Hi Goldorak,
this is not a common habit with Accor hotels to do so, but some properties are well managed and some GMs/RMs/DOS are smart enough to push on upselling
they usually offer paid upgrade to next higher room category, then if at the time of checkin, the hotel enforces Le Club benefits correctly and there is some availability, you'll end up with an even better room as promised
Novotel Times Square is a top notch property and i'm pretty sure that you will be well treated there
