I believe there is a pecking order, others disagree.

These programs are springing up everywhere and really its hard to break out from the noise. Even as Virtuoso agent, I won't swear that I can work magic at each one of the 888 Virtuoso Hotels because, simply put, I can't support 888 hotels. But the Virtuoso advantage is that there is someone behind your booking, and in some cases you have a real strong personal tie with the given hotels. Where with Amex you are really just a faceless customer, unless you frequent the hotel a lot on your own or pull a "dykwim". My take on Amex is they could not care a less where you stay, how you enjoyed it or what you are doing next, as long as you paid for your trip with your Amex card, they are happy!