The Ritz-Carlton Budapest abruptly left the Marriott chain without any advance notice in early January (read more here), and the property, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, has now become part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection as of last week.
This hotel was previously Le Meridien Budapest, and it was later reflagged as a Ritz-Carlton when the Dubai-based Al Habtoor took over.
You can access Al Habtoor’s page for their hotels here.
Al Habtoor Palace Budapest’s Press Release:
The same group reflagged three properties in Dubai that were trading under Marriott’s St. Regis, W, and Westin brands to LXR, V, and Hilton back in 2018.
Marriott Loses St. Regis, W & Westin Hotels In Dubai Effective July 31, 2018
St. Regis, W & Westin Hotels In Dubai Becoming Affiliated With Hilton
Hilton Announces Three New Dubai Hotels (Reflags From SPG) And LXR Hotels & Resorts Brand Launch
Al Habtoor filed an arbitration case against Marriott to get them out of this property in Budapest, and they have sought damages from Marriott.
My Deluxe Room at the Ritz-Carlton Budapest in 2018:
Conclusion
Al Habtoor previously had hotels under the Hilton and Marriott brands, and now this Budapest property is affiliated with Preferred Hotels.
But my question is, does anyone actually stay at any of these Preferred Hotels affiliated properties due to their I Prefer guest loyalty program?
I know that their fee schedule is probably significantly less than those of Marriott or Hilton. They likely only pay for bookings that come through Preferred Horels channels and may opt for additional services.
