Any “traitor” Accor-ist inside this group ?
Jan 16, 2019, 10:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Italy
Programs: Accor Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond , Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,484
Any “traitor” Accor-ist inside this group ?
Ok, I know that to betray an hotel chain is different than to betray one’s wife ... 😃 but I feel a little bit guilty since yesterday, when I have started to join seriously Marriot reward program ...
this year i will try to keep Accor Platinum and get Marriot Platinum both (after have been undecided with Hyatt - mainly for SLH group), starting from gold membership, thanks to Amex Plat status match.
i’ sure I will be able to do it, since it means 60+50 nights per year
Basically I was tired (and annoyed in some cases) to stay in some Novotel’s or Mercure’s at some Italian cities where I travel often for business, or to don’t have any opportunity to sleep at some cities where Accor doesn’t have any property.
But also to have more opportunities to redeem free nights, especially in USA, to be able to stay sometimes at W’s or JW Marriot’s ...and to see ...how much is green the grass on the other side ...
Do any other of you loyal Accor-ists still have high tier on any other hotel chain ?
Some comments about it ?
🤗
this year i will try to keep Accor Platinum and get Marriot Platinum both (after have been undecided with Hyatt - mainly for SLH group), starting from gold membership, thanks to Amex Plat status match.
i’ sure I will be able to do it, since it means 60+50 nights per year
Basically I was tired (and annoyed in some cases) to stay in some Novotel’s or Mercure’s at some Italian cities where I travel often for business, or to don’t have any opportunity to sleep at some cities where Accor doesn’t have any property.
But also to have more opportunities to redeem free nights, especially in USA, to be able to stay sometimes at W’s or JW Marriot’s ...and to see ...how much is green the grass on the other side ...
Do any other of you loyal Accor-ists still have high tier on any other hotel chain ?
Some comments about it ?
🤗
Jan 16, 2019, 10:53 am
#2
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,581
Bonvoy to you! 
I used to keep Hilton Diamond for a while but realised that the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are pros and cons to any loyalty programme but I do like the simplicity of the Le Club programme. Some elements are getting tedious (after more than 10 years the IT problems are just exhausting, no lifetime membership is another). It all depends on your travel patterns. For me Accor has the best geographic coverage, others might have different experiences. I also rarely travel to France, so I am lucky in that regard 
I used to keep Hilton Diamond for a while but realised that the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are pros and cons to any loyalty programme but I do like the simplicity of the Le Club programme. Some elements are getting tedious (after more than 10 years the IT problems are just exhausting, no lifetime membership is another). It all depends on your travel patterns. For me Accor has the best geographic coverage, others might have different experiences. I also rarely travel to France, so I am lucky in that regard
Jan 16, 2019, 11:48 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Italy
Programs: Accor Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond , Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,484
Bonvoy to you! I used to keep Hilton Diamond for a while but realised that the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are pros and cons to any loyalty programme but I do like the simplicity of the Le Club programme. Some elements are getting tedious (after more than 10 years the IT problems are just exhausting, no lifetime membership is another). It all depends on your travel patterns. For me Accor has the best geographic coverage, others might have different experiences. I also rarely travel to France, so I am lucky in that regard
I used to keep Hilton Diamond for a while but realised that the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are pros and cons to any loyalty programme but I do like the simplicity of the Le Club programme. Some elements are getting tedious (after more than 10 years the IT problems are just exhausting, no lifetime membership is another). It all depends on your travel patterns. For me Accor has the best geographic coverage, others might have different experiences. I also rarely travel to France, so I am lucky in that regard Bonvoy ...😂 ... i’ve started a new program also to try to keep more distance with the French ...but i’ve realized there is no way to live without them ...
Jan 16, 2019, 12:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: MEL
Programs: QF GA NZ WN. Accor+ Bonvoy IHC
Posts: 250
I have it with Radisson and IHG - used to have it with Hilton which was the best IMHO, but the least beneficial in Australia where I live. As pointed out previously, the grass isn’t always greener, but the IT (ALWAYS) is. Accor is a love hate for me, but Sofitel is usually my favourite experience even before I had status.
