Travel advisor hotel perks are extra benefits a hotel adds to your stay when you book through an advisor who belongs to that hotel's preferred partner program. The usual package is daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade based on availability, a property credit of around $100, early check in and late checkout, and a welcome amenity. You pay the same flexible rate you would see on the hotel's own website, you still earn your loyalty points, and the hotel pays the commission. On a five night luxury resort stay, that can easily clear $800 in value.
Hi, I'm Jea (Jay-uh), the travel advisor behind Journeys with JB. I have traveled to 40 countries across five continents, and one question comes up with almost every new client: "If I can book the hotel myself, why would I book it through you?"
It is a fair question. The honest answer is that the same room, at the same rate, can come with a whole list of extras depending on how it is booked. This guide explains what those extras are, how they work, and when they are worth it.
- Booking a hotel through a travel advisor in that hotel's preferred partner program can add daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade when available, a property credit, early check in, late checkout, and sometimes a waived resort fee.
- You typically pay the same flexible rate you would see on the hotel's own website. The hotel pays the advisor a commission, so the perks do not cost you extra.
- You still earn hotel loyalty points, because your advisor adds your loyalty number to the reservation.
- Stays booked on third party sites like Expedia or Booking.com usually earn no points and include no partner perks.
- On a five night luxury resort stay, perks can easily clear $800 in value.
What Travel Advisor Hotel Perks Are
Travel advisor hotel perks are extra benefits a hotel adds to your stay when you book through an advisor who belongs to that hotel's preferred partner program. The most common are daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade based on availability, a property credit, early check in, late checkout, and a welcome amenity.
Every hotel and program is a little different, but a typical package looks something like this.
Daily breakfast for two
At a luxury hotel, breakfast can easily run well over $50 a day for two people. Over a week, that adds up fast.
A room upgrade on arrival
This depends on what is available when you check in, so it is never guaranteed. When it comes through, it can mean a better view, a bigger room, or occasionally a suite.
A property credit
Usually around $100 per stay, and you can typically use it at the spa, restaurant, or bar, depending on the hotel.
Early check in and late checkout
Also based on availability, but incredibly helpful after a red eye or before an evening flight home.
A welcome amenity
Sometimes a bottle of wine, sometimes a fruit plate or a handwritten note. It is small, but it sets the tone for the whole stay.
Waived resort fees
Many resorts add a nightly resort fee on top of the room rate, and it is easy to miss until checkout. At some hotels that fee is waived when you book through me, which can save a surprising amount on a longer stay.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Less exciting, but nice at hotels that normally charge for it.
Some hotels also add their own extras, like a free spa treatment, a complimentary dinner, or a special experience for honeymooners and celebrations.
Do You Pay More to Book Through an Advisor?
No, in most cases you do not pay more. You will typically see the same flexible rate the hotel offers on its own website. The hotel pays the travel advisor a commission after your stay, so the perks are added on top of your rate at no extra cost to you.
Three Ways to Book the Same Room
The rate is usually the same in all three columns. What changes is everything attached to it.
| What you get | Through Journeys with JB | Directly with the hotel | Expedia or Booking.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner perks like breakfast, credits, and upgrades | Yes, at participating hotels | Usually no | No |
| Hotel loyalty points and elite benefits | Yes, your loyalty number is added | Yes | Usually no |
| Room rate | Typically the hotel's flexible rate | The hotel's published rates | Can vary |
| Someone to call if something goes wrong | Your advisor | The hotel | A call center |
| Cost for the booking service | Complimentary for hotel only bookings | None | None |
Which Partner Programs Include Perks
Luxury hotel brands run invitation only programs for the travel advisors and agencies they trust most. When you book through an advisor in one of these programs, the hotel recognizes you as a VIP guest and adds that program's perks to your stay.
Here are some of the preferred partner programs I book through.
Luxury hotel brands
- Four Seasons Preferred PartnerFour Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide
- Rosewood EliteRosewood hotels and resorts
- Belmond Bellini ClubBelmond hotels and trains
- Mandarin Oriental Fan ClubMandarin Oriental hotels
- Peninsula PenClubThe Peninsula hotels
- Dorchester Diamond ClubDorchester Collection hotels
- Oetker Collection Pearl PartnerOetker Collection hotels
- Rocco Forte KnightsRocco Forte hotels
- COUTURE by LanghamLangham hotels
- Auberge Resorts CollectionAuberge lodges and resorts
- AmanAman resorts worldwide
Major hotel groups
- Marriott STARSThe Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and more
- Hyatt PrivéPark Hyatt, Alila, Andaz, and more
- Hilton's luxury programWaldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR
- IHG's luxury programSix Senses, Regent, InterContinental, and more
- Accor's preferred programRaffles, Sofitel, Fairmont, and more
Luxury networks and collections
- VirtuosoA global network of more than 2,000 luxury hotels
- The Leading Hotels of the WorldIndependent hotels, worldwide
- Preferred Hotels & ResortsIndependent hotels, worldwide
That is not the full list, and it keeps growing. If you have a hotel in mind that is not here, ask me. There is a good chance I can still get you something extra.
How Much Hotel Perks Are Worth
On a five night luxury resort stay, hotel perks can easily clear $800 in value. Here is a simple example of how that adds up, and it is before you count a possible upgrade. The exact numbers change from hotel to hotel, but that is the kind of difference we are talking about.
