Why Booking with a Luxury Travel Advisor Is Better Than Amex FHR
Many of our clients are savvy, independent travelers who often book 5-star luxury hotels through our ‘Hotel Only‘ service. But did you know how you book your hotel can transform your entire travel experience?
While Amex FHR offers the convenience of a guaranteed 4 pm late check-out, nothing beats the perks of a dedicated luxury travel advisor. With access to exclusive Virtuoso rates and premium hotel programs such as Four Seasons Preferred Partner, our competitive advantage exceeds the power of the internet and even the most prestigious credit cards.
We recognize that each person’s circumstances are unique, and much of our guidance is tailored to individual needs. However, regarding hotel reservations, not all bookings are created equal.
Discover the Prestige: Unraveling the Hierarchy of Luxury Hotel Bookings
If you book through third-party online travel agents (OTAs) like Booking.com, Costco, Expedia, or AAA, you’ll find yourself in the lowest tier. Direct hotel bookings sit in the middle, while reservations made through Amex FHR and Virtuoso compete for the top tier, offering priority, perks, and VIP status.
The question is, who delivers more benefits — Amex FHR or Virtuoso?
Why Choose Virtuoso Over Amex FHR?
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury travel benefits, it pays to book with a seasoned luxury travel advisor like us. You might wonder why you should book with us over Amex FHR, especially when the perks seem similar. The answer lies within priority, level of personalization, and overall value.
Priority: As a Virtuoso guest, your reservation gets flagged for ultimate VIP treatment, putting you ahead of hundreds of other guests. With us, you can expect more room upgrades, personalized service, a no-walk guarantee during overbookings, and continuous support before, during, and after your stay. And don’t be surprised if the hotel Sales or General Manager comes out to greet you personally!
Value: Virtuoso guarantees you a full breakfast at most properties, not just a continental breakfast like FHR. And yes, if you NEED that 4 pm late check-out, tell us! We can ask our partners if they can honor that for us on your behalf.
Personalization: You’ll have the advantage of working one-on-one with a dedicated travel advisor who will offer personalized support and expertise throughout your entire journey instead of dealing with a call center representative. We also proactively handle all your preferences through our signature pre-arrival VIP letter, ensuring every detail is perfect—from your favorite champagne to special children’s amenities.
The Power of Personal Relationships
Most importantly, with nearly 20 years of experience as a small business, we’ve built exceptional relationships with our partners worldwide.
While some might say they have a “person” at Amex who knows their preferences, it’s important to understand that Amex representatives work within a large corporation and lack the industry relationships and leverage that a dedicated advisor like Ourisman Travel has. We meet with our partners regularly, strengthen our bonds, follow them on social media, and have access to industry intel that Amex can’t match.
As our client, you can feel confident that our name and reputation are working behind the scenes for you.
How to Maximize Your Amex Membership
So, how should you use your Amex? We recommend using your Amex to pay for your hotel booking to rack up travel points quickly and use them for statement credits. Another way to maximize your points with the biggest return is by transferring your points to airline partners. But for luxury hotel bookings, leave it to us! We’ll ensure your trip is seamless and that you receive the highest VIP status available.
The Value of Preferred Partnerships
Ourisman Travel is part of nearly every major preferred partner program, including Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Privé, Peninsula Pen Club, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, and Virtuoso Travel. These invitation-only programs reward agencies that deliver high-quality clientele at significant volumes. As a result, you’ll enjoy priority for room upgrades and VIP benefits, ensuring you’re treated as a valued client from the moment you book.
Support a Small Business, Enjoy Exceptional Service
Whenever you book with us, you’re not just securing an exceptional travel experience—you’re also supporting a small business dedicated to making your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our team of passionate travel lovers is here to ensure every aspect of your trip exceeds your expectations.
We’ve earned the title of top producer for the most renowned luxury hotels and our host travel agency, year after year. It’s what sets us apart from the rest and keeps our clients coming back for more. So, if you’re seeking unparalleled luxury and personalized service, let us show you why we’re the best in the business.
At Ourisman Travel, we take pride in going above and beyond to create a personalized experience just for you. With our high-touch approach, we’ll not only anticipate your every need but also offer tailor-made suggestions and recommendations that perfectly match your taste and budget. When you choose to book your travel with us, you can rest easy knowing that an extraordinary and unforgettable experience awaits you. Ready to embark on your journey? Get started by filling out a Travel Request Form today, and let us tailor an experience just for you. We can’t wait to assist you in planning and adding value-added amenities to your next stay!
