It’s possible to have lifetime status with Accor hotels for just less $1900.
If you own 50 shares of Accor, currently trading at the time of this post at just above $37 a share, you will receive Platinum status. Interestingly, it’s for as long as you own the stock:
Conditions for joining the Accord Shareholders Club – Any shareholder who holds at least 50 bearer shares or one registered share may join the Accor Shareholders Club. Membership is free of charge and is valid as long as the conditions for membership are fulfilled. Shareholders who join the Accor Shareholders Club receive a membership card in their name that provides access to special services and offers reserved for Accor Shareholders Club members.
So, if you purchase 50 shares of Accor at $37.35 a piece, you’ll end up spending $1867.50, which would get you this lifetime Platinum Status.
What do you get with Accor Platinum Status?
Among the benefits selected just for Platinum members, you’ll receive…
- Early check-in
- Late check-out
- Guaranteed room availability up to two days prior to arrival
- Room upgrade, upon availability
- Access to executive lounge, if available
Is it worth it?
It depends. If you frequently travel to Europe, where a majority of their hotels are located, then you might find this status beneficial. If you’re a predominant US domestic traveler, you surely won’t find it as appealing. Keep in mind that Accor Platinum, which is their top tier, is nowhere near as valuable as Hyatt Diamond, or Kimpton Inner Circle, for example. It’s nice to have, but is certainly not a kicker if you don’t have it. However, for under $1900 for a frequent traveler to Europe, who stays at the Accor brands, this may be well worth it.
This isn’t really lifetime platinum, because the benefits of the shareholders club membership could be changed at any time. There is nothing saying accor platinum has to be a benefit always. And that is without considering the shareholders club could be terminated, etc.
$37.35 in Euro or USD? I see $45 on OTC.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=ACRFF
Asian properties tend to treat Plats the best.
Pretty sure Accor shares list on the Paris Exchange… so you’d need 1900 Euros and a broker that makes markets in Europe