Originally Posted by
bcosinteno
This is wrong. Most Virtuoso upgrades are subject to availability at checkin. There are a few instances were a property has a promotion that the upgrade is confirmed at the time of booking, but those are not the majority.
Virtuoso like STARS is subject to availability at check in. A good travel advisor will be proactive to work to ensure the client does indeed get the upgrade. That is the one downfall with FHR (you don’t really have anyone advocating for you).
I think we're saying the same thing. A *good* Virtuoso agent, often with connections at the hotel, can sometimes get the hotel to agree on the upgrade (which could be improved at check in) shortly after the reservation is made. AmEx FHR reservations are usually made through the computer system with no personal contact.
OTOH the 4pm checkout is guaranteed for FHR and based on availability (on the departure day) for Virtuoso.