putting dollars back in your pocket

The logic of the internet compels shoppers to search, search, search for the absolutely lowest price they can find. The screenshot above shows the current nightly price for a 5-night stay in a lead-in room at a beachside resort at a Hilton-affiliated property. Many shoppers would probably think, "Wow... I should join Hilton Hhonors; it's free and I can save $24 a night!!!"

But booking this rate would be an expensive mistake. Sure, you'll save $24 per night ... but there's an even better value out there, Virtuoso! Even though the Virtuoso rate is equal to the regular rate of $616, here are three reasons reasons why it's the far better deal. At this particular hotel (the Waldorf Astoria in Los Cabos) ...

• You'll receive two complimentary breakfast buffets daily.
• You'll receive a one-time $150 Resort credit that you can use towards incidental expenses during your stay (like lunch, dinner, drinks, or spa treatments).
• You'll be upgraded to a room with a better view if one is available at your check-in.

It's certainly a forgivable mistake. Most hotel shoppers don't know about Virtuoso, but now you do! If you're planning a stay at a luxury hotel, don't book on the hotel's website, and don't go to an OTA (an online travel agency such as expedia or hotels.com). Bookmark Virtuoso.com, and always start your hotel shopping there. You can book many Virtuoso hotels (but not all) right on the website and score those valuable amenities which put dollars back in your pocket. Some hotels don't have booking on the Virtuoso website, but just email your Virtuoso travel advisor who can quickly make the booking for you. Read this article to learn how you can make your own Virtuoso booking while we VIP your stay.

Knowing about Virtuoso can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a typical hotel stay, money back in your pocket.

copyright (c) 2019 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.

Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman | exclusive offer

"You are invited to select the client of your choice" for this exclusive offer at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. That was in the first paragraph of a letter I received by snail mail. The offer was described as a one-of-a-kind promotion "only available for you," and that seems to be true. I can find  no mention of these amenities anywhere else, either on Virtuoso.com or the STARS website.

So here's the deal... 

1. Book at the Virtuoso rate — get the Virtuoso amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

2. $400 additional resort credit for every three nights booked

3. Club Access complimentary for up to 4 guests

4. one complimentary tasting meal at Blue by Eric Ripert

Fine print: the promo is available for stays through August 25, 2018. Offer is based on availability at the time of booking and is applicable only to direct bookings. Not combinable with promotions, third party or group bookings. Should be reserved directly with the Travel Industry Sales Manager, though she can apply it to a Sabre booking.

Seems like a fabulous deal to me. To plan a summer vacation to Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach, drop us an email or send a travel request to Team Ourisman.

copyright (c) 2018 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.

Dorado Beach | reopening October 1st

Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, closed for repairs due to the two hurricanes that ravaged Puerto Rico last year, has announced its reopening. The resort took the opportunity to make their world-class luxury beach resort even more beautiful.

Every room and suite is beachfront, and the results of the renovation look stunning — clean, light, and tasteful rooms look out to the sea. West Beach rooms step directly onto the beach. Ocean waves on the East Beach side crash directly onto the beach rocks on the shoreline ... providing soothing sounds all night long, especially if you like to sleep with the sliding doors open.

One of my favorite beach resorts in the world, Dorado Beach offers valuable Virtuoso amenities including complimentary daily breakfast for two, a resort credit, and more. In celebration of their reopening, benefit from an exclusive Rediscover Dorado promotion — just $499 per night during the month of October, 2018. Or book a guest room for three nights just before Festive Season, December 16 through December 22 and receive a $1000 one-time resort credit. Click here to request more information.

copyright (c) 2018 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.

Ritz-Carlton Orlando | a magical offer

Orlando is home of the Magic Kingdom, and Ritz-Carlton Orlando has just announced a truly magical Family Fun Package with $100 Resort Credit. You receive the $100 credit just by booking through a Ritz-Carlton STARS agent. Here's what you get:

• Overnight accommodations in connecting rooms.
  
• Confirmed upgrade to Lake View rooms at time of booking.
  
• Kids (up to age 12) dine free with every adult entrée purchased.
  
• Choice of Ritz Kids day for two children (ages 5-12) OR breakfast buffet for two adults and two children.
  
• Photo album and disposable camera.
  
• Ice cream passport for up to two children up to age 12.
  
• Guaranteed 2 p.m. late check-out.
  
• Transportation to Sea World, Aquatica, Universal, and Wet 'n Wild.
  
• Additional $100 resort credit for STARS guests.

The package is available through December 31, 2011. Contact a Ritz-Carlton STARS agent for full details and to make your booking.

Ritz-Carlton STARS (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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$167 per night at Four Seasons Punta Mita

Four Seasons Punta Mita has just announced two special promotions. Book a Garden view Casita at $415 + tax per night and receive a $150 resort credit per night that can be applied to your room charge. As rates begin at just $415 + tax per night for a Garden View Casita, you'll spend just $265 + tax per night for the legendary luxury and service for which Four Seasons is renowned.

And to sweeten the deal even more, my clients receive the following Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities:

• a free daily Full American Breakfast for two through in-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
• one lunch for two during your stay (up to $85 value)
• a one-category upgrade, if available at time of check-in

Add in the value of the free meals, and your net cost comes to just $167 per night. This is an incomparable value for a summer vacation at Four Seasons Punta Mita, one of the world's most most special resorts. (Or, for higher priced rooms, you might compare the value of the Third Night Free promotion, available if you book by June 25).

Click here to request complete information with no obligation. A two night deposit of room + tax is required at time of booking, completely refundable if cancelled outside the 30 day deadline.


Four Seasons Punta Mita (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Mexican vacations | triple values

Traveling to Mexico between Feb. 15 and May 20? Now is the time to take advantage of a special savings opportunity for Mexican vacations booked through March 19, 2010. Participating resorts are offering:

• A free night with a 3-5 day minimum stay.
• Up to a $200 resort credit and/or room upgrade
• Air Discounts on coach, business, and first class

Double-click on the flyer (front page above, back page below) to get the full details from Classic Vacations.




Mexican vacations (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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