the art of the (hotel) deal

One&Only Reethi Rah, cover resort for The Best of the Best 2017

Are you looking for the best deal?

You have now discovered the best-kept secret for getting better values at nearly 1,200 of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts. Generally speaking, you'll pay the same best available flexible rate you can find online, but by booking through a Virtuoso travel advisor, you'll also receive the following valuable amenities:

Breakfast for two daily. Does the thought of paying $35 (or more) plus tax, plus gratuity, for a croissant, glass of juice, and cup of coffee send you out the front door of the hotel looking for a Starbucks? Virtuoso guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel's restaurant or through in-room dining. Many Virtuoso resorts offer a complimentary Full American breakfast, through room service if you wish, including buffets. I know the best free breakfast in whatever city you'd like to visit...

Room upgrades. Most hotels will upgrade you if available at the time of check-in, but perhaps 10% will do even better: upgrade you when you book. I know a hotel family that gives my clients guaranteed upgrades at the time of booking. Upgrades mean ... more space, higher floors, or better views!

Extra amenities (like a $100 credit towards food and beverage or the hotel spa) give you added values at every hotel I book. My favorite Virtuoso extra amenity? A VIP welcome at the jetway of your plane by an hostess who will fast-track you through the immigration queue, help you collect your luggage, and escort you to your complimentary limousine to the hotel. And your return trip is complimentary too! And you're guaranteed an upgrade at this particular hotel.

It doesn't cost a dollar, euro, or pound more, and you don't need an expensive credit card with a $450 annual fee to qualify.

The art of the (hotel) deal, indeed. Contact Ourisman Travel ... or any Virtuoso travel advisor ... to enjoy the best value at a luxury hotel.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.