Accor rolls out improved benefits for status customers – including Amex Platinum holders

I gave Accor a bit of a hard time the other day for reducing the conversion ratio of LeClub Accorhotels points to Avios points without notice. They deserved it.

At the same time, though, Accor has also announced improved status benefits. This will benefit anyone who visits a Novotel, Mercure, M Gallery, Sofitel, Pullman etc hotel.

It is worth remembering that American Express Platinum charge card holders get top-tier Platinum membership at Le Club Accorhotels. This now delivers some genuinely useful benefits.

The key benefits for Platinum members are free internet, early check-in AND late check-out (not guaranteed), a room upgrade (not guaranteed), a welcome drink (guaranteed) and access to the Executive Lounge (this IS guaranteed!).

For comparison, a Platinum previously only got a welcome drink at a Sofitel and did not get free internet, lounge access or early check-in.

Each of the brands in the group is also giving specific extra benefits to top tier members as you can see here. Sofitel throws in a free newspaper, for example. Suite Novotel gives you a courtesy car for four hours.

Here is an overview of the points scheme. Basically, you earn points based on your total. These can be redeemed for Accor hotel stays or transferred into airline miles, including Avios. A Platinum member now receives 8% of their bill back if they take vouchers – a pretty generous return.

Earning Platinum from hotel stays is pretty tough given the ’60 nights or 25,000 points’ requirement. However, as Platinum is given away as an Amex Platinum perk and – occasionally – by Accor itself as a targeted perk – it is not difficult to pick it up.

All in all, this is a big improvement. Compared to, say, IHG Rewards Club, a Platinum member has the added check-in and check-out privileges, a drink and guaranteed lounge access. Lounge access would also mean free breakfast, of course.

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Accor Live Limitless update – April 2024:

Earn bonus Accor points: Accor is not currently running a global promotion

New to Accor Live Limitless?  Read our review of Accor Live Limitless here and our article on points expiry rules here. Our analysis of what Accor Live Limitless points are worth is here.

Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from Accor and the other major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.