le Club Accorhotels, the group’s loyalty program. Isabelle Birem is a graduate of ESSEC and has spent most of her career with Air France, which she joined in 1989. She held different positions of responsibility in sales and marketing there before being appointed General Manager of Air France Argentina and Chile, based in Buenos Aires in 2003. She then became General Manager of Air France KLM Brazil, based in Sao Paolo, where she was notably responsible for the integration of the Air France and KLM teams.

Since 2009, Isabelle Birem was responsible for Air France KLM’s loyalty program Flying Blue.

Managing FB is hardly a credential...

Yes I was going to say that's a pretty poor CV. She took over FB in 2009, that's when the program took a giant turn for the worse if I recall correctly.

It might be the next move, as Accor clearly set its marketing and loyalty programs to international standards, and is now a seperate company from Edenred (part of the reason to use cheques instead of points).

If Accor improves its Sofitels (more luxurious properties, more destinations, club, pool) and its loyaly programme (like InterContinental Royal Ambassasor), I could be one of their most loyal customers (like the quality of service at Accor hotels, but not a big fan of their design and location).

From time to time I try Accor on occasion and remain more or less disappointed. Having a meeting in Saarland some weeks ago I tried Mercure Forebach on the french side. The hotel is in bad condition, at least my room was smallest, old, dated, clean as far as possible for such an dated room, no hairdryer. Ok, with comp Internet. For EUR 85 you get in Baden-Baden a Holiday Inn Express stay in a very modern and clean room plus comp breakfast. What I liked in Forebach was the restaurant. The food is good. But the accomodation: Is this Mercure Standard or what is Mercure standard?

Thank you for the thumbs up! Happy to help!

Cheers,

Chris
+1 ^ Dieu Anh and Christopher has done/are doing their best to help us and I really thank them both. We're glad you're here :)

It's all still extremely vague, but the most recent shareholder newsletter (http://www.accor.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Contenus_Accor/Finance/PDF/2012/EN/letter_shareholders_38.pdf) includes (on page 9) the following text:
In coming months, other upgrades will enable Le Club Accorhotels to offer new benefits, so that its growing membership will always feel and believe that they are welcomed in Group hotels like nowhere else.

Am I alone in holding onto my points these days, in the hope that they'll become more valuable/flexible in the foreseeable future?