Expanded Program Offers Travelers Extra Privileges

It happens a lot. Travelers check in to a hotel, receive a nominal savings on their stay as part of the property’s frequent guest program and proceed to a room. But before they do, they notice that the person next to them at the front desk is not only getting a better rate, they are getting upgraded to the concierge level ? plus free breakfast every day.

What’s the secret? According to Joe McClure, president, Montrose Travel, this savvy traveler probably uses a travel agent who knows how to reward customers with perks and VIP treatment -- value-added features that aren’t usually available through any other means.

Travelers can receive those special privileges, by taking advantage of the soon-to-be released 2006 Ensemble Hotel and Resort Collection. This compendium of more than 300 four- and five-star properties from around the world features an array of free perks ranging from spa and resort credits to round-trip airport transfers and full daily breakfasts. The value-added features are only available when booking the hotel and resort experience through Montrose Travel.

These benefits can offer significant savings ? in some cases, as much as $200 on a spa credit and $40 per person per day on full breakfast service. A few of the highlights of the 2006 Ensemble Hotel and Resort Collection include:

Customized encounters, such as an interpretive nature walk and tree planted in guest’s name when staying at the Kichwa Tembo in Kenya’s Masai Mara; bottle of wine and passes to a VIP tasting at the Carneros Winery with reservations at the Carneros Inn in Napa, California; dining discounts, such as full English breakfast daily at the Milestone in London; buffet breakfast daily at Exedra -- a Boscolo Luxury Hotel ? in Rome; continental breakfast daily at the Lodge at Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California; resort or spa credits, such as $200 spa credit at the Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic; $25 per person per day resort credit at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Other free services at the more than 300 hotels and resorts include a room upgrade upon check-in, early check-in, and late check-out options, when available.

For more information about the 2006 Ensemble Hotel and Resort Collection or for reservations, call Montrose Travel, 553-3200 or visit www.montrosetravel.com.

Montrose Travel is located at 2349 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Established in 1956, Montrose Travel’s experienced team of travel professionals specializes in business travel, vacation travel, honeymoon/anniversary/romantic getaway travel, group/meeting/incentive travel, air/car/hotel and independent contractor network.

Montrose Travel is a member of Ensemble Travel Group, an international organization of 1,200 professional travel agencies that creates and arranges hundreds of exclusive travel specials each year for its members to offer their clients.