A good travel agent is a great resource when planning a complex trip or giving advice on specific properties. Although I book by own air I do use a travel agent affiliated with Virtuoso for my hotels. On a recent trip to Hawaii, he spoke with the Manager and arranged for us to have what was the best room in the hotel (or, at least the one with the most spectacular view). The Virtuoso amenities also gave us expensive goodies such as free, magnificent breakfasts.
A family member, who routinely travels for business also uses this gentleman for his air and hotel during his frequent trips to New York and London. He loves the service he receives. The TA has recently planned an extremely complex trip to Thailand and Cambodia for this person and his family. This TA is also a member of Flyertalk.