I guess you've got your experiences, and I've got mine. In many situations, the cost of the stay is not only less with Virtuoso or FHR than you can book yourself, but the free breakfasts are alone worth $50-$70 per day. Throw in a free massage, and I'm a happy camper.

I'm hardly the lazy type when it comes to travel. I'll scour just about every site before I book something (unless it's an error fare!). But if I can save 10-15% on my room AND get the amenities, I'm booking thru an agent. If I don't have to pay more AND get the amenities, life is good also. This was the case at THEHotel in Vegas in September, again in November-about at 10 percent discount. September was the VMA awards in LV, and the place was just packed. I got upgraded to a huge suite at the Crillon in Paris-and it wasn't because of my good looks. The hotel was full due to the Rugby finals going in on Paris.

As for guarantees, there are no guarantees in life.... If you want an upgrade guaranteed, pay for it. Or spend enough time and money in one property that they can't not upgrade you. I've done the former, and fortunately don't have to travel that much to worry about the latter. I buy the room size I want to stay in, and if I get upgraded to something really special, then I feel great and not disappointed.

Let me pose a question to you- if the Virtuoso or FHR agent is doing all the work for you for no charge, and you get the amenities included, where is the problem in using those agents? Does it make you feel better that you did it yourself?