Originally Posted by
TravelingZoomer
There are several properties on FHR that are more flexible/give property credit when the preferred agent program does not. I don’t want to litigate every single one but some Hyatt Prive requires two nights and some Marriott Luminous rates do not give credit when FHR does and only requires one night.
Of course YMMV. And there has to be some value for the easier convenience booking through FHR as opposed to a partner program. Once again, YMMV. I like sticking with FHR for those reasons
Definitely YMMV. I think it also depends on how good your agent is and how close of a relationship you have with him/her. IME, having an agent as a live advocate for your stay goes far (and is probably superior to Hyatt Concierge and DEFINITELY superior to Marriott Ambassador service). Virtuoso oftentimes allows you to confirm an upgrade on booking, which is very nice.
For me, the biggest difference is that agent bookings are often cheaper and they are elite qualifying without question. It does not matter if you are staying at a MO, FS, RW, Park Hyatt (where FHR is innately elite qualifying), or anything like that. For Marriott though, it is a big difference. I want to minimize my interactions with CS whenever possible.