The Ultimate Guide to How to Book

Price is only part of the equation. The way you book decides what perks you get, how upgrades are handled, whether you earn loyalty credit, and what kind of support you can expect when things wobble.

Room Service (US)

We work on two layers.

The Comparison Layer

We sit above all channels. You tell us the hotel, we check every path—Amex FHR, Chase "The Edit," hotel direct, OTAs, plus our advisor-only programs like Four Seasons Preferred or Rosewood Elite. Then we show you exactly which one is best for your stay.

The Booking Layer

When it makes sense to book with us:

  • Preferred partner perks: full daily breakfast, $100+ credits, upgrade priority
  • Added benefits: rate monitoring, personal advocacy, real relationships
  • Points and elite nights, same as booking direct

Best of both worlds: In many cases we can attach perks onto a direct booking. That way you keep status nights and loyalty promos while still unlocking extras.

Other Booking Channels

Traditional Travel Advisors

Generalists who handle flights, transfers, cruises, tours, and multi-stop itineraries.

Strengths

Full-trip orchestration, strong hotel leverage if high volume, VIP status at luxury properties.

Limitations

Planning fees ($250–$1,000+), opaque DMC pricing, less hotel-specific expertise.

When to use

Complex trips with many components. For hotel-only stays, specialists are sharper.

Credit-Card Programs

(Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Chase "The Edit")

Strengths

Breakfast, $100 credit, guaranteed 4pm checkout (Amex FHR), easy online booking, card points.

Limitations

Lower upgrade priority, lighter benefits, call center support vs. hotel contacts.

When to use

Convenience, online booking, points earnings. Good for hotels with strong Amex promos.

Booking Direct with the Hotel

Direct is the backbone of loyalty.

Strengths

Always earns elite nights and points, required for brand promos and redemptions.

Limitations

Cash bookings leave perks behind. Hotels may prioritize partner bookings over "anonymous" direct ones.

When to use

Chasing elite status or redeeming points. Otherwise, consider layering perks through an advisor.

Online Travel Agencies

(Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com)

Strengths

Prepaid rates that look cheaper, last-minute bookings, good for lower-tier hotels.

Limitations

No loyalty points, little flexibility, last in line for upgrades, OTA support only.

When to use

Just need a bed for the night. For luxury stays, OTAs almost never make sense.

Loyalty Points & Elite Nights

Room Service / Travel Advisors

✓ Yes — same as direct

Credit Card Programs

Sometimes — verify with brand

Hotel Direct

✓ Always guaranteed

OTAs & Prepaid

✗ Almost never