Here's my attempt at creating a sticky/wiki/etc. I'm not doing this as a sales pitch - my intention is 100% informative. I get a lot of questions via PM regarding booking under a Virtuoso rate, and I think it would be hugely beneficial to the SPG forum to give people a resource to figure out what their options are.

FAQ:

Q1) What is Virtuoso?!
A1) Virtuoso is an international association of invitation-only travel agents (Virtuoso likes to call them 'advisors' or consultants). These advisors are partners in a larger luxury travel conglomerate (air, hotel, villa, private islands, space travel, cruise, train, car, tour, etc) that specializes in luxury travel. Virtuoso has 'connections' around the globe. Some you may know -- Abercrombie and Kent, Air Tahiti Nui, St. Regis, Orient-Express...the list is literally thousands of partners long. Others are more elusive (specific on-site tour operates that specialize in specific regions). Our speciality is getting value-added amenities for clients at high end properties.

Q2) Can I earn stay/night credits by booking under a Virtuoso rate?
A2) Yes, you can earn stay/night credits + points based on Virtuoso rates. Booking a Virtuoso rate is not the same as booking via an OTA. Moreover, the property will see your status - Virtuoso has nothing to do w/ status recognition.

Q3) Do Virtuoso rates cost more?
A3) Depends. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. By and large, a V rate will be +/- $50USD of the BAR. 9 out of 10 times, the rate is the same - especially at international properties. V rates are very property/time/season specific.

Q4) Do Virtuoso advisors cost money?
A4) For simple hotel bookings, no.

Q5) Are V rates refundable?
A5) Yet to come across one that wasn't

**This thread is a work in progress, so bear with me.**

USA: Arizona

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Early check-in if available
Daily full breakfast for two guests
One 100 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay
Late check-out if available

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Room view upgrade on arrival if available
Early check-in if available
Daily full breakfast for two guests
One 100 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay
Late check-out if available

USA: California
The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Upgrade on arrival if available
Early check-in if available
Daily full breakfast for two guests
One 100 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay
Late check-out if available

SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Upgrade on arrival if available
Early check-in if available
Daily continental breakfast for two guests
One 100 USD spa services credit per room, per stay
Late check-out if available

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Upgrade on arrival if available
Early check-in if available
Daily full breakfast for two guests
One 100 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay
Late check-out if available

The St. Regis San Francisco
Master Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Upgrade on arrival if available
Early check-in if available
Daily continental breakfast for two guests
One lunch for two guests in Vitrine restaurant per room, per stay (excludes alcohol and gratuity)
Late check-out if available