Accor Le Club v2 - New & Improved

Accor's Le Club program has always struck me as a rather laid back program, not over-eager to please the customer. But I do like some of the rates they offer when they have their twice-a-year 50% off sales, and the occasional one-off, as well as the predictably frequent complimentary sign-up for Platinum Tier (the September offer is still open - see here).

However, as of this morning, I see that they've significantly upped the ante, and their offerings in the Le Club program. A lot of new and improved benefits have been introduced, many of which are comparable with top / elite tier benefits that other major chains like HHonors, SPG, etc.

These changes also have the effect of making the program way more compelling to use now (I'm not much of an Accor guest), than before. More importantly, I really like their new interface.

Here's a quick update on what's changed, though I'm not sure I've captured all changes. But I hope I've identified the most interesting ones.

Benefits by tier

Click on the picture for a larger image
Some of the good additions are (a) free internet access for Silver and above, and (b) option of early check in or late check out for Gold. But if you're Platinum (and if you're not, see link earlier in this post), you get both, unlike Gold where it is an option. There's also a welcome drink for Silver and above. Another good addition is the 2/3 days' advance notice for guaranteed reservations. I'm not sure what it was earlier, but it certainly was a good deal more of notice required.

But the best addition HAS to be the access to the lounge, for Platinum tier members (mind you, Hilton gives me this for Gold, though they don't have free sign-up offers for Gold :P).

There has to be a downside to everything, and I can see that the complimentary spa treatment at Sofitel Thalassa Sea and Spa hotels is missing. Well...

Different benefits for each hotel brand

That's right. Your benefits now depend on your tier AND the brand of hotel - the principle was there earlier too, but it's a lot more clear now.

  • At Sofitel, enjoy additional VIP treatment from Silver status upwards and the newspaper of your choice from Gold status.
  • At Pullman, enjoy additional VIP privileges from Gold status upwards.
  • At MGallery, enjoy additional VIP treatment from Gold status upwards. For those with Platinum status, your room will be upgraded to the best room of next category.
  • At Novotel, enjoy additional VIP privileges from Gold status upwards.
  • At Suite Novotel, you'll enjoy additional VIP privileges and the use of a complimentary car for 4 hours, from Gold status upwards.
  • At Mercure, you'll enjoy additional VIP privileges from Gold status upwards and with Platinum status, you'll have 10% off at our restaurant plus an upgrade to our best room (depending on availability).
  • At Adagio, enjoy VIP privileges from Gold status upwards.

There are no specific benefits for some of the brands (eg, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Ibis, Adagio and Thalassa), as far as I could see; happy to be corrected.

Different points levels for each brand

I've summarised this below

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At least things are now a lot more clear! Just remember that if you're in France, they do get a bit stingy - no points for Ibis stays except Friday through Sunday.

Easy calculations

There's also a place for you to immediately check your earnings and what it can be redeemed for.


What's missing?

Breakfast - that's the standout. For instance, SPG, HHonors and Marriott all offer free breakfast for the highest tier (and sometimes, highest minus one). However, for Platinums at Le Club, I hope the lounge access will make do.

Conclusion

As I've mentioned before, I don't (didn't??) stay much at Accor properties due to the relatively staid set of benefits. This revamped program is a lot more exciting, and I'd definitely want to try it out soon. Lets see! Oh! And if you aren't Platinum yet, do sign up - links above. Yes, it's that easy!


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