Originally Posted by
KatW
So far as I can tell, I've never gotten a rate that could not be booked via the web site of the property. But I do enjoy a "free" breakfast. Sometimes, I've been quoted a rate higher than could be had via the web site and had to go back to the TA to adjust the rate. Of course, Virtuoso does not claim to provide a lower rate.
Some hotels have special rates for Virtuoso. Off the top of my head, previous examples have included Palazzio Avino, Anantara Maikhao, La Reserve Paris. In the case of the former, it was a significant saving of approximately 20%. The rate was not publicly available anywhere.
These may be special promotions, but they do run from time to time.
With regards to booking with Virtuoso TAs, no one has to book through Virtuoso TAs. In the end, what's best for you is what's best for you. Many here prefer to for various reasons:
1. Virtuoso amenities and benefits listed
2. Personal relations and connections with key groups and staff at hotels
3. Time and research (not everyone has the time or the interest in researching for their own; many do, of course. Even then, they would come back for #1 and #2)
4. I think you mentioned this briefly but knowing the hotel is important. "Sea view" or "harbour view" doesn't always mean what it says.