Originally Posted by
hotel_user
The benefits of Platinum status at Accor properties is very limited, with most being "subject to availability", and so mostly at the whim of the hotel.
Other chain hotels manage to offer members a free breakfast ( even without the lounge access ), but this only seems to be possible during a sale with Accor. Why can they do it then and not all the time ?
Maybe it is me, but just had a quote for 30€ for a breakfast in a Pullman ( no lounge ). That's a lot of cash for under cooked bacon and a coffee
Perhaps OP (& many other users on FT) should consider filling in their profile a little, especially where they are based so we are able to take that info. in the proper context.
I do agree with the remarks about
"... at the whim of the hotel" - certain owners are more stingy with the benefits like upgrades e.g. Mercure Sapporo (Japan)
"Other chain hotels .." - that would only be the Hilton group as far as I am aware
From my experience, I've been comp'ed b/f at almost all of my stays in Asia, whether in the lounge or in the main restaurant (even on bookings that did not include b/f).
One notable exception was at the Mercure Manila Ortigas but after some discussion with the front desk, I was given a continental b/f on my 1st stay & after several subsequent visits, I had the full buffet breakfast without charge - most recent visit was last month (although for me, a light continental b/f was fine).
The Sofitel Sentosa Singapore does not have a lounge but I've not had any problems having breakfast in the restaurant during my stays there.
I wasn't Platinum when I stayed at the Sofitel NY so I can't comment on that, & I've only stayed at IBIS or Mercure's in the UK & Europe.
Never thought I'd get free b/fast so I did not (bother) ask(ing).
Ibis Styles b/f is of course included in the room rate, & it was pretty decent at the Ibis Styles London Heathrow - which is currently my go to hotel in that area.
Currently staying at the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit & even though the rate I booked did not include b/f & my room no. was not on her b/f list, I just told the staff at the restaurant about being a Platinum member & I had no problems on the following days. I've been here a while - 2 stays in 2 weeks of 4 nights each.
If free b/f is of such importance then I suggest to OP to switch to the Hilton - u get that even as a Hilton Gold member.
Again, it varies by location but at the Hilton Chicago ORD & the Hilton SF FiDi, I had the full hot buffet b/f.
I switched recently, and even though I do like the Accor brand, I've had some stays at the Hilton brand recently & I'm pretty happy.