Booking hotels is often one of the most significant expenses while traveling, whether for domestic trips, business travel, or international vacations. The good news for savvy travelers is that many Indian credit cards provide exclusive hotel discounts, cashback offers, and reward points, making your stays more affordable and enjoyable.
In 2025, several credit cards stand out for offering hotel-related benefits, including partner discounts, reward points redemption, and complimentary room upgrades. This guide explains how these benefits work, the best credit cards for hotel discounts, and tips to maximize savings during your travels.
Why Choose a Credit Card with Hotel Discounts?
Using a credit card with hotel benefits is more than just a convenience; it can lead to substantial savings. Here’s why:
- Direct Hotel Discounts
Many credit cards have partnerships with hotel chains or booking platforms. These partnerships offer instant discounts on your room charges.
- Reward Points Redemption
Reward points earned on everyday spending can often be redeemed to pay for hotel bookings, either partially or fully.
- Cashback on Hotel Stays
Some credit cards provide cashback when you pay for your hotel bookings using the card.
- Premium Travel Benefits
Cards with hotel discounts often come with complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services, enhancing your travel experience.
- Exclusive Offers on Booking Portals
Credit cardholders often get special discounts on popular booking platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or Cleartrip.
How Credit Card Hotel Benefits Work
Credit card hotel benefits typically fall into these categories:
- Partner Hotel Discounts: Discounts at specific hotel chains such as Taj, Marriott, Hyatt, and ITC Hotels.
- Booking Portal Offers: Redeemable points or discounts on MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or OYO bookings.
- Cashback Offers: Cashback credited to your statement after a hotel payment.
- Reward Points Redemption: Convert points into hotel vouchers or credits to offset the cost of stays.
- Tiered Benefits: Premium cards may offer room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, or early check-ins.
Tip: Always check the terms and conditions, as discounts may be capped or limited to specific hotels or dates.
Top Credit Cards Offering Hotel Discounts in India (2025)
Here are the best credit cards for Indian travelers looking to save money on hotel stays:
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Overview:
HDFC Regalia is a premium card known for travel benefits, including exclusive hotel offers and reward point redemption.
Key Features:
- Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent, bonus points on hotel bookings
- Hotel Discounts: Up to 15% discount at partner hotels like Taj, ITC, and Marriott
- Booking Portals: Redeem points on HDFC Travel Portal for hotel stays
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge services
Pros:
- Wide coverage of premium hotels across India
- Points can be used for both domestic and international hotel bookings
- Concierge assistance helps with reservations
Cons:
- Higher annual fee of ₹2,500 plus taxes
- Limited discounts at budget or non-partner hotels
Best For: Frequent travelers seeking premium hotel benefits along with lounge access
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Overview:
Axis Magnus is a high-end card offering hotel discounts and other travel-related perks.
Key Features:
- Reward Points: 10 points for every ₹200 spent on hotel and travel bookings
- Hotel Discounts: Up to 20% on select hotel chains and online booking platforms
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international visits via Priority Pass
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including trip delay and lost baggage
Pros:
- Significant hotel discounts and high reward points
- Concierge service can help with special requests
- Premium travel benefits make it ideal for frequent travelers
Cons:
- High annual fee of ₹10,000 plus taxes
- Best suited for high-spending travelers
Best For: Travelers looking for luxurious hotel stays and comprehensive travel benefits
3. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
Overview:
ICICI Sapphiro is a mid-tier travel card offering hotel discounts, reward points, and lounge access.
Key Features:
- Reward Points: 5 points per ₹150 spent, bonus on hotels and travel
- Hotel Discounts: Partner hotels across India offer up to 10–15% off
- Lounge Access: Complimentary domestic airport lounge visits
- Travel Insurance: Covers flight delays, medical emergencies, and lost baggage
Pros:
- Moderate annual fee of ₹3,000 plus taxes
- Good mix of rewards, hotel discounts, and lounge access
- Suitable for mid-range travelers
Cons:
- Limited hotel discounts at non-partner properties
- Fewer premium perks compared to high-end cards
Best For: Mid-range travelers who want value for both hotel stays and travel benefits
4. SBI Card Elite
Overview:
SBI Elite is a premium credit card designed for frequent travelers. Hotel discounts and concierge services are among its main attractions.
Key Features:
- Reward Points: 2 points per ₹100 spent, bonus points on hotel and flight bookings
- Hotel Discounts: Up to 15% discount on partner hotels and select booking platforms
- Lounge Access: Multiple domestic and international visits
- Concierge Services: Assistance with hotel bookings, cab services, and travel planning
Pros:
- Multiple redemption options for points
- Premium concierge and hotel benefits
- Ideal for frequent travelers
Cons:
- Annual fee of ₹4,999 plus taxes
- Rewards on non-travel spending are limited
Best For: Frequent domestic and international travelers seeking luxury hotel perks
5. Kotak Mahindra Solitaire Credit Card
Overview:
Kotak Solitaire is an affordable travel card offering hotel discounts and reward points for budget-conscious travelers.
Key Features:
- Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent, higher on travel and online spends
- Hotel Discounts: Up to 10% at partner hotels
- Lounge Access: Domestic airport lounges at selected airports
- Travel Insurance: Basic coverage for flight delays and emergencies
Pros:
- Low annual fee of ₹999 plus taxes
- Good value for occasional travelers
- Add-on cardholders also enjoy benefits
Cons:
- Limited hotel partners
- Fewer premium perks compared to high-end cards
Best For: Budget travelers who want hotel discounts and basic travel benefits
Tips to Maximize Hotel Discounts with Credit Cards
- Book Through Partner Portals
Use your bank’s travel portal to get the best discounts and earn bonus points.
- Combine Points and Offers
Redeem reward points along with ongoing discount offers for maximum savings.
- Check Hotel Chain Partnerships
Many premium hotels offer exclusive discounts for specific credit card holders.
- Plan in Advance
Hotel discounts are often seasonal; book early to get the best value.
- Use Add-on Cards Wisely
Add-on cardholders can also enjoy hotel perks, doubling the benefits for family travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Terms and Conditions
Discounts may only apply on certain room types or dates.
- Not Checking Reward Points Value
Ensure points redeemed for hotels offer good value compared to cashback.
- Overlooking Partner Hotels
Only partner hotels may provide the advertised discounts.
- Missing Seasonal Offers
Banks often run seasonal promotions—missing them can reduce potential savings.
- Not Combining Loyalty Programs
Pair your credit card benefits with hotel loyalty programs to maximize rewards.
Conclusion
Credit cards with hotel discounts can save travelers significant money, especially for frequent domestic or international trips. Cards like HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus, ICICI Sapphiro, SBI Elite, and Kotak Solitaire provide a mix of discounts, reward points, lounge access, and insurance coverage.
By strategically using these credit cards, booking through partner portals, and redeeming reward points effectively, travelers can enjoy affordable, comfortable, and rewarding hotel stays across India in 2025.