Best Credit Card For Hotel Rewards

According to reports, Indians spend an average of Rs 4,202 for a hotel room in India, whereas the amount increases to Rs 6,639 in other countries.

This is where a credit card with good hotel rewards comes into the picture! Also, if you're a frequent traveler, a hotel credit card with great benefits can greatly simplify your trips and cut costs. You can earn extra reward points, get free room upgrades, and stay for free, among other perks, with a hotel loyalty credit card.

In this article, we will explore the three top credit cards for hotel rewards, including their rewards programs, fees, and perks.

3 Best Credit Cards For Hotel Rewards

Here are the three best credit cards for hotel rewards:

SBI Card Elite Credit Card

The SBI Card Elite is an upgraded version of the SBI Card Prime that provides perks in a variety of different areas, including travel, entertainment, and dining expenses. The credit card comes with a free Trident Privilege Red Tier membership that includes 1,000 welcome points upon registration, 1,500 extra points on your first stay at the hotel, and bonus points worth Rs. 1,000 in hotel credits for extended stays.

Cardholders can also enjoy a low foreign currency mark-up fee of 1.99%, a complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership, a complimentary upgrade voucher, and nine Club Vistara points on every Rs. 100 spent on flight tickets.

Additional Features:
  • E-vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 from a lifestyle brand of your choice as a welcome gift
  • Free movie tickets annually worth Rs. 6,000 with validity for two tickets per booking (monthly) subject to a maximum discount of Rs. 250 per ticket
  • 5X Reward points on grocery stores, and departmental stores
  • Two reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on other spends except fuel
  • 10,000 bonus reward points on annual spends between Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs
  • 15,000 bonus reward points on annual spends between Rs. 5 to 8 lakhs
  • Concierge services including flower delivery, gift delivery, and virtual doctor visits
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

If you’re a luxurious traveller, then this is the perfect credit card for you. Although the annual fee is pretty expensive, the benefits you receive make up for it. The credit card comes with free perks including unlimited lounge access, 50 rounds of golf, leisure hotel memberships at luxury hotels, and 50,000 reward points.

Furthermore, the card has a small foreign exchange markup cost of only 1.5%. These characteristics make it a good choice for elite individuals who like to travel worldwide.

Hotel Rewards:
  • Accor Plus membership benefits such as a free night stay at all Asia Pacific regions
  • Club Marriott Asia Pacific Membership benefits such as a 20% discount on food and beverages
  • Oberoi Hotels and Resorts benefits such as 15% off on Room Only Rate
  • ITC Culinaire members' perks like a 50% discount on the published room rate for suites on weekends.
  • Postcard Hotel Offers such as free lifestyle consultation at Goa hotels
  • Four free chauffeured luxury airport pick-ups/drops every year
Additional Features:
  • Up to 25% across premium restaurants with EazyDiner Prime Membership
  • Buy 1-Get 1 free movie ticket offers, and up to Rs. 500 off on the second ticket (can be availed five times in a month)
  • 20% off at 4,000 plus restaurants in India
  • 15 Edge reward points for every Rs. 200 spent
  • 30 Edge reward points for every Rs. 200 spent internationally
  • A low finance charge of 2.95%
  • Eight free VIP assistance services for airport check-in, security check, immigration processes, and porter services
  • Priority Pass membership which includes unlimited complimentary visits to foreign lounges for primary and add-on cardholders, plus 12 free visits for guests
  • Unlimited domestic access for both the primary and add-on cardholders along with 12 free guest visits
HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Infinia credit card offers benefits such as eight complimentary domestic lounges & 6 international lounge access in a year. In addition, you receive a weekend buffet at selected ITC hotels, a free night stay, and a free Club Marriott membership for the first year.

Hotel Rewards:
  • Complimentary nights & weekend buffets at participating ITC hotels for 1+1
  • Book a hotel room for three nights, but only pay for two at select ITC hotels
  • 1+1 complimentary weekend buffet at participating ITC hotels
  • Club Marriott membership for the first year with benefits such as up to 20% discounts for Dining and stay across Asia – Pacific region
  • A global personal concierge available 24-7
Additional Features:
  • Welcome bonus of 12,500 Reward Points
  • Unlimited airport lounge access across the globe for Primary and Add-on members across 1000+ airports
  • A low forex markup fee of 2%
  • Five reward points on every retail spend of Rs. 150—a reward rate of up to 3.3%

Credit Card Charges

Now that you're familiar with the benefits these cards provide, here are the fees associated with them**:

Credit Card For Small Business Annual Charges
SBI Card Elite Credit Card Rs. 4,999
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card Rs. 50,000
HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card Rs. 12,500

Summing Up

With the correct credit card, you can unlock a world of hotel rewards, enjoy exclusive privileges, and enhance your travel experiences. Although, the best credit card for hotel rewards will depend on your specific travel patterns, preferences, and financial goals. Therefore, before choosing one, make sure to compare the rewards program, redemption alternatives, yearly fees, and other benefits.

Additionally, you can use your credit card on the BharatNXT app to avail a whole lot of exciting rewards. With the app, you can use your credit card to pay for a wide range of bills, such as rent, salaries, taxes, and other utility costs, in a quick and easy way.

**Please note that the interest rates and card charges mentioned above are subject to change at the credit card company’s sole discretion.