Does this sound familiar?

You’ve booked your air travel for your next vacation, but you have no idea where to stay. You hit your friends up for suggestions through a Facebook post, but when that doesn’t offer enough inspiration, you head to TripAdvisor for more suggestions. Sure TripAdvisor has some great insights, but there’s no real way of knowing who’s writing the reviews.

So now, for all you know, you’re taking your advice from that cranky, old traveller who hates kids, too much sunshine, and beaches with too much sand. But because he said this hotel was a great deal, you’re going to do a little more research. Next it’s off to your favourite—or, in many cases, favourite three—online booking engines to check prices. Bingo, website XYZ has the best rates, and for that hour or more you just spent researching hotel rates, you save 12 dollars a night.

Never mind that when you get to your hotel, you’ve been assigned the room in the back, next to the service entrance, with the view of the parking lot. And even though the hotel doesn’t seem to be overly crowded, and that gorgeous beach-front room doesn’t seem to have anyone staying in it, no amount of pleading or begging is going to get you that upgrade. Sorry, OTA user, a beach front view isn’t in the cards for you.

So it’s back to Facebook for you, and possibly your favourite chat thread. “My room sucks. Does anyone know someone at this hotel?” Forget about calling website XYZ, they’re finished with your transaction, and even if they did take a personal interest in your woes, there’s not much they can do to help.

And to add salt to the wound, there’s that guy next to you at the breakfast buffet. He’s not shy about telling you that he paid just a few dollars more than you did, but he’s enjoying his room with a beachfront view. And oh yeah, he’s not paying the $29.95 fee for his breakfast buffet either. Because his travel advisor, who DOES know someone at that hotel, got him breakfast and a spa treatment included in his nightly rate.

These scenarios are hardly infrequent in today’s super-competitive world of online travel booking. If you’re strictly looking for a cheaper room, the internet is a great place for research. But if you’re looking for the best experience and the best value, befriending a knowledgeable travel advisor can be the best thing you do for your holiday getaway.

Now, Travel Professionals International, Canada’s leading network of independent travel advisors is offering even more perks than before, with the announcement that it has joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ Luxury Privileges program.

“Luxury Privileges gives TPI travel advisors access to the largest luxury hotel portfolio in the world and access to personalized amenities and special touches that enhance their clients’ experience,” said Chris Austin, Vice President, Global Leisure & Luxury Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “It has been our distinct pleasure to work closely with TPI’s team as we continue to develop our partnership.”

What does that mean for travellers? When booking with a TPI travel professional, travellers can earn special rates (sometimes even below those found on the internet), continental or full breakfast every morning, hotel credits that can be used towards the hotel’s food and beverage outlets or in the spa. Other perks include a room upgrade, when available, early check-in, late check-out and complimentary in-room internet access.

“TPI is honoured to be one of only a handful of agencies in Canada that have been invited to participate in this prestigious program,” said Morris Chia, TPI President & CEO. “In addition to our top 30 worldwide ranking with Virtuoso and the benefits that entails, this offering continues our commitment to providing value-added programs to our advisors to increase their profitability.”

Want to talk to a TPI travel advisor? Or maybe you’re interested in becoming one yourself? Start at www.tpi.ca for more information on both.