Originally Posted by
gilbertaue
But it shouldn't be. And we are here to exchange experiences.
So I think what got everyone slightly riled is your comment of "is it sooooo important".
Probably not to the average Joe, but the fact that we are on here, and we know that our voices are being heard here (no need to discuss the ifs and buts), makes it even more a reason to make it important.
"But it shouldn't be" : exactly. But, see what's happening. Rules are changed unilaterally, points get devaluated, embargo period are extended, etc etc. (not specifically talking about Accor)
"everyone" : hum
Anyway, you are right, we are here to share our experiences.
My point is : you
can get much more by being understanding and soft. The rare times I got aggressive (long time ago), I only got what the texts "entitled" me. Nothing more.
Last year, I got from Accor : cakes (not birthday), plates of biscuit, city tour voucher (Asia), museum voucher (north Africa), broadband wifi (middle east), 40USD worth souvenir (north Africa), upgrade from double to junior suite (Asia), dinner waiver (Europe), etc.
I never ask, I never expect, I scarcely complain. I just have a talk with the right person.
I'm not boasting. It's just to show that you can have unexpected surprises and therefore a very pleasant stay with a different mindset.
Those voluntary gestures are ego-boosting, compared to a "simple" upgrade (which I get often anyway).
(no intention to judge anyone ... nor will to be judged
)