Jan 16, 2019, 2:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 413
We are Plat Premier in Marriott, soon to be Titanium in the Bonvoy program (the name still baffles me), Diamond with Hilton and Platinum with IHG (which gives us practically no benefits besides upgrades). Our fav travel destination is definitely the beaches in Asia and South America, but even with the joint effort of SPG, we faced this problem with Marriott, is that their properties are very centralized. Take BKK for example, we don't want 10 properties within 0.2 miles radius in Sukhumvit, we want options to be near night markets or other districts near central world mall, so this is where Accor comes in for us, we only justify booking with Accor when they are actually cheaper than hotels.com/booking.com when they have those private sale. So like most had mentioned, it depends where you travel, if you can find reasonable properties in your path, go ahead and be loyal. If not, there is always, hotels.com.
For what's worth, Marriotts in the US are not worth the hype, they look great as a branding perspective, but you get very lousy recognition in the states because they are flooded with elites here. Think a JW in downtown Chicago, you can have up to 10-20 plats check in at any given time day, there is only so much free suites inventory you can give away. And the lounge is small, usually packed with families. Overall, you will always get much better perks in Asia.
I'm only "member" with Accor, but this is just my 2 cents with Marriott..
For what's worth, Marriotts in the US are not worth the hype, they look great as a branding perspective, but you get very lousy recognition in the states because they are flooded with elites here. Think a JW in downtown Chicago, you can have up to 10-20 plats check in at any given time day, there is only so much free suites inventory you can give away. And the lounge is small, usually packed with families. Overall, you will always get much better perks in Asia.
I'm only "member" with Accor, but this is just my 2 cents with Marriott..
Jan 16, 2019, 9:03 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Southeast Asia
Posts: 264
I have moved in the opposite direction starting last year.
I completely agree that choice of Loyalty programme/s depends on your main travel destinations (regions), and that the grass is not always greener elsewhere. I will also add that benefits of elite status can be cut by these massive Hotel chains depending on economic conditions/average hotel occupancies, and agree that elite status does not necessarily work as we hope when there are lots of other guests with the same or higher status in the hotels we choose.
Anyway, I can only comment on my recent move to Accor staying so far in only four Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia (my base), Indonesia, Singapore and Cambodia. (Next target: Thailand)
For three years I have held Marriott's Bonvoy Ambassador status (new and current name). I became eligible when it was just SPG Ambassador (old Starwood), then the status name changed to Marriott Platinum Premier with Ambassador.
Anyway, here in Southeast Asia I have been extremely happy with Accor and am winding down my association with Marriott. I keep the status until February 2020 but my final paid Marriott Stay was June 2018. Since then I have just been redeeming nights with Marriott until my points balance reaches zero.
We all know that Accor's IT and centralized customer service needs to be improved. So does Marriott's now. For me, they cancel each other out.
However, I am extremely happy with the quality, range and number of Le Club participating Accor properties in Southeast Asia. We now have top class brands such as Raffles and Banyan Tree (as well as Fairmont and Sofitel), Orient Express is coming and then there are a huge number of more affordable properties (Pullman, Novotel, Grand Mercure, Mercure), as well as the very affordable economy brands, and a few smaller but interesting brands such as MGallery, Angsana etc. I am also content with the various Points promotions. Importantly, for me, I have been extremely happy with Platinum treatment at many/most Accor properties, depending on the particular management culture, staff numbers and attitudes. I have not missed "Ambassador" treatment at these properties at all.
Anyway, taste in hotels/Platinum treatment is very subjective. I just want what works for me and do not want to compete with anybody or convert anybody or get angry at anybody who doesn't like what I like.
And I also agree that excellent value with Platinum type benefits can also be found with OTAs such as Agoda etc etc. Judging from the many informative contributions and photos uploaded here, I may not be quite so content with Accor if I were mainly staying in Europe or North America. So as a European I can understand your interest in allying yourself with a second chain.
