Brick-and-mortar Travel Agencies
For those who don't have the time or inclination to hunt down luxury bargains, finding an agent who specializes in high-end travel, such as members of Virtuoso (virtuoso.com) or Altour (altour.com), is the best option. Be sure to ask them about their preferred suppliers: These relationships can yield substantial savings and perks, such as free upgrades. Many of these agents charge a fee for their services, but the value they deliver is usually worth the investment.

Digging for Upscale Digs
Seven questions to help determine if a property is the real luxe deal

1. What is the staff-to-guest ratio? While it's no guarantee of good service, a ratio of at least one to one is typical at most luxury hotels; two to one or higher generally indicates a serious commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction.

2. How large is the room? Luxury rooms should be at least 400 square feet and should include a true sitting area.

3. What's the view? A room overlooking a parking lot or looking into another building is not luxurious, no matter how fancy the property.

4. What is the quality of the furnishings and the amenities? Don't be afraid to ask about sheet thread counts (300 is the minimum acceptable), what brands of soaps and shampoos are provided, and when the room was last refurbished (more than five years ago is a cause for concern). A separate bathtub and shower are also good indications of a luxurious room.

5. What attention is paid to food and wine? A property's dining options can serve as a barometer of its quality. Take a peek at the restaurant menus online. An imaginative selection of gourmet fare and fine wines is a good sign.

6. Where is the property? Many luxury values can be found at urban properties that are far from the action. But if a central location is a priority, you'll regret booking even a fancy room in the burbs.

7. What types of guest services does the hotel provide? From trainers in the fitness center to personalized stationery and room butlers, a wide range of services indicates that the property is focused on creating a cosseting experience.

Tips for Bidding Wisely
A few points to consider before you book or bid on a luxury hotel room

Never take the term luxury for granted. Stick with properties that are affiliated with an established upscale brand or consortium or that have received positive reviews in reliable publications or Web sites.

Shop around. Compare the rates offered by the hotel's Web site, its on-site reservations department, and an aggregator site such as Kayak, Mobissimo, or SideStep.

When buying a package, tally up the cost of the components. Extras like meals or a bottle of champagne can add significantly to the bottom line. Sometimes a room is all you really want.

Never bid in a travel auction unless you understand all the rules. Most bookings are binding, heavily restricted, and nonrefundable.

When using a travel agent, work with one affiliated with a respected organization. Members of the American Society of Travel Agents or the Travel Institute, or of luxury travel consortia such as Virtuoso, Signature, and Ensemble, are all good bets.