Earlier this year we learned that Accor was to replace to the current Le Club AccorHotels program with a new program called ALL (Accor Live Limitless). Along the way, they mentioned that the program would be getting two new tiers – Diamond, and an invitation only tier.
At the time, there was precious little information about the new tiers. All we really knew was that the requirement for Diamond was going to be 26,000 Status Points.
Now Accor have made their first announcements regarding the benefits you will receive at the Diamond level.
New Tiers
In terms of program features, Accor are just adding new features to the program, and will not be reducing benefits on the existing status levels.. The criteria for meeting Silver, Gold and Platinum will remain the same. There will be no loss of benefits – and platinum members will in fact gain extra suite upgrade benefits.
Diamond
Starting from 2020 there will be a new Diamond tier. This will be available to members that earn 26,000 status points a year. This will be the only way you can earn it – you will not be able to become Diamond based on the number of nights that you stay.
In terms of benefits, Accor has announced two new benefits for Diamond:
- Worldwide free weekend breakfasts.
- Dinning and spa rewards.
- Ability to gift Gold Status to another member. For an Accor Plus member gifting gold, the receiver will also get an Accor Plus membership. There is some talk around that this will be an Accor Plus Traveller membership. This is the same as an Accor Plus membership, but does not have a complimentary night included in its benefits.
The free breakfast is an interesting one. In Asia Pacific, breakfast is extended to all Platinum members. One would hope that this remains the case for Diamond members as well. Still, Accor say there will be no loss of benefits – so it looks like breakfast in Asia Pacific everyday, and on the weekends in the rest of the world.
Invitation Level
A new ‘Invitation Only’ level will be introduced. Accor have been even less vague of the requirements for this level. It may be that Accor have a number of measures that they will use to determine eligibility.
New Benefits
Suite Upgrades
If Diamond is a little out of your reach, Accor will be extending some additional benefits to Platinum members. Specifically new Suite Upgrade awards:
- On reaching Platinum status, receive one Suite Night Upgrade. Booked in advance, guaranteed.
- Earn a second at 18000 status points, and then an additional one for every 4000 status points, up to 12 a year.
For members that achieve Platinum on Status Points, this second upgrade will be 4,000 Status Points after achieving Platinum. On the other hand, members that reach platinum by staying 60 nights, there could well be a big jump to the second award. This might happen, for example, if you stay in Ibis hotels frequently.
Points Earning
Accor will be extending the ability to earn points at restaurants. At present, when dining in an Accor Hotel, you had to be staying in the hotel to earn points. Under the new program, you will be able to earn points even when not staying.
It now looks as though Accor are going to release information throughout the year. We will try to keep on top of the latest information as it gets released.
