“Why would I book a hotel through a travel advisor instead of doing it myself online?”
It’s the question I get asked most, and the answer surprises most people: it costs you the same, and you get more.
Why it costs the same
Hotels pay a commission on almost every booking. When you book on a booking site, the hotel pays that site. When you book through a travel advisor, the hotel pays the advisor instead. Either way, you pay the hotel’s rate, and there’s no planning fee on top.
The difference is what you get. Luxury hotels have partner programs with advisor networks like Fora, and they reward those bookings with extras for you. Here’s how it compares:
Booking online
Booking with a travel advisor
Price
The hotel’s rate
The same rate
Commission
Paid by the hotel to the site
Paid by the hotel to the advisor
Perks
Usually none
Breakfast, hotel credit, upgrades, flexible check-in & check-out, and more
Support
You’re on your own
Someone looking after your stay
Perks vary by hotel, and your stay may include some or all of them. Before you book, I’ll tell you exactly which ones apply.
The perks, and what they mean for your stay
Depending on the hotel, booking through a qualified advisor can include daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit to use at the spa, the restaurant or the bar, a room upgrade requested before you arrive, early check-in and late check-out, and a welcome amenity.
On a long weekend, that might mean breakfast on the terrace every morning and a massage covered by your credit. On a week-long family trip, it adds up to a stay that simply feels more generous. Perks vary from hotel to hotel, and before you book I’ll tell you exactly which ones apply.
Someone in your corner
Booking a hotel online is easy. Booking the right room is harder. A booking site shows you what’s available, but it won’t tell you which rooms get the best light, which wing is quieter, or which suite really works for a family. That’s the part I love most: I spend countless hours researching hotels and noticing the details others miss, so you don’t have to.
It also means there’s a person behind your booking. If your plans change or something isn’t right, you have someone who knows the hotel and can speak up for you.
Not every beautiful hotel is right for every trip, either. A honeymoon, a week with little ones and a long weekend in a city call for very different places, and I’ll always tell you honestly if a hotel everyone loves isn’t the best fit for yours.
A few questions I often get as a travel advisor
Do you charge a fee?
No. Booking a hotel with me is free for you. The hotel pays my commission, just as it would pay a booking site.
Will I still earn my hotel loyalty points?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the hotel brand. I’ll check it for your booking.
Can you book any hotel?
I can book most hotels around the world. Partner hotels are the ones that add perks, and I’ll always tell you which ones are.
Fora Pro Advisor
Hi, I’m Natalia
I’m a travel advisor with Fora, and I’m part of Fora Pro, Fora’s tier for established advisors with a proven track record. In practice, that means strong relationships with hotel partners and access to Fora’s preferred partner programs, which is where your perks come from.
I spend countless hours researching hotels so you don’t have to. You can read my reviews and more about me on Fora.
