Since I have been asked what the differences are between Virtuoso, American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (Amex FHR) and the Travel Leaders Select program, I hope this overview may be helpful.

General:

When booking via any of these three programs, guests can benefit from additional amenities such as daily complimentary breakfast for two, free upgrades and other perks.

Virtuoso benefits:
- daily complimentary breakfast for two
- complimentary upgrade (based on availability at check-in)
- late check-out (if available)
- special amenity once during stay such a food & beverage, resort or spa credit (amenity varies by hotel and is typically worth $100)

Amex FHR:
- daily complimentary breakfast for two
- complimentary upgrade (based on availability at check-in)
- early check-in (if available) and guaranteed 4p.m. late check-out
- special amenity once during stay such a food & beverage, resort or spa credit (amenity varies by hotel; typically worth $100)

Travel Leaders Select:
- daily complimentary breakfast for two
- complimentary upgrade (based on availability at check-in)
- early check-in and late check-out (if available)
- complimentary high-speed internet access
- special amenity once during stay such a food & beverage, resort or spa credit (amenity varies by hotel and is typically worth $100)

As you can see, the benefits offered via each program are very similar. Amex FHR is the only program to offer a guaranteed late check-out while the others offer it based on availability. Based on my experience Virtuoso and Travel Leaders Select are more likely to offer full breakfast while Amex FHR more frequently only offers continental breakfast.

How much is the Amex FHR / Virtuoso / Travel Leaders Select rate?

The rate typically is identical with the “Daily Rate” / "Best Available Rate" which you see on the Fairmont website; benefits cannot be combined with lower promotional or non-refundable rates. However, rates booked via these three programs sometimes are slightly cheaper (5%-20%) than the Best Available Rate and some Fairmont hotels offer special promotions such as “3rd / 4th night free”.

Do FPC benefits apply and do I earn stay credit?

Yes, all Amex FHR, Virtuoso and Travel Leaders Select bookings qualify for stay / night credit.

You are entitled to all FPC benefits and FPC Premier / Platinum members can apply their room / suite upgrade certificates towards these bookings.

How do I book the Amex FHR / Virtuoso / Travel Leaders Select rate?

Virtuoso: can only be booked via an agent affiliated with Virtuoso

Travel Leaders Select: can only be booked via an agent affiliated with Travel Leaders Group

Amex FHR: can be booked directly with Amex or, in some cases, via a professional travel agent
(Note: You need to be an Amex Platinum or Centurion cardholder, though you may pay with any Amex card.)

In the interest of full disclosure: I am a travel consultant who regularly books the Travel Leaders Select rates for clients. There are also several Virtuoso agents on Flyertalk.