Accor is improving its elite program by adding more benefits for frequent guests. All elite members, Silver and above, will receive free Internet access and late checkout upon request and availability and a welcome drink (excluding ibis and ibis Styles for Silver members). Gold members receive early check-in upon request and availability, guaranteed room availability with three days advance notice and space available room upgrades. Platinum members will receive guaranteed room availability with two days advance notice and complimentary access to the hotel lounge, when available, in addition to Silver and Gold benefits. The benefits are offered at Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, ibis and ibis Styles properties. There are also brand-specific benefits, such as Gold and Platinum members having complimentary use of a car for four hours.

Bottom line: Accor has been known for having a lackluster elite program that is missing some of the standard benefits of other programs, such as free WiFi, room upgrades, free breakfast and lounge access. The program is playing catch up by adding some of these perks, which is good for members who like to stay often at Accor brands.