Marriott loses The Ritz-Carlton Budapest hotel but gains The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok

In a surprising move, Marriott has lost the management of The Ritz-Carlton Budapest hotel.

This is a lovely property and it is shame to see it go.

Marriott is not short of luxury hotels in Budapest which could, of course, have been part of the problem – there may not have been enough Marriott Bonvoy loyalists to go around.

Other upscale Marriott options in the city include:

• W Budapest
• Mathild Palace (Luxury Collection)
• Dorothea (Autograph Collection, reviewed here)

The ex-The Ritz-Carlton is now trading as Al Habtoor Palace, Budapest. This is a sister hotel to Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai – which, of course, was also a Marriott Bonvoy property (in this case a St Regis) and then a Hilton (LXR) before going independent.

The Dubai hotel is part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts so we may see Budapest appear there in time.

Marriott told us:

“We can confirm that we are no longer managing The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest as of the 6th January.  It has been a privilege to manage this property and we wish the hotel team the best.

Marriott International remains committed to Budapest and Hungary, with eight other properties within the market and exciting development plans with six new properties due to open in the next few years.” 

For members who have a future reservation at the Ritz Carlton Budapest using points, as the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme will no longer be available at this hotel from 6th January, their reservation will be moved within the Marriott reservation system to one of the other Marriott Bonvoy hotels in the city (including W Budapest; Mathild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel; Dorothea, Autograph Collection).”

The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok opens

As one door (literally) closes, another opens.

The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok has officially opened. Situated on Wireless Road, this 260 room property overlooks Lumpini Park.

The hotel is set in a 216m tower at One Bangkok, the ‘world-class business and lifestyle destination’ in the heart of Bangkok. Sadly the hotel is on the lower 25 floors and not the upper floors, so the views are not as great as they could be.

To quote:

Inspired by the concept of a “Meeting of Two Civilizations,” The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is a cultural beacon, embracing the vibrant capital built upon a rich and storied heritage. In the 1800s, Thailand envisioned a global future, seamlessly blending its cherished traditions with international influences. Wireless Road, once the enclave of Thai nobility, became a gateway to this new era of travel and exploration.

Today, Bangkok radiates worldly charm and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok reflects this dynamic culture through a refined lens, welcoming guests to a restorative, contemporary oasis. Upon arrival, a grand archway leads to the elegant foyer and The Front Hall, a drawing room adorned with original artwork and black-and-white photographs, evoking the warmth and intimacy of a private residence.

A seamless blend of classic Thai artistry and contemporary design, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok’s rooms and suites embody a spirit of cultural exchange. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views, while many guest rooms offer private loggias and terraces overlooking the lush expanse of Lumpini Park. Guests are invited to choose from the spacious 50-square-meter Deluxe Rooms, the exquisitely appointed 102-square-meter Gardenia Suites, or the enchanting 127-square-meter Marigold and Amaranth Suites. Atop the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Suite crowns the property as a 389-square-meter penthouse, offering an unrivaled setting for the most luxurious of escapes.

You can find out more on the Marriott website here.

If you are planning a cash stay, I recommend getting a quote from Emyr Thomas, our hotel booking partner. He can access special packages – priced at the standard Best Flexible Rate – which include free breakfast, $100 per stay to spend in the hotel and a potential upgrade. You can contact Emyr via the form here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.