Your Perks, Itemized
Example stay: five nights at a luxury resort.
| What lands on the folio | Value |
|---|---|
| Breakfast for two at $60 per day for five days | $300 |
| A $100 resort credit used at the spa | $100 |
| Late checkout that saves a half day room charge | $150+ |
| Waived resort fee of $50 per night for five nights | $250 |
| Added value | $800+ |
What the Catch Is
There is not really a catch, but there are a few things worth knowing so your expectations are right.
The perks usually apply to the flexible rate
Hotels often sell a cheaper prepaid rate that is nonrefundable, and those discounted rates usually do not qualify for perks. Sometimes the prepaid rate still comes out ahead, and sometimes the flexible rate plus breakfast, a credit, and free cancellation is the better deal. I will always show you the comparison so you can decide.
Upgrades and early check in are never guaranteed
They depend on what the hotel has open that day. What I can do is make sure your reservation is flagged, your preferences are noted, and the hotel knows it is a special occasion.
Not every hotel participates
Most luxury and upscale hotels in popular destinations do, but some boutique or independent properties do not. I only recommend hotels where I can actually get you something extra, so you will know upfront.
Credits have rules
Most are per stay rather than per night, and some can only be used at certain outlets. I will tell you exactly how yours works before you arrive.
Do You Still Earn Hotel Points?
Yes. When you book through me, the reservation goes straight to the hotel, and I add your loyalty number so your stay is credited to your account. You earn your points and keep your elite recognition, with the partner perks layered on top. You do not have to choose between perks and points.
Just send me your loyalty numbers for any hotel programs you belong to, and I will make sure they are on every reservation I book for you.
What happens on Expedia and Booking.com
Usually the opposite. Most hotel loyalty programs do not credit stays booked through third party sites, so you typically will not earn points or get your elite benefits.
You also will not receive partner perks, and if something goes wrong, you are working through a call center rather than a person who knows you and has a relationship with the hotel.
When you book through me, the hotel knows you are my client. If your flight is delayed, your room is not right, or you want to surprise your partner with something special, you have someone in your corner who can reach out on your behalf.
When Hotel Perks Matter Most
Perks add value on almost any luxury stay, but they really shine in a few situations.
Honeymoons and anniversaries
Hotels love a celebration, and noting it on a reservation through an advisor can lead to extra touches in the room.
Longer stays
Daily breakfast becomes more valuable with every night you add.
Resort vacations
When you are not leaving the property much, a resort credit and breakfast cover a real part of what you would spend anyway.
Family trips
Breakfast for two, late checkout, and a possible upgrade to a bigger room go a long way with kids in tow.
City stays with early arrivals
An early check in after an overnight flight can completely change your first day.
Planning a wedding, reunion, or other group stay? My hotel room blocks guide walks through how group rates and contracts work.
How to Book a Hotel With Perks
Send me the hotel name and your dates. I will check rates, confirm which perks apply, add your loyalty number, and book the reservation for you.
If you already know where you want to stay, you can do this without a full planning package. My VIP Desk is complimentary and made for exactly that. If you would rather browse on your own, you can search and book partner hotels through my booking portal.
Already booked something yourself? Send me the confirmation. If it is a flexible rate that has not been paid in full, I can often take the reservation over and attach the perks to it.
Frequently Asked
Does it cost anything to book a hotel through a travel advisor?
No. For hotel only bookings, my VIP Desk is complimentary. The hotel pays me a commission, and you pay the hotel's rate.
Will I pay more than if I booked directly with the hotel?
In most cases, no. You will typically see the same flexible rate the hotel offers on its own website, with perks added on top.
Can you add perks to a hotel I already booked?
Often yes, through what is called a takeover booking. If you booked directly with the hotel and have not paid in full yet, I can usually ask the hotel to transfer the reservation to me so it is linked to my partnerships and the perks are added. You keep the same room and dates, and your loyalty number stays on the reservation. Takeovers usually are not possible for prepaid rates or stays booked through third party sites like Expedia or Booking.com, but in those cases I can check whether canceling and rebooking makes sense. Send me your confirmation number and I will let you know what is possible before anything changes.
Are hotel upgrades guaranteed when you book through a travel advisor?
No. Upgrades depend on availability at check in. Breakfast and property credits are usually confirmed as part of the booking, while upgrades and early check in are requested.
Do all inclusive resorts offer perks too?
Some do. Instead of breakfast, you might see resort credits, spa treatments, or special dinners. It depends on the resort, so ask me about the one you are considering.
Can a travel advisor get my resort fee waived?
At some hotels, yes. Resort fee waivers are not offered everywhere, so I will let you know before booking whether the hotel you are considering includes one.
Do I still earn hotel loyalty points?
Yes. I add your loyalty number to your reservation so the stay is credited to your account. That is one of the big differences from booking on sites like Expedia or Booking.com, where you usually will not earn points at all.
What if something goes wrong during my stay?
Reach out to me and I will contact the hotel for you. Having an advisor who has a relationship with the property is one of the best parts of booking this way.
Tell Me the Hotel
Send the property and your dates and I will come back with the rate, the perks that apply, and anything worth knowing before you book. Prefer email? hello@journeyswithjb.com.