<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by obscure2k:
I would be interested in the influence of travel agents. Do hotels really pay more attention to agencies who are part of the Virtuoso network, AmexPlat, Lindblad, etc.? Do their customers truly receive preferential treatment; if so, what happens to the commissions at the front desk (which you suggested in another thread) which are based on up-selling?
p.s. thanks for listening and posting this as a separate topic...this is going to be one great thread.</font>
Hi obscure2k!
Thanks again for the great suggestion. I don't know why I didn't do this earlier!
In answer to your question, yes, travel agencies do get attention if they are an official "preferred partner" of the hotel, most notably AMEX Platinum (or Centurion). The others you mentioned I don't recognize.
Usually the benefits include free upgrades, guaranteed early check in, and late check out, and credit towards breakfast. These guests are also more likely to be "squeezed in" on a "sold out" night.
In answer to your second question: you cannot up-sell an AMEX platinum guest, you have to give them a comp. upgrade. AMEX regularly sends secret shoppers to their hotel partners to make sure they are giving out the promised benefits. However, if the guest would like to double ugrade then you can upsell to the next tier.
Keep 'em coming! I'll do my best to answer everyone's questions.