How to get Extra Perks for Clients?
I have a group of 7 going to Greece in June - two families - who are staying in the 4 bedroom villas at Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa and Andronis Acadia in Santorini. Since they are spending so much money, they were wondering if it's possible to get anymore free perks/amenities than the ones that are included like definitely free transfers, etc. The Mykonos hotel offers free transfers to port only so we will use that for the one way. The early check in and late check out and room upgrade - how often is that even honored when someone books a 4 bedroom villa? There are 7 people who could get a spa treatment so $100 doesn't feel like much for a 4 bedroom villa that sleeps 8 so I definitely agree there.
Does anyone have a good method for going about this? I'm working with Eclectic Greece so I will also ask them, but should I call the hotels directly myself? I've never had a client at this price point to know what a hotel "should" be offering or how to go about asking for more essentially and schmoozing.. TIA!! Currently offered Perks & Amenities for booking with a Virtuoso travel advisor:
Electra Palace Athens: None
Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa
Beach Bag & Hat with Hotel’s logo
A bottle of Rose wine and local delight
Complimentary shared port transfer
Andronis Acadia
Welcome drink upon arrival and local delicacies
Early check in and late check out upon availability
Room upgrade upon availability
Spa credit of 100.00 Euro at Evexia Spa*
Contact the DMC - they are making a significant commission as well, and they have the connection and relationships with the hotels and other services (or should), and can ask ...or you can ask them for what you want. I have top tier status at Hyatt and Marriott, and even with that early check in /late check out and upgrades are subject to availability - so if other guests are checking out late, you cannot check into your room early. Same on check you - during peak season/conferencdes/etc you may be denied a late check out. Upgrades are the same way - if there are no better rooms, someone has better status than you (or better connections!) or is paying cash for that suite then you will not get an upgrade. Sometimes upgrades are for one category better only - so you won't get that suit, just a junior suite (Hyatt Prive is notorious for this in Secrets). However, if you look at Luminous and Stars from Marriott or Fan Cub from Mandarion or the Four Seasons program or Virtuoso benefits, the benefits come from those programs not the room you are in. The rooms come with the additional benefits (Concierge, butler, free bar, welcome amenity, etc.) as part of the rate - anything beyond that is up to you and the DMC to arrange out of your pockets.