If you want to be serious with Marriott status then I suggest aiming for 75 nights to qualify for Titanium status (the new name for Platinum Premier). Otherwise you may find that there are too many other guests who are above you in the pecking order when you check into many hotels.
Good luck to you !
I completely agree that choice of Loyalty programme/s depends on your main travel destinations (regions), and that the grass is not always greener elsewhere. I will also add that benefits of elite status can be cut by these massive Hotel chains depending on economic conditions/average hotel occupancies, and agree that elite status does not necessarily work as we hope when there are lots of other guests with the same or higher status in the hotels we choose.
Anyway, I can only comment on my recent move to Accor staying so far in only four Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia (my base), Indonesia, Singapore and Cambodia. (Next target: Thailand)
For three years I have held Marriott's Bonvoy Ambassador status (new and current name). I became eligible when it was just SPG Ambassador (old Starwood), then the status name changed to Marriott Platinum Premier with Ambassador.
Anyway, here in Southeast Asia I have been extremely happy with Accor and am winding down my association with Marriott. I keep the status until February 2020 but my final paid Marriott Stay was June 2018. Since then I have just been redeeming nights with Marriott until my points balance reaches zero.
We all know that Accor's IT and centralized customer service needs to be improved. So does Marriott's now. For me, they cancel each other out.
However, I am extremely happy with the quality, range and number of Le Club participating Accor properties in Southeast Asia. We now have top class brands such as Raffles and Banyan Tree (as well as Fairmont and Sofitel), Orient Express is coming and then there are a huge number of more affordable properties (Pullman, Novotel, Grand Mercure, Mercure), as well as the very affordable economy brands, and a few smaller but interesting brands such as MGallery, Angsana etc. I am also content with the various Points promotions. Importantly, for me, I have been extremely happy with Platinum treatment at many/most Accor properties, depending on the particular management culture, staff numbers and attitudes. I have not missed "Ambassador" treatment at these properties at all.
Anyway, taste in hotels/Platinum treatment is very subjective. I just want what works for me and do not want to compete with anybody or convert anybody or get angry at anybody who doesn't like what I like.
And I also agree that excellent value with Platinum type benefits can also be found with OTAs such as Agoda etc etc. Judging from the many informative contributions and photos uploaded here, I may not be quite so content with Accor if I were mainly staying in Europe or North America. So as a European I can understand your interest in allying yourself with a second chain.
If you want to be serious with Marriott status then I suggest aiming for 75 nights to qualify for Titanium status (the new name for Platinum Premier). Otherwise you may find that there are too many other guests who are above you in the pecking order when you check into many hotels.
Good luck to you !
Last edited by Kobetraveller; Jan 16, 2019 at 9:09 pm
Jan 16, 2019, 11:43 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: Dynasty Frequent Flyer (Elite Plus),Accor Platinum
Posts: 1,866
And Marriot wouldn't work for me as 75 nights is about double my usual nights per year. I did stay 1 night at an IHG hotel last year because I had an account with them (atleast get some points) and at JFK airport there is no Le Club option. Accor I can do it with status points and Asia overall just has more options than other brands.
I will draw down my account in 2020 to clear out my points (Looking to be 130k plus) so zero or very little spending of cash but a soft landing to gold in 2021 to extract most value.
Who knows after that point.
I will draw down my account in 2020 to clear out my points (Looking to be 130k plus) so zero or very little spending of cash but a soft landing to gold in 2021 to extract most value.
Who knows after that point.
Jan 17, 2019, 12:47 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
Programs: *A Gold (A3), HHonor Gold
Posts: 5,684
Hilton Gold here, I was also driven away from Accor due to their Customer Service and inconsistency. Using both works for me (plus IHG from time to time too). Having said that 2019 seems I will stay mostly at Accor hotels due to the place I am going where Hilton is not really present.
Jan 17, 2019, 2:44 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: Flying Blue Gold, Accor Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire
Posts: 184
Hilton Gold here, I was also driven away from Accor due to their Customer Service and inconsistency. Using both works for me (plus IHG from time to time too). Having said that 2019 seems I will stay mostly at Accor hotels due to the place I am going where Hilton is not really present.
