which rate would you book?

This is a true story, and the booking in question was in process when I started this blog. A client wanting to book a one-night stay in Beverly Hills asked for rates. I quoted the Virtuoso rate, $429. She came back to me and said she found an online rate of $364.

Which is the better value?

$364 is an Advance Purchase rate. You have to prepay in full, and after one day the reservation becomes non-refundable. You cannot even make changes. What do you get?

• a room for the night

$429 is the Virtuoso rate. It's a flexible rate You just provide a credit card guarantee, and you can change or cancel anytime up to three days before arrival. What do you get?

• a room for the night
• daily breakfast for two
• a $100 credit towards food and beverages
• a room upgrade, if available

Which rate would you book? The better value is obviously the Virtuoso rate. Clearly the lowest price you find on the internet is not always the best value.


P.S. — they booked the Virtusoso rate!

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.