Originally Posted by
quant88
Amex THC is generally non qualifying with all the chains although I imagine some hotels may still give status benefits and points on those bookings. Most likely the customer service agent is confused about Virtuoso. Virtuoso and similar travel agent rates are effectively the travel agent making your reservation directly with the hotel. Although I would imagine with IHG in the vast majority of circumstances it makes more sense to book via IHG Destined than Virtuoso.
in this case there is a cheaper virtuoso rate, which is the only reason why it would make sense. But I do agree with the above, the hotel employee seems confused about what Vituoso is.