NEW YORK — Virtuoso is giving travellers an easier way to book luxury accommodations with a brand new hotel booking tool that pairs them up with a professional consultant.

When visitors to virtuoso.com request a reservation at any of the approximately 900 participating luxury hotels available worldwide, the booking will be routed to a Virtuoso travel advisor. If the traveller already works with a Virtuoso advisor, the booking will be sent directly to them. If they do not have a Virtuoso advisor, the tool assigns the booking to one who will service the booking and assist with other aspects of the trip like transfers, private guides and experiences.

“Virtuoso’s new hotel booking tool is an advantage for travellers who have been suffering from DIY fatigue, and didn’t realize there was an alternative,” said Virtuoso Senior Vice President of Marketing Terrie Hansen. “We’re offering them the convenience of online booking, but marrying it with the advantages of both our hotel program benefits as well as expert guidance. For many, this will be their first foray into working with a travel advisor. The hotel booking tool is a great example of how technology is actually helping bring travelers back to advisors, rather than driving them away.”

With annual sales of US$21.2 billion, Virtuoso’s clout in the luxury marketplace translates into an array of value-added perks and specially negotiated pricing for its clients. Travelers who book hotel stays at www.virtuoso.com will receive a host of complimentary benefits not available on any other site, worth up to $450 per stay. Those include an upgrade to the next room category when available, breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out if available, high-speed internet access and an additional perk such as a candlelit dinner or spa treatment. Some properties also offer in-demand experiential perks, such as a wine tasting, language class, guided bike tour or hands-on cooking encounter with a local chef.

Virtuoso is launching the hotel booking tool during the 25th anniversary year of its landmark Hotels & Resorts Program. The program, which began as a complement to cruise offerings in 1992, started with just 25 properties. Today, with a total of 1,205 hotels, resorts, lodges, spas, luxury camps and villas across 100 countries, the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts program is the industry’s longest-running and most prestigious, with more five-star properties than any other organization.

To reserve a hotel stay using the new booking tool, visit virtuoso.com/luxuryhotels.