Hi shillard,

Funny as I had the exact opposite experience with Sofitel in SE Asia a few weeks ago at two different hotels. This were my first ever stays at a Sofitel so I didn't know what to expect after all I had read on FT and could only compare to Sheraton and IC.

Got a complimentary upgrade in both hotels even though I mailed the hotels on before hand with my A-Club (only Gold) number as I had forgot to enter this when doing the booking.

The turn down service at both hotels were magnificent with fresh fruit every day, freshly made macaroons, bottled water, gifts, flowers in the bathroom and most importantly to me friendly, helpful, talkative and relaxed staff.

Yes, I agree that whatever the program promises it should stick to its guns and follow through, but in all fairness it says upgrades can be offered if rooms are available. I also strongly believe that a program should take good care of it's big spending guests or those who are very loyal to it's chain of hotels and only stay with them. I guess it comes down to what the "others" do and offers which is driving the development of these programs.

I for one, like A-Club, as I honestly think its a quite good program. I can stay at dirt cheap hotels get my nights to move up the social acceptance ladder of status and burn these off in world class hotels anywhere I so should wish. No black out dates or any other T&C's that will clamp my travel plans. Oh, and I pay for all my hotel stays myself

NOW, this said, it seems like there are "problems" with Accor in Australia compared to other places in the word. That's the feeling I get reading the feedback in this forum or maybe I'm reading it all wrong