This issue has probably been discussed here but I haven't been able to find a dedicated thread about it in searching the forums.

We have always used a travel agent to book our travel and lodging but we're starting to wonder if it makes any sense anymore. Our TA doesn't seem to be able to help us out as far as getting flight upgrades. And we have not been impressed with the so-called hotel upgrades Virtuoso brags about and more than once we've ended up in a situation where our travel agent books the hotel and my husband ends up having to negotiate a better room deal on his own after we arrive and find a substandard arrangement.

I'm from the age of the dinosaurs and have never booked a hotel on kayak or the other sites - I have this fear that whatever savings might be found there will result in finding we've been booked into the broom closet rather than the luxury room we like to stay in. Am I wrong about this?

A case in point: I'm currently trying to arrange a trip to Italy. My TA doesn't seem to be able to work any magic around rates at the luxury hotels there other than promising something from Virtuoso that probably will not materialize. I'm equally unimpressed with the Amex's Fine Hotels and Resorts options. Am I better off just to book directly with Portrait Suites or something of that ilk and do it on my own?