Accor Preferred: How To Get Extra Benefits At Sofitel, Fairmont, & Raffles

While elite status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program is one way to score extra perks for Accor stays, there’s another program that can score you perks without any sort of requirement to be loyal.

Specifically, the Accor Preferred program (previously known as Accor STEP) offers elite-like perks for stays at several of Accor’s luxury brands when booking through an eligible travel advisor.

This is similar to the programs offered by other hotel groups, like Belmond Bellini Club, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hilton for Luxury, Hyatt Privé, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, Marriott STARS, Oetker Collection Pearl Partner, Rosewood Elite, and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

What is the Accor Preferred program?

Accor Preferred is a program available to select travel advisors, offering special perks for stays at Accor’s luxury brands, including Fairmont, Sofitel, and Raffles properties worldwide. You’ll pay the same rate you would directly with Accor, except you’ll be able to receive additional value-add benefits.

Why would Accor offer extra perks for booking through a travel agent? The idea is that hotel brands spend a lot of money on marketing, and one aspect of that is giving travel agents an incentive to book their clients at a particular brand. This is truly a win-win, as the guest gets more benefits, and the hotel gets more business.

What are the benefits of booking with an Accor Preferred travel agent?

For booking through an Accor Preferred travel advisor, you can expect to receive the following perks:

• $100 credit once per stay
• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

If you’d like help with an Accor Preferred booking, Ford is more than happy to help, and doesn’t charge booking fees for these bookings. You can reach him at [email protected].

What are the advantages of booking through Accor Preferred over programs like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts® or Virtuoso?

• Accor Preferred reservations receive priority upgrades over those booked through other programs
• Accor Preferred has a lot more participating hotels, as not all premium Accor properties participate in programs like Virtuoso
• Accor Preferred offers flexibility, as you get a $100 property credit to use as you’d like, while some other programs may restrict you just to the spa, or just to food & beverage outlets

Accor Preferred FAQs

While the above hopefully covers the basics of Accor Preferred, let me answer some FAQs regarding the program, in no particular order.

Can you earn Accor Live Limitless points on Accor Preferred rates?

Absolutely, bookings through Accor Preferred are considered to be “qualifying,” and would be eligible to accrue points, elite nights, etc.

What rates are eligible for Accor Preferred perks?

The Accor Preferred rate is generally the same as the standard best flexible rate at a hotel, so that’s the rate you’d have to pay to take advantage of these benefits. Accor Preferred perks wouldn’t qualify if booking a pre-paid rate, AAA rate, senior rate, or other promotional rate.

Is there a minimum length of stay for Accor Preferred bookings?

No, there’s no minimum length of stay for Accor Preferred bookings at Fairmont, Sofitel, and Raffles.

Can you book Accor Preferred rates without a travel agent?

In order to book an Accor Preferred reservation you have to go through a travel advisor affiliated with the program. This isn’t bookable directly by consumers.

Do Accor Preferred travel agents charge booking fees?

Different travel agents will have different business models, though many Accor Preferred agents don’t charge booking fees. For example, Ford is happy to help with Accor Preferred requests, and doesn’t charge a booking fee, so you’ll pay exactly the rate you see on Accor’s website.

How do you pay for Accor Preferred reservations?

When you book an Accor Preferred reservation, you’ll still pay the hotel directly, so it’s no different than if booking direct. A travel agent simply has to assist you with making the reservation.

Bottom line

The Accor Preferred program offers great additional perks when staying at Accor’s luxury brands, including Fairmont, Sofitel, and Raffles. Perks include a hotel credit, free breakfast, a room upgrade, and more. To take advantage of these perks, just book through an eligible travel advisor.