What’s the Best Way to Book a Luxury Hotel?
When it comes to finding the best way to book a luxury hotel, most travelers don’t realize just how much value they’re leaving on the table… Not all methods are created equal. Whether you’re eyeing a beachfront suite at Four Seasons, a Rosewood city escape, or a Belmond property in Italy, the way you book directly impacts your experience—and your perks.
If you’re relying on online travel sites, you’re likely missing out on hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in added value. As a boutique Virtuoso travel advisor with access to over 30 elite hotel programs, I can ensure you receive elevated treatment at the world’s best hotels—often for the same rate you see online.
Here’s what you need to know about booking luxury hotels the right way.
Best Way to Book a Luxury Hotel: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Booking Method | Room Upgrades | Daily Breakfast | VIP Perks | Personalized Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedia/Booking.com | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct with Hotel | ✅ (Sometimes) | ✅ (Sometimes) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Amex FHR/Chase LHRC | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ or Limited | ❌ |
| Virtuoso Advisor (DeFehr Travel) | ✅ (Priority) | ✅ | ✅ ($100+ credits, welcome amenities, early check-in) | ✅ (Full trip support) |
What Is a Preferred Partner Program?
Preferred partner programs are invitation-only affiliations between select travel advisors and luxury hotel brands. These programs guarantee added amenities and enhanced recognition during your stay.
At DeFehr Travel, I’m proud to offer access to programs such as:
- Four Seasons Preferred Partner
- Rosewood Elite
- Belmond Bellini Club
- Mandarin Oriental FAN Club
- Oetker Pearl Partner
- Dorchester Collection Diamond Club
- Hyatt Prive
These perks are combinable with standard rates and promotions—meaning you’re not paying more to get more. Often, we have access to exclusive offers not available to the general public.
The Real Value of Booking with DeFehr Travel
Booking through a luxury Virtuoso affiliated travel advisor like me typically means:
- VIP status and recognition on arrival
- Priority upgrades (subject to availability, but flagged by our partner reps)
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100+ in property credits (spa, dining, or resort services)
- Early check-in / late checkout
- Personalized service and special occasion recognition
- Ongoing support before and during travel
These are not perks you can secure through points programs or even booking directly—they’re only available through a recognized advisor.
Example: Four Seasons Preferred Partner vs. Booking Online
Say you’re booking a 3-night stay at the Four Seasons Maui.
- Expedia: Room-only rate, no upgrades or breakfast
- Hotel Direct: You may get a promo, but perks aren’t guaranteed
- DeFehr Travel (FSPP): Same rate plus daily breakfast, $100 credit, upgrade priority, early check-in, late checkout. Most importantly, we VIP you with management on property and are here to assist you throughout your stay. Before you arrive, the hotel will know your name, your preferences, what you would like in the mini bar, your food allergies and intolerances, your arrival time, your choice of pillow…. sometimes we even have access to special offers like a “stay longer, 4th night” promo.
It’s the same booking—but a dramatically better experience.
Don’t Leave Value on the Table
Whether it’s a weekend in Paris, a wellness stay in Mexico, or a family getaway to Hawaii, how you book your hotel matters. With access to Virtuoso, Forbes Five Star, and the world’s top luxury hotel programs, DeFehr Travel ensures you receive exclusive perks, elevated service, and VIP recognition—all at no added cost if you know where you want to go.
We do not charge a fee for hotel bookings if you know where you want to go. If hotel research is involved, we will charge a planning fee due to the additional time involved. See our fee schedule for more details.
Ready to Upgrade the Way You Travel?
Request your hotel quote. No points, no promo codes, just real perks from someone who knows the difference between ordinary and exceptional.
What Our Clients Say
“Booking with DeFehr Travel really made a difference—thank you!
Destination – Four Seasons Property, USA
We loved every minute, from the warm welcome to the thoughtful amenities waiting in our room.”
“We were upgraded to a two-bedroom suite right on the beach!
Destination – Virgin Gorda
The extra space was perfect for our family, and the view was unbelievable. This trip was one for the books!”
“You know how to pick a room! I would have never booked this on my own but it ended up being a highlight of the whole trip!”
Destination – Ireland
“I have a family of 4 and, let me tell you, the breakfast just tastes better when it’s free. I can’t believe I’ve been paying for it all these years…”
Destination – Cabo
FAQ
A: Yes— Many partner programs include daily breakfast when booking through DeFehr Travel.
A: Upgrades are priority-requested but depend on hotel availability. For a limited number of partners, we can confirm an upgrade at booking (subject to availability) but this is not the norm.
A: Yes— Many partner programs include a credit of $100 when booking through DeFehr Travel. We can confirm this at the time of booking.
A: Many programs, including Four Seasons Preferred, are very strict with our ability to promote exclusive offers publicly. It is always a good idea to call us first if you are thinking of booking a preferred partner booking.
A: Possibly. Many partners are happy to allow us to take over a reservation that has been self booked by our existing clients. However, some are more restrictive. I’m always happy to check but this is most easily done if handled soon after booking.
DeFehr Travel is an affiliate of Brownell Travel a Forbes Five Star endorsed Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel agency offering access to Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Belmond Bellini Club, and other invitation-only programs. Proudly based in OKC and serving clients from NYC to LA.
Preferred partner benefits such as room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and on-property credits are extended at the discretion of each hotel and are subject to availability at the time of check-in. While DeFehr Travel works closely with our partner programs to advocate for every client, perks are not guaranteed and may vary by property or travel dates. Please contact us directly to confirm specific inclusions for your booking.
