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The best credit card for hotels in Hungary.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card for hotels in Hungary.

Budapest has the Ritz-Carlton Budapest, the Matild Palace (Luxury Collection), Kempinski (Marriott-affiliated), Marriott Budapest on the Danube, and the Anantara New York Palace. Hyatt has the Park Hyatt Budapest at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

The Ritz-Carlton Budapest and Matild Palace are both 70,000 to 85,000 point properties off-peak against $550 to $800 cash. The 85K free night cert covers a standard night at either. Platinum status at the Ritz gets you a 4 PM late checkout, breakfast for two on the rooftop, and frequent upgrades into a Danube-view room. Single-trip math justifies the annual fee.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Park Hyatt Budapest prices around 20,000 to 25,000 points a night against $300 to $450 cash. The anniversary free night covers it cleanly. Strong cheap-card option if you do not need the Ritz-Carlton brand.

ChaseAnnual fee $95

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardWorld of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual fee$650$95
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Budapest's thermal baths (Szechenyi, Gellert, Rudas) are a city signature. The Ritz-Carlton has its own spa with thermal water but the public baths are the actual experience. Buy tickets online in advance for Szechenyi to skip a 30-minute queue on weekends.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Hungary?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card from American Express. The Ritz-Carlton Budapest and Matild Palace are both 70,000 to 85,000 point properties off-peak against $550 to $800 cash. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Hungary?

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Roughly 70,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Hungary. Cash rate is around $320 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card a better choice for hotels in Hungary?

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Park Hyatt Budapest prices around 20,000 to 25,000 points a night against $300 to $450 cash. The anniversary free night covers it cleanly. Strong cheap-card option if you do not need the Ritz-Carlton brand. Annual fee is $95.