Virtuoso online booking tool is now active...
Mar 13, 2017, 12:32 am
#31
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,216
No update from the Virtuoso development team since the escalation of my request to change advisor on 7th March.
I'm probably more in the demographic that Virtuoso is targeting who don't use a traditional travel agent:
My bookings are R2B but the total value of the trips aren't anywhere near the US$10K+ that some other posters are spending per holiday so I figure this is a good compromise where the Virtuoso advisor would get the commission from a booking that would otherwise go to an OTA (e.g. classictravel.com which also provides Virtuoso benefits using an online booking tool/Amex FHR if one has access through their card).
A win/win, and no skin off the nose of the more traditional Virtuoso client surely?
I'm probably more in the demographic that Virtuoso is targeting who don't use a traditional travel agent:
- Ability to view pricing and detailed room options
- Real-time booking confirmation
- Virtuoso benefits at luxury hotels without meaningful loyalty programs
My bookings are R2B but the total value of the trips aren't anywhere near the US$10K+ that some other posters are spending per holiday so I figure this is a good compromise where the Virtuoso advisor would get the commission from a booking that would otherwise go to an OTA (e.g. classictravel.com which also provides Virtuoso benefits using an online booking tool/Amex FHR if one has access through their card).
A win/win, and no skin off the nose of the more traditional Virtuoso client surely?
I have yet to actually book, but am hoping to soon. I'm curious of the process.
Mar 13, 2017, 6:14 pm
#32
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Programs: UA Premier Gold (*G), IHG Platinum & Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,456
I was just playing around with the tool and was able to change my advisor! I went to make a booking and a screen popped up asking me to confirm my advisor. The one listed was a former advisor but it gave me the ability to search by name for a different one and select my current advisor.
I have yet to actually book, but am hoping to soon. I'm curious of the process.
I have yet to actually book, but am hoping to soon. I'm curious of the process.
Mar 13, 2017, 6:57 pm
#33
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,216
Hmm, that seems to defeat the purpose. I should have a booking coming up and I will have to try it with mine. I wonder if there are only certain advisors that you can book with online?
Mar 13, 2017, 8:17 pm
#34
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Programs: UA Premier Gold (*G), IHG Platinum & Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,456
At this stage I might just wait until this comes out of pilot as the development team still haven't come back to me, and I've made the booking through an alternate online portal (which also provides Virtuoso benefits).
Apr 30, 2017, 6:47 pm
#35
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, HH Gold, SPG Gold, National EC Executive, AA Platinum
Posts: 606
I change my plans often so I like to do the legwork first before contacting an agent. I also like to check several hotels for best prices and benefits and I would drive an agent nuts. Being able to check on my own first is very helpful.
May 1, 2017, 5:13 am
#36
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Exec, CITI Prestige, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold and all ever changing
Posts: 218
Agree. I am am the same way. Actually, enjoy the hunt.
May 28, 2017, 5:02 am
#37
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
If Virtuoso claims to be a professional travel advisor for high end properties (and I don't dissagree as such!), this tool is not really fitting the bill
.Classic Travel online search is more or less ok (very basic but at least it works) so if anyone is mainly checking out options (and get online quotes on Virtuoso rates), this still seems to be the best option for the time being.
May 28, 2017, 8:34 am
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Asheville, NC
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club, Dorchester Diamond Club, Travel Leaders
Posts: 1,854
+1 but seems to be almost mission impossible with this tool. Super slow and errors out 99% of the time. I had no trouble picking Jessica however.
If Virtuoso claims to be a professional travel advisor for high end properties (and I don't dissagree as such!), this tool is not really fitting the bill.
If Virtuoso claims to be a professional travel advisor for high end properties (and I don't dissagree as such!), this tool is not really fitting the bill
.If all they wanted was a booking engine, that's much more do-able ... but they also need to create a platform that incorporates the travel advisor for their personal follow-through.
May 28, 2017, 1:41 pm
#39
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there … you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
But that's just it - in this day and age, with the multitude of options available, Virtuoso should not have nearly the difficulties it is having with this.
I wonder if they've failed to allocate appropriate resources (whether time, man-power, or $$$) for this?
I wonder if they've failed to allocate appropriate resources (whether time, man-power, or $$$) for this?
May 28, 2017, 1:47 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
agencies advertise themselves as participating. virtuoso advertises tool. everyone wins. except clients who want working tool.
if rates are basically same as hotel, i would think just look at hotel rates on hotel website?
i think many here always do that? and some agents here only use hotel website to book
if rates are basically same as hotel, i would think just look at hotel rates on hotel website?
i think many here always do that? and some agents here only use hotel website to book
May 28, 2017, 6:13 pm
#41
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 393
agencies advertise themselves as participating. virtuoso advertises tool. everyone wins. except clients who want working tool.
if rates are basically same as hotel, i would think just look at hotel rates on hotel website?
i think many here always do that? and some agents here only use hotel website to book
if rates are basically same as hotel, i would think just look at hotel rates on hotel website?
i think many here always do that? and some agents here only use hotel website to book
Until this system is bug-free, I'll just keep emailing my go to agent. Not a fan of taking chances
May 29, 2017, 12:43 am
#42
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Programs: UA Premier Gold (*G), IHG Platinum & Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,456
My request to change adviser was finally updated to DavidO on 15 April (having been raised 5 March), yet bookings are limited to the 'Send to my Advisor' option rather than instant booking.
I'm sure Virtuoso will eventually get there.
I'm sure Virtuoso will eventually get there.
May 29, 2017, 8:56 am
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
Dec 11, 2017, 10:41 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
What a complete waste of time to deal with this rubbish. There is no option to do any sort of real time online booking, it always directs you to send an email to the advisor as before. You can't change it online either (it says call). Then you call and the lady doesn't know anything.
Who is responsible for this project? That's even worse than Hyatt!
Who is responsible for this project? That's even worse than Hyatt!