6 replies
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Any advice regarding which of Accor Le Club vs IHG rewards offers better value when redeeming for free nights at mid-upper range hotels?
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Any advice regarding which of Accor Le Club vs IHG rewards offers better value when redeeming for free nights at mid-upper range hotels?
JonOon
JonOon
Qantas
Member since 04 Jan 2016
Total posts 3
Any advice regarding which of Accor Le Club vs IHG rewards offers better value when redeeming for free nights at mid-upper range hotels?
GBRGB
GBRGB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Jan 2014
Total posts 295
IHG is great when it comes to reward nights, great availability, and earn rate is good and utilise the multipliers when they come up, I have used 8 free nights in the last 12 months, never an issue and you still earn points on any additional spend. The only issue with IHG is the lack of properties in Australia, it's almost non existent these days. Accor is a lot simpler than it use to be but always an issue once I get to the hotel, they are unaware it is a reward night even though I have a booking confirmation and availability at their better hotels is always restricted. I am platinum IHG and Gold Accor.
Andrew Barkery
Andrew Barkery
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Mar 2011
Total posts 433
IHG used to be very good.
Then they brought in the rule you must stay once every year to keep your account active.
In Aust, their hotels tend to be very expensive, $29x at the Holiday Inn on Flinders, the same for the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport.
If you can claim your hotel expenses for tax, or if your client pays for your accomodation, IHG can be good, ie, you are not out of pocket.
I used to love IHG, where you could bet on 1000 points a stay, minimum.
But i am not rich, and travel not on business, so LeClub Accor now fits me, as they do have a range of cheaper hotels, Ibis budget do not earn points, but ibis styles upwards do.
They do have a stay once a year rule, but for a cheaper option, I would go LeClub.
In the end, it all depends on who pays.
For the most widest option of hotel loyalty though, I would go for HotelClub.
Have used Qantas Hotels as well as Agoda (VA's partner).
Since I found LeClub Accor though, that has become my mainstay hotel loyalty program.
Mercures are nice, as are the Sebels.
Andrew Barkery
Andrew Barkery
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Mar 2011
Total posts 433
Ah, didn't see "Redeeming..."!
IHG then.
Collecting, LeClub Accor.
JonOon
JonOon
Qantas
Member since 04 Jan 2016
Total posts 3
Thanks for the tips guys! Appreciate the great replies :)
Now just to do further research on the loyalty perks of each program! (Seems like Accor offers better perks at higher levels - like lounge access at platinum - but neither program is particularly reliable in terms of honouring status)
mrmaxwell
mrmaxwell
Member since 17 Jun 2011
Total posts 12
IHG is ok but I think the paid Ambassdor IHG program is best. Last year I made IHG platinum via hotel stays but didn't see too much fuss when cheking in -half the time my status wasn't aknowledged. Once I paid for Ambassador I received much better treatment, personal check in area and always upgraded (sometimes to Club lounge). Much more recognition from a $150 payment than from 30+ nights of loyalty. Also agree however as I travel aorund Asia IHG is everywhere and HI are very nice however in AUS IHG is pricy and not good value.
Matthewh
Matthewh
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 10 Jun 2016
Total posts 7
IHG is ok but I think the paid Ambassdor IHG program is best. Last year I made IHG platinum via hotel stays but didn't see too much fuss when cheking in -half the time my status wasn't aknowledged. Once I paid for Ambassador I received much better treatment, personal check in area and always upgraded (sometimes to Club lounge). Much more recognition from a $150 payment than from 30+ nights of loyalty. Also agree however as I travel aorund Asia IHG is everywhere and HI are very nice however in AUS IHG is pricy and not good value.