Jan 17, 2019, 2:44 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Italy
Programs: Accor Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond , Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,484
Very interesting points of view
60 (accor) + 75 Marriot for plat-titanium could be a realistic target to achieve, considering free night redemption and even considering just an average risk of divorce ... (but, “status” first, then the rest ! 😃
my problem is that half of my country is quite completely uncovered by both (and any other) hotel chain .. east cost and south of Italy, so I have to “waste” 10 nights per year staying at “no brand” hotels.
I understand that especially in USA I would have so many “competitors” with same (or higher) status than mine, but i’m Mainly interested more in Lounge access and free breakfast than upgrade
I would resume, as main reasons of my betrayal:
-too low quality at too many Novotel’s in Italy (I believe AC and Courtyard Hotels - same price level - are better)
-really low Accor offer in USA
-we don’t like Accor options in Thailand (except Bangkok) , mainly at Ko Samui and Phuket, where we have an holiday almost once per year
so it’s really true is very personal choose
60 (accor) + 75 Marriot for plat-titanium could be a realistic target to achieve, considering free night redemption and even considering just an average risk of divorce ... (but, “status” first, then the rest ! 😃
my problem is that half of my country is quite completely uncovered by both (and any other) hotel chain .. east cost and south of Italy, so I have to “waste” 10 nights per year staying at “no brand” hotels.
I understand that especially in USA I would have so many “competitors” with same (or higher) status than mine, but i’m Mainly interested more in Lounge access and free breakfast than upgrade
I would resume, as main reasons of my betrayal:
-too low quality at too many Novotel’s in Italy (I believe AC and Courtyard Hotels - same price level - are better)
-really low Accor offer in USA
-we don’t like Accor options in Thailand (except Bangkok) , mainly at Ko Samui and Phuket, where we have an holiday almost once per year
so it’s really true is very personal choose
Jan 17, 2019, 6:02 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,852
I am now Accor only. I generally use Ibis or Ibis Styles and find that none of the other hotel chains in Europe or Asia can beat their prices
I don't need all the upscale service that most members want/desire.
I maintain my "gold" status each year and I am happy with it. I do stay at a few Novotel and Mercure when the price is right or comparable to Ibis, usually when there is a sale.
I do have some IHG rewards points, about 110,000 and hopefully one day I can use them up.
Other than that I will stick with Accor, my price range, and Ibis or Ibis Styles my hotel types.
I don't need all the upscale service that most members want/desire.
I maintain my "gold" status each year and I am happy with it. I do stay at a few Novotel and Mercure when the price is right or comparable to Ibis, usually when there is a sale.
I do have some IHG rewards points, about 110,000 and hopefully one day I can use them up.
Other than that I will stick with Accor, my price range, and Ibis or Ibis Styles my hotel types.
Jan 17, 2019, 8:03 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: LAX and LHR. UA lifetime Gold 1.9MM 1K , DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 3,592
I only use Accor in France, and then by no means exclusively. Best Western (in France and Italy) and Relais du Silence also figure somewhat.
Despite acknowledging my status in the program, Accor have consistently failed to credit me with points for any stays during the past 7 years. I have no idea why this happens (it began with a stay at a Moscow Ibis in 2012 and has continued ever since), and repeated phone calls have achieved no result. So now I only stay with them when there is a Mercure in town that is the best choice.
In the US, it will normally be Hilton, now that Marriott have downgraded me in the new merged program,though I do have several Marriott stays booked in places where it is a more convenient option.
Despite acknowledging my status in the program, Accor have consistently failed to credit me with points for any stays during the past 7 years. I have no idea why this happens (it began with a stay at a Moscow Ibis in 2012 and has continued ever since), and repeated phone calls have achieved no result. So now I only stay with them when there is a Mercure in town that is the best choice.
In the US, it will normally be Hilton, now that Marriott have downgraded me in the new merged program,though I do have several Marriott stays booked in places where it is a more convenient option.