Bulgari London – why not in Bonvoy?

[Olly]

Always puzzled me why Marriott don’t ask them to be a part of the programme. Presumably it’s about maintaining exclusivity. Anyone actually stayed here and can say whether it’s worth the (very high) cash rates?

[PaulAllen]

If you are an obscenely wealthy Russian or Arab then yes, otherwise no – it is targeted at a very specific customer…

[Rob]

I don’t think it’s about exclusivity (North Island is in Bonvoy and that’s $5k per night). It is a chain where Marriott simply provides hotel management services and the owners are not bothered about the rest of it.

That said, I had an interesting chat at the Amstel in Amsterdam last year where someone senior told me it was a bit embarrassing having the IHG One Rewards stickers and the like hanging around reception.

It’s not that exclusive either – I went there for an Amex Global Business Travel event last year. They are happy to tout it out for a few quid.

[George K]

I could be mistaken, but I think the idea was to build up the operation by having Marriott provide the staff and the hotel-running know-how until such a time that Bulgari takes the whole portfolio out and they then run it themselves.

[TGLoyalty]

Since they’ve been around for nearly 15 years I don’t think it’s to do with Marriott only running them for a while but rather just the fact it’s a JV and probably how they wish to position it.

Some RC reserves don’t take part for example