Feb 18, 2015, 11:31 am
Last edit by: ringingup
Note, added August, 2016: Most Virtuoso agents receive their pay from hotel commissions. Recently, however, I have heard of a few who have started charging an additional fee for making bookings in some cases. I believe that there are still plenty of agents who do not do this, so you may want to ask before making a commitment to a particular agent.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
The following is divided into two lists. Each list is in alphabetical order.
Virtuoso and FT members also in high-end chain programs
There are many high-end chains but these members are at least participants in ALL of the following programs: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, the Hyatt luxury program, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Peninsula Pen Club, and the Marriott/Ritz luxury program.
ABG
BCosinteno
brokenwindow
danielbk
DavidO
Fitstylist5j
jetsettingjacob
KristenNix
Luxefarer
luxtrvlwrks
luxury
MarshKing
merrickdb
poplarflyer (previously lewincg)
ringingup
SojournsOf
TravelConcierge
TravisMT81
thirdpassport
United747
zakami
Virtuoso and FT members not indicating other affiliations
Alexisonsmith
andreadbc
besvisor
bocastephen
chinmoylad
ddavault
price123
sarahlee
Annually, FT members who have not posted for at least a year are assumed to be inactive and deleted from these lists. Last updated Sep 13, 2021.
For those who have not worked with a Virtuoso travel agent before, this thread discusses how the process works:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ferrerid=14479
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
The following is divided into two lists. Each list is in alphabetical order.
Virtuoso and FT members also in high-end chain programs
There are many high-end chains but these members are at least participants in ALL of the following programs: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, the Hyatt luxury program, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Peninsula Pen Club, and the Marriott/Ritz luxury program.
ABG
BCosinteno
brokenwindow
danielbk
DavidO
Fitstylist5j
jetsettingjacob
KristenNix
Luxefarer
luxtrvlwrks
luxury
MarshKing
merrickdb
poplarflyer (previously lewincg)
ringingup
SojournsOf
TravelConcierge
TravisMT81
thirdpassport
United747
zakami
Virtuoso and FT members not indicating other affiliations
Alexisonsmith
andreadbc
besvisor
bocastephen
chinmoylad
ddavault
price123
sarahlee
Annually, FT members who have not posted for at least a year are assumed to be inactive and deleted from these lists. Last updated Sep 13, 2021.
For those who have not worked with a Virtuoso travel agent before, this thread discusses how the process works:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ferrerid=14479
List of Virtuoso (and hotel club) Travel Agents who are also active FT members
Jul 6, 2015, 4:42 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Malta
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 671
Is any member affiliated with the Shangri-la hotels? It would be good to know.
^ I would find this very helpful.
^ I would find this very helpful.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Jul 6, 2015 at 8:17 am Reason: Consecutive posts by same poster
Jul 6, 2015, 8:16 am
#17
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
The geographic specialty question is one I hadn't thought of asking. It's a good idea and I will try to get responses on that next time I revise the list (which isn't due yet).
Jul 6, 2015, 9:41 am
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 3,317
I think "area of expertise" (hotel, cruise, FIT, insurance, whatever) is more relevant than geography, in and of itself, unless the person inquiring is looking for a highly specific tour...
Jul 7, 2015, 9:02 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 1,782
I like the idea of using a TA that is very familiar with a region or activity. It seems to me, and I could be wrong, that there are agents that are extremely familiar with safaris and there are some that are experts in luxury skiing and some that are super-experts Maldives etc...
Dec 18, 2015, 3:28 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
Diamond Club is the Dorchester Collection's preferred partner program. The Diamond Club is a very strong program and Dorchester have invested a lot into this program including upgrades at booking for rooms (upon availability at check-in for full suites) and more generous hotel credits (daily 100 Euro/GBP/USD) for full suites and per stay for rooms, amongst others.
Dec 29, 2016, 7:21 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
Any recent updates?
