Are you an independent traveler who craves the thrill of researching luxury hotels? Do you thrive on the excitement of spontaneous last-minute getaways, weekend breaks, or other short trips? We get it; we share the same passion! That’s why our complimentary Virtuoso self-booking tool is tailored for independent travelers like you.
Our affiliation with Virtuoso provides you with access to exclusive value-added amenities for your hotel stays. The Virtuoso Booking Tool gives you the ease and convenience of online booking – plus the value and VIP treatment we know you love.
Through this tool, you can secure exclusive, value-added amenities at thousands of Virtuoso properties around the world, such as:
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (STA)
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two
- Hotel credit for food and beverage or spa
- Early check-in/late checkout (STA)
- Special Virtuoso experiences
- Welcome amenities
How Is The Booking Tool Complimentary?
In our industry, we are unique in that we do not charge booking fees for Hotel-Only requests. When you already have a hotel in mind where you would like us to secure your reservation, this request falls under our Hotel-Only service, which does not require a booking fee. This service level is perfect for those familiar with our “Ready to Book” requests and other simple hotel inquiries. Say goodbye to filling out travel request forms or sending emails – dive straight into booking with ease!
And here’s the best part: When you book with us, there’s no extra cost to you! We receive our commission directly from the hotel, so you can enjoy a seamless booking experience at no extra cost.
3 Simple Steps to Booking Your Hotel
Step #1: Choose an Advisor
- All you have to do is sign on and identify David Ourisman as your Virtuoso Advisor (you may still see Ourisman Travel listed, however, that is our old Virtuoso profile). If you see rates but are not able to book online, double-check that you’ve selected us (David Ourisman) as your advisor. All you have to do is navigate to the “My Advisor” tab in the top left corner of the webpage. If we are not listed as your advisor, read this blog or request this change by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-817-870-0300.
Step #2: Book Online
- Follow the easy instructions in the booking tool. Enter your dates to view rates and availability, select the room you want, and provide your contact and payment details. Voila! You’ve made your booking.
Step #3: Travel like a VIP!
- Once you make a booking, we get an alert, and we will follow up with you and the hotel as a part of our usual VIP hotel booking process. Your check-in experience will be the same as it ever was, and you will receive all the usual recognitions for booking with Virtuoso and Ourisman Travel.
Our Virtuoso Booking Tool is always free of booking fees! However, just like a normal Hotel Only booking, we reserve the right to charge professional fees for cancelation requests, change requests, and group bookings. After you book, either directly with us or online, our post-booking approach is still the same. We meticulously handle your bookings to ensure you receive the utmost VIP treatment, so reversing this effort is equally challenging and, unfortunately, not as enjoyable for anyone involved.
- Easy Trouble-shooting: If you are having issues booking, first make sure you have created an account and are signed in. If you don’t have an account, the site will prompt you to “contact your advisor” and won’t allow you to make a booking.
- You can’t make bookings in a mobile browser: The Virtuoso Booking Tool is not mobile friendly and won’t allow you to book if you are using a phone or iPad. In order to successfully book through the tool, you must book from a desktop computer/laptop.
- Not all hotels are participating – You will see that not all hotels are participating in the program and many will direct you to contact your advisor to request a booking. In those cases you can use the web form on Virtuoso.com or submit a travel request form to us and we’ll get you squared away. If you see rates, but are not able to book online, follow our trouble-shooting advice in the first point above.
- Book any time, any day! – Quite possibly, the best benefit of this tool is that it operates 24/7. While we would love to be available to you 24/7, we do have to sleep! If you are worried about availability or a rate change, this booking tool will allow you to lock your trip in then and there – even if it’s 3 am on a Saturday night!
- Promotions – Keep in mind that not all promotions are created equal! Some promotions will not combine with Virtuoso rates, so you may not see all of them available when searching rates. If you have your eye on a special promotion, feel free to reach out to us to look into it.
- To view nightly rates: Use the “View Total” dropdown option to view nightly rates, taxes and total (without leaving the hotel page). This is especially helpful when you’re booking a free night promotion.
- Currencies: Rates will likely default to your local currency (not the hotel’s). While this enhances convenience for you, keep this in mind when booking foreign hotels. Even though USD pricing may be displayed you will actually be charged in the hotel’s local currency.Last Minute Bookings – There are two things to keep in mind if you are booking a last minute (anywhere from 7 days prior to travel, to time of arrival).
- If you book via Virtuoso.com, our last minute fee will not apply. This fee is to cover our team’s time for prioritizing last minute rate inquiries; which of course does not occur if you are booking directly through Virtuoso.com.
- Please note: The booking tool does not allow for bookings made within 24 hours of travel.
- While we will do our best to follow our typical VIP process of contacting the hotel directly for any booking; we cannot guarantee this process for last minute bookings through Virtuoso.com. Regardless, you will still receive Virtuoso amenities.
- You cannot cancel or change a booking via the Virtuoso Booking Tool: please contact us directly if you need to change or cancel your booking.
- Enter all travelers’ information: Don’t forget to add your guests to the reservation as well so we can be sure we have the full picture of your trip.
- Some programs surpass Virtuoso –While Virtuoso is renowned for its exceptional offerings, we are thrilled to collaborate with several other exclusive luxury hotel programs that occasionally surpass Virtuoso. When such instances arise, we highly recommend booking your stay through us to ensure you receive unparalleled value. Here are some of our top recommended hotel exclusive amenity programs that you should consider booking directly through us. For the complete list, click here.
- Four Seasons Preferred Partner – Higher VIP status and elevated breakfast benefit (includes room service)
- Rosewood Elite – Higher VIP status
- Dorchester Diamond Club – Often receives upgrades at booking and flexible credit amenities
- Belmond Bellini Club – Higher VIP status
- Hyatt Privé – Often receives upgrade at booking
- Mandarin Oriental Fan Club – Flexible credit amenity
- When your hotel booking is not simple – The booking tool is not designed for multiple rooms, special requests, trips involving multiple hotels, or any other “booking complications.” Anytime you have a booking request that goes beyond the most basic hotel reservation, it is still best to contact us first!
Are You "Ready to Book"?
When you check-in, you’re a VIP with the hotel simply because you’ve booked with Ourisman Travel. Now, you can get instant gratification from booking online, and you’ll be an instant VIP. Unlock exclusive amenities at your fingertips with just a simple click. The Virtuoso Booking Tool gives you the ease and convenience of online booking – plus the value, amenities, and VIP treatment we know you love. You book, we VIP!
