Why I can book that luxury hotel better than just about anyone.
I picked Paris for this Blog because the existence of the “Palace” rating system allows me to demonstrate something more clearly than I could in a lot of other destinations. However, this is also true in many other destinations. That’s simply how I’m one of the best connected people in the business.
So as most of you know I am a Virtuoso agent. Virtuoso does represent the Crème de la crème of travel professionals. However, comparatively few of them have as many partnerships as I do.
Of the current 12 “Palace” hotels in Paris, I have Virtuoso VIP perks with 10 of them. However, with 10 of those, I also have VIP perks through that hotel inhouse program which are usually much harder to get into. When I’m asking for good treatment, such as early/late check out, upgrades, etc, which program do I use? Both, I sometimes book Virtuoso, sometimes the inhouse VIP rate, but I always reference my status as being part of both programs.
Also, just an Virtuoso Agent would be out of luck at the Hotel Meurice or the Plaza Athenee, but not moi, cherie, not moi. Those are both Dorchesters and I’m a Dorchester Diamond agent.
Luxury travel is as much about who you know as what. I’ve spent a couple of decades now making sure I know all the right people.
This, is just Paris for the 12 best hotels there. Long story short, Imagine you are hotel in Paris and you are going to upgrade one of two rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel George V: I am Also a Four Seasons Preferred agent.
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel: I am a also a Rosewood Elite agent
Hotel Lutetia: They don’t have an inhouse preferred program. but I have good contacts with the Set Collection.
Hotel Plaza Athénée Not a member of Virtuoso this year, but I am still a Dorchester Diamond agent.
La Réserve Paris-Hotel and Spa: Like Lutetia, no inhouse,, but I’m very close with Leading Hotels of the World.
La Bristol Paris: I am also an Oetker Pearl Agent.
Hotel Meurice: Not Virtuoso, but part of Dorchester Diamond agent. So I get special VIP rates there.
Mandarin Oriental Paris: and I am a member of Mandarin Oriental’s Fanclub
Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme: And I am a Hyatt Prive agent as well. .
Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris: I am also part of the Accor STEP program.
Shangri-La Hotel Paris: I am also a Luxury Circle Agent.
The Peninsula Paris: I am also a member of PenClub
