This is either very clever, or very stupid. It is designed to fill rooms in hotels. Nothing to stop the unscrupulous booking cheap nights in a low rate country to get the number of nights to keep of move status ( providing they can get someone to just check in / but not stay - I am sure there is an app for this - )
Part of the terms and conditions is that the stays can not overlap ( good old IT at Accor )
o/h suggested that it sounds desperate - ie everyone now can get gifted Silver, Gold or Platinum status ( maybe Diamond / Black ) If someone want me to stay on their behalf and at their cost - please let me know ..... Still in Spain but looking to leave
There are a lot of other programs doing status matches ( and can understand why Accor will not now go down that route again .... but watch this space )
Are you on the hook if your family member empties the mini bar and does a runner before paying the bill ?
On the other hand, it could be useful to give as a gift stay to someone you can not meet up with or as a treat.