While it is very possible at a particular location, particular shift, etc, that there be issues. I have stayed in Accor hotels (Sofitel, M-Gallery, Mercure and Novotel) for up to a year at a time in various countries as well as various leisure destinations for shorter periods and have no pervasive issues.

Recognition of Plats I would rate at medium in general for Novotel or Mercures. That said, I had a wonderful experience and service at the new Novotel Tunis on my two trips there this year. I rarely ask for late checkout, but have never been refused. On leisure stays, upgrades about 50% of the time, but some locations 100% and others more like 0-10%.

The key issue is a classic. The keys automatically go off at 12 on checkout day, so if you have late checkout, you need to make sure your key has been programmed to work til 2. Nobody took specific action to make your card stop working at 2 (it probably stopped at 12). Saying 2:20 or 1/2 day is a little aggressive but I have a feeling that in their eyes it was already over 2hrs since that is regular checkout time.

I have even had 2 free nights at a Novotel this year. For some reason they have never charged my card and they don't answer any mails. But they didn't credit me with any points either.

Full Disclosure: next week I will hit 60 nights for the year with Accor and I expect another 60 before the year is out.