Quick answer
Reviewed · 3 min read
Virtuoso is an invitation-only network of luxury travel agencies and preferred partners such as hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. When you book a partner hotel through a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor, you typically receive extra amenities like daily breakfast for two, a property credit, and an upgrade or early check-in when available, with rates usually comparable to booking direct.
Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research
- What it is
- A network of luxury agencies and travel partners
- How to access
- Book through a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor
- Typical hotel perks
- Breakfast for two, property credit, upgrade when available
- Empyrean’s access
- Via Andavo Travel, a Virtuoso member agency
- Official site
- virtuoso.com
How does Virtuoso work?
Virtuoso connects member travel agencies with a curated group of preferred partners: hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, safari companies, and more. Agencies join the network, and the advisors who work with those agencies gain access to Virtuoso’s partner relationships, amenities, and events.
Partners agree to recognize clients booked by Virtuoso advisors, usually by adding amenities and treating them as valued guests. You don’t join Virtuoso yourself; you access it by booking through an affiliated advisor.
What perks do you get at Virtuoso hotels?
Amenities vary by property, but the standard Virtuoso hotel package typically includes the following. Some benefits are confirmed at booking, while upgrades and flexible check-in times depend on availability on the day.
- Daily breakfast for two, typically included at partner hotels
- A property credit or amenity, such as a spa, dining, or resort credit
- A room upgrade at check-in, when available
- Early check-in and late check-out, when available
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Does booking through Virtuoso cost more?
Usually not for the room itself. Virtuoso rates at partner hotels are typically comparable to the hotel’s publicly available rates for the same room and conditions, with the amenities added on top. The hotel pays the advisor a commission.
Some advisors also charge planning or service fees for their time. That’s separate from Virtuoso, so ask your advisor how they charge. Our guide on how travel advisors get paid explains the common models.
Does Virtuoso cover cruises, tours, and safaris too?
Yes. Virtuoso partners include cruise lines, tour operators, and safari and adventure specialists, and many offer their own Virtuoso amenities, such as onboard credits or added experiences on select sailings. Exact benefits vary by partner and departure.
That reach is useful for the kinds of trips that benefit most from an advisor, from an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora to luxury safari lodges in Africa.
How do Empyrean clients get Virtuoso benefits?
Empyrean Travel is affiliated with Andavo Travel, a Virtuoso member agency. When Gigi books a Virtuoso partner hotel for you, you receive that property’s Virtuoso amenities, typically breakfast, a property credit, and upgrades or flexible check-in when available.
Gigi can also tell you whether a Virtuoso partner is the right fit for your trip, or whether a different property suits you better. The perks are a bonus, not the reason to book a hotel that doesn’t fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Virtuoso a travel agency?
How do I get Virtuoso hotel benefits?
Are Virtuoso perks guaranteed?
Can I still earn hotel loyalty points with a Virtuoso booking?
Is Virtuoso only for luxury travelers?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.