New 2019 Accor French Welcome Drink Policy (updated in 2020)
 

Just stayed in a Mercure in north France where we have previously stayed, and received in the past two welcome drinks for wine or cocktails etc
Now they say they can only give out a small beer or soft drink for one person due to an Accor undercover visit and reprimand.

Lady at reception was upset about it, but said nothing she could do as it is now an Accor stipulation, even though the hotel paid for the drink !

Seems things going backwards. It is still a very nice hotel, and I do not want to mention its name incase we get the hotel into more trouble ....

If this is reality.... they are making a big mistake. Small things can make it or break it. The hotel pays for the drink....but its France and i'm not surprised that they want to find a way again to cut some costs.

Whoaa ... reprimanded by being good to customer, and possibly increase customer satisfaction and improve occupancy ?

I wonder if Accor in the business of providing hotel room or prison cell :confused:

Wonder if it was a AccorHotels audit or more likely a franchise holder audit....

Was told it was Accor ....

Now at a French Ibis ... welcome drink ONE person. ( We always got two drinks at Ibis in France last year )

Doing a long road trip so will update

Well it's not something new in France : Accor's website says "Welcome drink Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink. Available for you and registered guests staying in your room (except in France). Different beverages are offered, depending on the hotel brand. The voucher you receive from the hotel lists full details" '

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But some hotels in France do give more than one welcome drink.

That is bad. There is little to look forward to in respect to benefits in France already. Atleast my experience at a few stays in France we were always given 2 drinks per stay. Upgrades are far and few between due to unavailability or hotel deciding that room/suite is not meant for you. No lounges. Free internet is our main perk? Or sometimes an extra couple of hours early or late check out... If all my stays were in France I would give up on loyalty programs.

Ibis Bordeaux - two drink vouchers offered ( beer / small house wine / soft drink ) as per last year.

Felt a bit more welcome than at the previous French Ibis

Well, I also noticed the remark on Accor's website as posted above, so this is certainly not just the hotel's discretion.

That said, I am relieved to learn that this is the gist of it, as seeing the thread title I was worried we are now supposed to get the hotel a drink when checking in.

Pullman Bercy. 3 drinks for us (Wife, daughter and I).

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Umm ... It is beginning to look like it could be the hotel .... as we have now received two welcome drinks from two more hotels

Hotel Mercure Le President Biarritz Centre

and


Hôtel Mercure Biarritz Centre Plaza

I've almost always gotten welcome drink vouchers at my stays in France and Luxembourg.......and that was as a Silver membre.