Originally Posted by
Welltended3
I almost always book directly with properties. However, it seems that one is a fool if they don't book Four Seasons hotels through the preferred partner travel agents? Why is this...do the rich, unlike the common folk, use agents or something? Seriously, it seems odd one gets a better deal by allowing the hotel to pay a commission?
So who should I use? Thanks. We travel to Hawaii, China, Australia, Japan once things open up again.
I can certainly understand your perspective and in someways, it is indeed counter intuitive. But from the "rich" / client's perspective it's the relationship in addition to the perks that matters. For example, FHR will often yield similar amenities (it does come at an annual fee) but through a FSPP (or Virtuoso) Advisor, you're getting relationships as a bonus. I just booked another client for a stay over the weekend at lanai and Hualalai. Both upgraded at booking due to close relationships/friends at both properties. Other Advisors here will likely have similar pulls across various properties. At times, Four Seasons will have promotions exclusively available to its FSPP advisors.
Also, you're getting expertise/firsthand feedback vs. booking directly via hotel site, search engine, etc.
Just returned from Parrot Cay and Amanyara. Immediately called a client to move their stay from Amanyara to Parrot Cay due to my experience of a better service/value at PC (though more work on my part to start all over). But this is the expertise clients leverage/trusts.
I know my reply/comment is too commercial so I'll stop but a quick search here, you'll find a number of advisors and most are likely very solid and have relationships with FS.