Originally Posted by
Vasco
For now... on my last Fairmont stay (Chateau Laurier in Ottawa) that I'd booked through Amex ans used certificates for, I was told quite clearly that once Accor is firmly in charge all that comes to an end. If we want any benefits at all we need to book directly through Fairmont/Accor. Bookings from third-party agencies, including Amex, would no longer provide any benefits at all, including the use of grandfatehred certificates, Platinum ammenities, etc.
Take that with a grain of salt! But the implication was that as far as Fairmont (and Accor) is concerned they want to make it as difficult and unpleasant as possible to book by any method other than directly through them!
This has always been the policy of Accor.
A few years ago, I booked a stay at a Novotel through Amex Platinum Travel. At that time, Amex Plat cardholders received complimentary Accor Platinum membership. The rate was about 10% cheaper than the best available rate at Novotel's web site. So I booked through APT. Most hotels would not give stay credit if booked through a 3rd party but they would usually recognise your status but not Accor.
At check-in, I was told that I would not receive any Accor Platinum benefits because the booking was through a third party. In other words, if you want the higher tier benefits, you must book through Accor or in my case, Novotel at the more expensive rate. You effectively would be "paying" for the "perks" through a more expensive rate. That was the last time I booked an Accor hotel and shortly after, the arrangement with Amex was terminated. There was no reason for me to book Accor.
It was discussed at this old thread:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/acco...otels-com.html