Hotel Programs – Marriott Stars & Luminous – and – Booking on Your Own versus using Advisor
Just today, I was asked about booking the Westin Maui or the Four Seasons Maui for a client – as well as Body Holiday in St. Lucia. Clients asked me about why they should book through me versus on their own.
Continuing articles in recent newsletters about why you should book through a travel advisor, rather than on your own – the above picture is just a sample of the preferred hotel and tour programs of which I am a member. You can read last week’s article here: Hotel Programs
Of course, I can book hotels through Virtuoso (my luxury consortium) and get amenities and perks on your behalf. But I also have access to preferred hotel programs through the hotel.
An example of one special one is the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. And the perks I can get you by booking through Four Seasons’ proprietary program as a Four Seasons Preferred is better than you booking on your own through Four Seasons, or even an Amex platinum or other consortiums like Virtuoso.
But – it’s also other programs like the Marriott Stars and Marriott Luminous programs. Want to stay at the Westin Maui instead of the Four Seasons Maui? I can still get some special perks on your behalf. For example, for Marriott, I am a member of Marriott Stars (5* program) as well as Marriott Luminous (4-4.5* hotel program).
Here’s a quick overview of what the Marriott Stars means.
The Marriott International STARS Program is a collection of over 250 hotels worldwide. This is a highly select group of independent travel companies that are invited to take part in the preferred agency program which includes the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition, Bulgari The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton Reserve properties. This means your reservations at any STARS property around the globe is handled by a very elite group of travel advisors.
Marriott STARS program’s high touch personalized service and exclusive benefits:
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two
- Hotel credit valued at $100 USD once per stay
- Complimentary daily Wi-Fi
- VIP Status
- Top priority waitlist in sold out situations
- First priority for your room type, location, bedding, and connecting rooms
Marriott Luminous would offer some perks as well for 4-4.5* hotels.
For specific articles about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here:
Why Wouldn’t You Do It Yourself
Booking a Cruise Yourself vs With Advisor