Do Virtuoso & FS Preferred Partner Travel Agents charge a fee for hotel bookings?
Jun 1, 2011, 1:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: LHW Leaders Club
Posts: 5
Do Virtuoso & FS Preferred Partner Travel Agents charge a fee for hotel bookings?
Hi everyone -this is my first time posting.
I am interested in finding a Travel Agent who is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and a member of Virtuoso to make hotel bookings for me, instead of me just making the bookings myself, and I was just wondering if a Travel Agent would charge me a fee for making the bookings on my behalf? Thanks in advance for any help.
I am interested in finding a Travel Agent who is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and a member of Virtuoso to make hotel bookings for me, instead of me just making the bookings myself, and I was just wondering if a Travel Agent would charge me a fee for making the bookings on my behalf? Thanks in advance for any help.
Jun 1, 2011, 3:31 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: La Jolla, California
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, SWA CP
Posts: 1,123
Hi everyone -this is my first time posting.
I am interested in finding a Travel Agent who is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and a member of Virtuoso to make hotel bookings for me, instead of me just making the bookings myself, and I was just wondering if a Travel Agent would charge me a fee for making the bookings on my behalf? Thanks in advance for any help.
I am interested in finding a Travel Agent who is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and a member of Virtuoso to make hotel bookings for me, instead of me just making the bookings myself, and I was just wondering if a Travel Agent would charge me a fee for making the bookings on my behalf? Thanks in advance for any help.
Jun 1, 2011, 7:55 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
In general, hotels still pay commissions so agents don't need to charge additional fees to customers to earn a living.
While there will invariably be commission pressure over time, there are so many more hotels than there are airlines, and that hotels can vary so widely, that the need for agent representation in the sales process is likely to continue for a long time in the hotel industry.
Some high-end agents, particularly those that focus on more off-the-run properties (non-chain) will tack on a fee for any booking. I've never had one not disclose their fee up front, and have always felt I get real value for the service.
Frankly, if you're going to stay at an RC, FS or any Virtuoso property, you're leaving significant value on the table by NOT booking through a preferred agent.
While there will invariably be commission pressure over time, there are so many more hotels than there are airlines, and that hotels can vary so widely, that the need for agent representation in the sales process is likely to continue for a long time in the hotel industry.
Some high-end agents, particularly those that focus on more off-the-run properties (non-chain) will tack on a fee for any booking. I've never had one not disclose their fee up front, and have always felt I get real value for the service.
Frankly, if you're going to stay at an RC, FS or any Virtuoso property, you're leaving significant value on the table by NOT booking through a preferred agent.
Jun 1, 2011, 8:08 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Accor Plat
Posts: 218
Viruoso for french!
Jun 2, 2011, 11:43 am
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Location: HKG
Programs: SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, QF/HH/TG/SQ GOLD
Posts: 473
Jun 2, 2011, 3:31 pm
#12
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
It might be easier to list the TA's who DO charge a fee for a FSPP, Virtuoso, or RC Stars booking! I don't think that is very common, except maybe among overpriced membership "concierge" services.
Jun 3, 2011, 12:05 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Germany
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Platinum, UA Premier Executive
Posts: 143
I should have asked this question before I made my booking for the FS Firenze last year. The FSPP agent I used charged a $150 "deposit" for organizing the trip and was clear to say it wasn't a "fee" but was nonrefundable if I canceled or substantially reduced the booking. I never got that deposit back but figured the benefits of booking through the FSPP agent was well worth the $150.
Any FSPP agents looking for new clients?
Any FSPP agents looking for new clients?
