The 2 free Stay Plus Nights are the most sought-after benefit of the ALL Accor+ Explorer membership—but the new program revamp changed their rules drastically. This guide breaks down exactly how to use these free nights to get the most bang for your $229/year fee, from booking steps to top destinations and common pitfalls to skip.
Key Rules for 2026 Free Nights (You Must Know First)
Before booking, understand the updated terms to avoid disappointment—these changes differ from the old Accor Plus program:
- Usage Requirement: Each free night requires a minimum 2-night stay (1 paid night + 1 free night) . The free night automatically applies to the most expensive night in your booking.
- Validity: Free nights expire 12 months from your membership activation date (no extensions for non-use).
- Coverage: Exclusive to Asia Pacific properties—over 1,000 participating hotels across 22 countries, including Australia, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore .
- Restrictions: Cannot be used consecutively, stacked with Suite Night Upgrades, or covered by reward points for the paid night .
- Brand Eligibility: Works with 25+ Accor brands, from luxury Fairmont and Sofitel to midscale Novotel and economy Ibis .
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Free Nights (2026 Updated)
Booking your free Stay Plus Nights is straightforward via the ALL Accor app or website, but following these steps ensures you lock in the best value:
1. Confirm Your Free Nights Are Available
- Log into your ALL Accor account (app or desktop) and navigate to the “My Benefits” tab.
- Locate the “Stay Plus Free Night” section—you’ll see 2 available vouchers if you’re an active Explorer member .
- Pro Tip: Check availability 3–6 months in advance for peak seasons (Christmas, Lunar New Year) as free night inventory fills fast.
2. Search for Eligible Stays
- Use the Accor search bar to find your destination (filter by “Asia Pacific” to narrow results).
- Select a 2-night stay (minimum required) and choose “Flexible Rate” for the paid night (promo rates like Red Hot Rooms are allowed ).
- Add a screen recording or step-by-step screenshots showing how to filter for eligible hotels and select the free night option in the app.
3. Apply Your Free Night Voucher
- On the booking summary page, click “Apply Voucher” and select your “Stay Plus Free Night” benefit.
- The system will automatically deduct the free night’s value from the total (look for “Complimentary Night Applied” next to the most expensive night).
- Review the details: Ensure the paid night is not using reward points (free nights require a cash-paid night ).
4. Confirm and Secure Your Booking
- Finalize your reservation with a valid credit card (no prepayment required for most flexible rates).
- Add a blurred screenshot of your booking confirmation showing the free night deduction (e.g., “3-Night Stay: 2 Paid + 1 Complimentary” for a longer trip).
Don’t have an ALL Accor+ Explorer membership yet? Sign up via this link to unlock 2 free nights + 30% dining discounts—perfect for your next Asia Pacific trip.”
Top 5 Destinations to Maximize Free Night Value (2026)
To get the most out of your free nights, book high-value hotels where the complimentary night’s cost alone offsets a large portion of your membership fee:
1. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (Australia)
- Average nightly rate: $440 USD
- Free night value: $440 (covers 19% of your $229 membership fee in one stay!)
- Why it’s worth it: Iconic harbor views, luxury amenities, and easy access to Sydney’s landmarks. Pair with a paid night for a weekend getaway.
2. Fairmont Tokyo (Japan)
- Average nightly rate: $380 USD
- Free night value: $380
- Pro tip: Book during cherry blossom season (March–April) for unforgettable views—free night saves you from peak-season price hikes.
3. Pullman Bali Legian Beach (Indonesia)
- Average nightly rate: $280 USD
- Free night value: $280
- Perfect for: Family travel—combine with the Explorer’s 30% dining discount for beachside meals .
4. Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy (Singapore)
- Average nightly rate: $220 USD
- Free night value: $220
- Bonus: Central location near shopping districts—use the free night to extend a business trip or city break.
5. Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road (Hong Kong)
- Average nightly rate: $200 USD
- Free night value: $200
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers—paired with a paid night, you’ll get 2 nights in the heart of Hong Kong for the price of 1.
For more Asia Pacific travel inspiration, check out our Top 10 Accor Hotel Destinations 2026 guide—we break down how to pair free nights with local experiences.
5 Common Traps to Avoid (2026 Updated)
Many Explorer members waste free nights due to new rule changes—here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Booking a Single Night (Invalid)
The biggest mistake: Trying to book a 1-night stay with a free night. Always book 2+ nights (1 paid + 1 free) to comply with terms .
2. Using Reward Points for the Paid Night
Free nights require a cash-paid night—points cannot be used to cover the paid portion . Book a flexible rate or promo rate (like Red Hot Rooms) instead.
3. Overlooking Blackout Dates
Major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year) often block free night usage. Check availability early or book adjacent dates to avoid blackouts.
4. Stacking Discounts Incorrectly
Unlike the old Accor Plus program, Explorer’s 15% member discount cannot be stacked with some promo rates . Use the free night with a standalone promo rate for maximum savings.
5. Letting Free Nights Expire
12 months flies by! Set a calendar reminder 3 months before expiration—if you can’t travel, book a “cancelable” stay and adjust later (most flexible rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before).
Wondering if the full membership is worth it beyond free nights? Read our ALL Accor+ Explorer 2026 Review: Is It Worth $229? for a detailed breakdown of dining discounts, status nights, and more.
Pro Tips to Boost Free Night Value (2026)
1. Book Longer Stays for More Savings
For 3+ night trips, apply a free night to the most expensive night (e.g., 3-night stay: 2 paid + 1 free, with the free night covering the priciest peak night).
2. Combine with Dining Discounts
After your stay, use the Explorer’s 30% dining discount at the hotel’s restaurant . For a 4-person meal ($200), you’ll save an extra $60—adding to your free night savings.
3. Upgrade Your Stay for Less
Use your free night at a midscale hotel (e.g., Novotel) and use the savings to upgrade to a suite or add a spa treatment—you’ll get luxury perks without the full cost.
Ready to unlock 2 high-value free nights? Join ALL Accor+ Explorer today and start planning your Asia Pacific getaway—your first free night could cover nearly half the membership fee!”
Final Recap
ALL Accor+ Explorer’s free nights are still a top-tier benefit—if used correctly. Follow the 2-night stay rule, book high-value destinations, and avoid common traps to get $800+ in value from your 2 free nights alone. Pair them with dining discounts and status nights, and the $229 membership fee pays for itself in one trip.
