Most of you already know this: Accor has been my go-to hotel chain for years. The generous points ecosystem, the easy transfer options via Axis and now HSBC, and of course the fantastic range of hotels, from budget-friendly to full-blown luxury, make it a natural fit for frequent travellers like us.
But this time, something extraordinary happened.
I won 1 Million Accor Points.
Yes, one million worth almost ₹21,00,000 (€20,000).
Even as I write this, it still feels surreal.
This wasn’t my first win with Accor (I had previously won 20,000 points in a contest), but this one was on an entirely different level.
The brief?
Create a 45–90 second vertical video (9:16) and post it on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook talking about how the AccorPlus membership has helped you while travelling.
Judging was based on:
Sounds simple, right?
But when the prize is a million points… nothing about it feels simple!
The moment I read “1 Million Accor Points,” something clicked.
I told myself:
If I’m doing this, I’m giving it 100%, not even a shade less.
Now, I’m not a professional content creator. I don’t shoot on high-end gear or edit like a seasoned filmmaker. But I was willing to learn.
Over a few intense days, I taught myself:
Day 1?
I slept for barely an hour. Not out of pressure, but because learning all of this was genuinely fun. We often underestimate how much the internet can teach us and it's such a blessing when you really decide to make use of it.
By 29th October, I finished my first video, not professionally perfect, but full of soul. I posted it on Instagram and submitted it on the dedicated AccorPlus contest site.
But here’s where strategy kicked in.
We were allowed to submit multiple entries.
Would that increase my chances?
Not really.
But I looked at it differently.
I created three additional videos, each with a unique style, tighter editing, and improved storytelling. My goal wasn’t to spam the contest rather it was to gain visibility. I wanted to stay on the radar because the competition was fierce, and people were submitting some truly incredible work.
In the end, it was my very first video that won the crown.
And when the email came saying I’d won the Million Accor Points and that they would be credited within 30 days…
It truly felt like a dream coming alive in real time.
Every entry out there was special. Nothing compares to watching people share their joy through their travel stories. It was heartwarming from start to finish.
These are just my learnings, not a universal formula. But I genuinely hope they help you if you’re planning to participate in future contests, because trust me, the thrill is worth every second you invest.
And as for me?
I’m already excited for the next one.
More effort, more creativity, and hopefully, more unforgettable entries!
But this time, something extraordinary happened.
I won 1 Million Accor Points.
Yes, one million worth almost ₹21,00,000 (€20,000).
Even as I write this, it still feels surreal.
This wasn’t my first win with Accor (I had previously won 20,000 points in a contest), but this one was on an entirely different level.
What the Contest Was All About
AccorPlus recently rolled out a series of updates that have been genuinely beneficial for most members. To celebrate, they launched a contest for AccorPlus Explorer members.The brief?
Create a 45–90 second vertical video (9:16) and post it on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook talking about how the AccorPlus membership has helped you while travelling.
Judging was based on:
- Creativity
- Storytelling
- Overall experience
- Relevance to the theme
Sounds simple, right?
But when the prize is a million points… nothing about it feels simple!
Behind the Scenes: My Journey to the Winning Entry
The moment I read “1 Million Accor Points,” something clicked.I told myself:
If I’m doing this, I’m giving it 100%, not even a shade less.
Now, I’m not a professional content creator. I don’t shoot on high-end gear or edit like a seasoned filmmaker. But I was willing to learn.
Over a few intense days, I taught myself:
- Basics of Photoshop
- Final Cut Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Even experimented with mobile tools like VN
Day 1?
I slept for barely an hour. Not out of pressure, but because learning all of this was genuinely fun. We often underestimate how much the internet can teach us and it's such a blessing when you really decide to make use of it.
By 29th October, I finished my first video, not professionally perfect, but full of soul. I posted it on Instagram and submitted it on the dedicated AccorPlus contest site.
But here’s where strategy kicked in.
Submitting Multiple Entries: The Smart Way
We were allowed to submit multiple entries.
Would that increase my chances?
Not really.
But I looked at it differently.
I created three additional videos, each with a unique style, tighter editing, and improved storytelling. My goal wasn’t to spam the contest rather it was to gain visibility. I wanted to stay on the radar because the competition was fierce, and people were submitting some truly incredible work.
In the end, it was my very first video that won the crown.
And when the email came saying I’d won the Million Accor Points and that they would be credited within 30 days…
It truly felt like a dream coming alive in real time.
Every entry out there was special. Nothing compares to watching people share their joy through their travel stories. It was heartwarming from start to finish.
My Winning Entry
Final Thoughts
These are just my learnings, not a universal formula. But I genuinely hope they help you if you’re planning to participate in future contests, because trust me, the thrill is worth every second you invest.
And as for me?
I’m already excited for the next one.
More effort, more creativity, and hopefully, more unforgettable entries!
