DavidO

First of all, FHR/Virtuoso and Hotel Status are not mutually exclusive categories. You can have elite status + book through a Virtuoso TA or FHR and get the consortial amenities (although no doubling down).

So FHR vs Virtuoso?

(1) Little known fact, but your Virtuoso TA can make an FHR booking. I'll most often do this when the client absolutely, positively needs the 4 p.m. late checkout ... and my sales rep isn't able to confirm a late check-out at time of booking. Usually, she can.

(2) The amenities are usually about equivalent, but Virtuoso is superior in some cases. For instance, want an upgrade at booking at the Ritz Paris + round-trip airport transfers + VIP airport reception on arrival? Ritz Paris offers this through Virtuoso, not FHR.

(3) Your Virtuoso TA likely has a preferred partner relationship with various hotel chains — Four Seasons, Dorchester Collection, Hyatt Privé, Oetker Pearl, etc. The Preferred Partner amenities are generally better than Virtuoso/FHR. Full breakfasts, not continental. Guaranteed upgrade in some cases.

(4) Service — will FHR phone or email your hotel to communicate your preferences and request an upgrade? LOL. Your Virtuoso TA knows your preferences by virtue of working exclusively with you over the years. And she/he has relationships with hotel sales managers by virtue of working them them over the years.