I've found that most of the best hotels in Latin America aren't part of any big international chain, apart from a few here and there run by Four Seasons, R-C, and Orient-Express. This Luxury Latin America site has done a lot of the weeding out and reviews what look to be the best choices in each country.
I've also found some gems through the LHW site and the Small Luxury Hotels site. Like some others have mentioned, some good deals sometimes on LuxuryLink.com and even SkyAuction.com for some spots. (Just be sure to read all the fine print to tally up the fees.)
I got an even better rate through my Virtuoso agent (Linda Terrill) when I went to Scotland last month -- more than what I found on the Virtuoso.com site -- and I got an amazing upgrade. When I asked for shipboard credits on a cruise she booked, I got those too. It's amazing what you can get from TA's these days if you ask. I think agents are pretty hungry. And I know for certain the hotels in the U.K. are!
seem to recall this blog's main site coming up somewhere here. http://blog.tripkick.com/
but the blog actually has lots of pictures, of different rooms/suites etc at various hotels. recent posts include some PH, st regis, FS. great stuff unfortunately it doesnt seem to have really frequent updates.
http://www.magellanvacations.com/destinations.shtml
kind of like signature/ensemble/virtuoso, except less benefits, and more discounts. (some great discounts) also some confirmed upgrades, although nothing THAT valuable. (montage beverly hills was only one i didnt check.)
FS that offer club level/lounge with limited rooms
maui - 26 rooms (club on 8th floor) (31 if top 5 suites also have club access)
buenos aires - 25 rooms (preferred on 7th & 8th floors)
Programs: LH Sen, EK G, A-Club Diam, HH Diam, RZGP G, Leaders Club, Vertu Concierge
Posts: 279
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrophyCollector
"Hotel Bibles" (not to be found in bookstores)
Gallivanter's Guide
Base: Wiltshire, UK
Key people: Lyn Middlehurst and David Maslin
Price: GBP 125, GBP 152, GBP 163 (UK, Europe, Rest of World) http://www.gallivantersguide.com/
Andrew Harper
Base: Austin, Texas, USA
Key people: Richard and Carol Atkinson (unconfirmed rumour)
Price: US$ 500 initiation fee, US$ 400 p.a. (US$ 350 for online version)
US$ 150 p.a. for a reduced version http://www.andrewharper.com
Nota Bene
Base: London, UK
Key people: Anthony Lassmann
Price: US$ 420 p.a. http://www.nbreview.com/
A Rare World
Location: London, UK and West Hollywood, USA
Key people: Steven and Gordon MacGeachy, Patrick Waechter
Price: US$ 199 p.a. USA, US$ 249 p.a. ROW (for one issue p.a.) http://www.arareworld.com
INworldguide
Base: Munich, Germany
Key people: Peter Finkbeiner
Price: € 300 (one-time; not a subscription; rather a corporate branded gift) http://www.inworldguide.com/
Feedback
Base: Notting Hill, London, UK
Key people: Angus Hyland, Alan Fletcher
Price: nil (only available to friends & clients of design agency Pentagram) http://pentagram.com
