The Big 5: Hyatt Prive, Rosewood Elite, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS, and Mandarin Oriental FAN Club Compared
The Big 5: Hyatt Prive, Rosewood Elite, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS, and Mandarin Oriental FAN Club Compared
If you’re booking a luxury hotel in 2025, you’ve probably heard of Hyatt Prive, Rosewood Elite, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS, and Mandarin Oriental FAN Club. These five programs are considered the “Big 5” of luxury hotel benefits—exclusive partnerships available only when you book through an authorized luxury travel advisor.
The best part? They cost nothing extra but come loaded with perks like free breakfast, hotel credits, and VIP upgrades. Let’s break down how each program works, what benefits they offer, and how to choose the right one for your next trip.
1. Hyatt Prive
Hyatt Prive is Hyatt’s luxury travel advisor program. It covers premium brands like Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, Thompson, and Miraval.
Key Benefits of Hyatt Prive:
Daily complimentary breakfast for two
$100 hotel credit per stay
Room upgrades (sometimes confirmed at booking, especially at Park Hyatt)
Early check-in / late check-out (priority given)
VIP welcome amenity
💡 Best For: Travelers loyal to Hyatt brands who want a strong chance at confirmed upgrades.
2. Rosewood Elite
Rosewood Elite is Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive luxury program. Known for ultra-personalized stays, Rosewood properties are boutique in feel but globally recognized.
Key Benefits of Rosewood Elite:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 property credit per stay
VIP recognition and personalized amenities
Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in and late check-out priority
💡 Best For: Guests who love bespoke experiences and boutique luxury at Rosewood properties worldwide.
3. Virtuoso
Virtuoso is the largest luxury travel network in the world. Unlike the brand-specific programs, Virtuoso spans thousands of hotels and resorts across nearly every luxury brand.
Key Benefits of Virtuoso:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
Property credit (varies by hotel, often $100)
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in / late check-out when possible
Exclusive experiences (spa treatments, tours, dining credits)
💡 Best For: Travelers who value flexibility across multiple hotel brands and destinations.
4. Marriott STARS
Marriott STARS is Marriott’s top-tier advisor program for luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION, and Luxury Collection.
Key Benefits of Marriott STARS:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 property credit per stay
Personalized welcome amenity
VIP recognition throughout the stay
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
💡 Best For: Guests booking Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, or other ultra-luxury Marriott brands who want VIP perks without needing Bonvoy elite status.
5. Mandarin Oriental FAN Club
Mandarin Oriental FAN Club is the invite-only program for Mandarin Oriental hotels. Known for impeccable service and Asian-inspired luxury, this program elevates every stay.
Key Benefits of FAN Club:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 dining or spa credit per stay
VIP welcome and special recognition
Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Exclusive access to experiences only bookable via FAN Club
💡 Best For: Travelers seeking personalized service and unique experiences at Mandarin Oriental’s iconic properties.
Big 5 Comparison: At a Glance
| Program | Brands Covered | Breakfast | Hotel Credit | Upgrade Policy | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Prive | Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, Thompson, Miraval, more | Restaurant only | $100 | Sometimes confirmed at booking | Welcome amenity |
| Rosewood Elite | Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | Restaurant or in-room | $100 | At check-in | Personalized service |
| Virtuoso | Multi-brand, thousands of hotels | Restaurant or in-room | Varies, often $100 | At check-in | Exclusive tours/experiences |
| Marriott STARS | Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION, Luxury Collection | Restaurant only | $100 | At check-in | VIP welcome |
| Mandarin Oriental FAN Club | Mandarin Oriental Hotels | Restaurant or in-room | $100 dining/spa | At check-in | FAN-only experiences |
Final Takeaway
When it comes to luxury hotel bookings, the “Big 5” programs—Hyatt Prive, Rosewood Elite, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS, and Mandarin Oriental FAN Club—ensure you’re never just another guest. Each program adds hundreds of dollars in value per stay while providing genuine VIP recognition.
Pick Hyatt Prive for confirmed upgrades and Hyatt brand variety.
Pick Rosewood Elite for boutique-style personalization.
Pick Virtuoso for flexibility across countless brands.
Pick Marriott STARS if you’re staying at Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, or EDITION.
Pick Mandarin Oriental FAN Club for signature experiences and unmatched service.
👉 Always book through a trusted luxury travel advisor to unlock these benefits—because direct bookings simply don’t compare.
