Virtuoso Confirmed Upgrade When Booking: Top 10 Hotels

As I wrote in my Virtuoso Hotel Benefits post, some Virtuoso hotels will confirm an upgrade at the time of booking, a wonderful perk especially if you're traveling during the summer or peak travel season for that destination. AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts never offers this benefit, so you'll want to book with TravelSort (an independent affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso Member)–see How to Become a Client–or another Virtuoso luxury travel advisor.

Here are my top picks of the Virtuoso hotels offering a confirmed upgrade when booking.

1. Hotel Le Bristol, Paris

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability on Junior Suites and higher categories

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests in signature restaurant Epicure or at the Bar

$100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

2. Four Seasons Vancouver

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Guaranteed 1 category upgrade at time of booking (2013 bookings)

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, either at Yew Restaurant or via in-room dining

$100 CAD food and beverage, to be utilized during stay

3. The Mark, New York City

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests

Complimentary round of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres platter at The Lounge at Mark's Restaurant by Jean-Georges or Mark's Bar

4. Regent Berlin

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

$100 USD food and beverage, to be utilized during stay

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

5. Widder Zurich

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Guaranteed upgrade to a Junior Suite or Suite at time of booking if booking a Deluxe Double Room. If a suite upgrade is not possible, a $50 food and beverage credit will be provided

Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

Complimentary mini bar including local wines, beer and soft drinks

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Complimentary high speed Internet access

6. Halekulani, Honolulu

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability on Partial Ocean and Ocean View Rooms

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests at Orchids (except Sunday brunch) or at House Without a Key

$75 USD food and beverage credit, to be utilized during stay

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

7. Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests served in L'Orangerie Restaurant

High Tea for 2 guests served in L'Orangerie Restaurant once during stay

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

8. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade to next room category at time of booking, subject to availability

Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

Complimentary fruit bowl

“Taste of Hungary” wooden gift box with Palinka, Salami, Paprika

Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Complimentary WiFi

9. The Pierre, New York City

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (2013 bookings only; upgrades do not include Signature, Parkview, City View Suite or Grand Suite)

Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests

$100 USD food and beverage, to be utilized during stay

Complimentary Internet access

10. Fullerton Singapore

Exclusive Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

Commemorative historical book or limited edition framed Fullerton stamp

Complimentary access to the Straits Club Lounge for up to two people. The Straits Club Lounge offers daily breakfast, tea items throughout the day and evening cocktails and canapes).