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
Dec 29, 2016, 7:35 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,520
Any recent updates?
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
Dec 29, 2016, 8:00 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
As I said, that's my budget in SE Asia.
Dec 29, 2016, 9:38 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,040
Dec 31, 2016, 3:25 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: Plat AA; UA Gold; Virtuoso Advisor; Marriott Stars; Hyatt Privr; Fairmont
Posts: 30
Well if we are creative and use some pay 3 stay 4 nights options you may be able to get in at the $200 mark at some hotels. I specialize in the exotics (includes Asia) and do have relationships with the hotels in the Virtuoso consortia (i'm a virtuoso agent). PM me if interested.
Dec 31, 2016, 11:34 pm
#27
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
Well if we are creative and use some pay 3 stay 4 nights options you may be able to get in at the $200 mark at some hotels. I specialize in the exotics (includes Asia) and do have relationships with the hotels in the Virtuoso consortia (i'm a virtuoso agent). PM me if interested.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
Edited to add: As of a day later, it still doesn't work. I have now notified the operator of the site, Internet Brands, but I doubt they would even take a look at it until Jan 3 at the earliest.
Further edit: Today it worked, you have been added.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Jan 3, 2017 at 11:57 am
Jan 1, 2017, 12:16 am
#28
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Any recent updates?
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
At the moment, I have top status in Hyatt, and Hilton, with Plat in IHG. The first two will drop at least one level in the next member year.
I'm wondering, if Virtuoso booked stays at any property would fit the bill when I don't have top status any more. I recall that Virtuoso stays are typically full priced.
I prefer properties that I can get a full breakfast, evening lounge, or other F&B credit.
I'm not looking for $400 a night properties, though. My normal budget is $100-200 per paid night in SE Asia, which is where 75% of my stays occur. I will be doing a couple of weeks in Europe next September, and some California stays during the year. Kid friendly places.
In the past year, I've done about 60 nights. I take advantage of promos, IHG PB, cash and points bookings. While I enjoy hotel status, it's getting much harder these days to chase it.
Any idea if a Virtuoso agent would be helpful?
Currently looking for 4 days in late March in HKG, 4 days in BKK in September, 6-8 days in Europe (Rome for part of it). 12-13 nights in CPT/JNB in November. Plus another 15-20 nights in Indonesia, SIN or similar SE country. When in Asia, I'm based in BDO/CGK.
For example, in Bangkok, you could have a standard room at Anantara Siam within your budget, possibly even with club access if they have a promotional package available. It's Virtuoso too, but V rates are often higher than rates available on Anantara.com, so you have to decide for yourself how to book. GHA benefits apply to all direct bookings, bookings through GHA, and on Vituoso bookings (in which case the benefits can be combined).
Also, look into Starwood Luxury Privileges. That's a way to get benefits at any StR, Luxury collection, or W hotel even if they are not Virtuoso properties. Most of theses agents are also Virtuoso.
Hyatt also, I believe, still plans to allow point upgrades to club level. That is a way to stay on club level, or in a suite, paying only BAR for a standard room.
Jan 1, 2017, 5:36 am
#29
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
@jaimito cartero: IMO LHW and/or SLH could work out well for you. And at least you will get an extra upside through their loyalty programs by earning free nights.
Both are also bookable via a Virtuoso agent and can be combined with the specific loyalty perks of both "chains". I will PM you for the details.
Both are also bookable via a Virtuoso agent and can be combined with the specific loyalty perks of both "chains". I will PM you for the details.
Jan 1, 2017, 5:40 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
@jaimito cartero: IMO LHW and/or SLH could work out well for you. And at least you will get an extra upside through their loyalty programs by earning free nights.
Both are also bookable via a Virtuoso agent and can be combined with the specific loyalty perks of both "chains". I will PM you for the details.
Both are also bookable via a Virtuoso agent and can be combined with the specific loyalty perks of both "chains". I will PM you for the details.