A few days ago, the Marriott – Starwood merger completed. This is has resulted in the world’s largest hotel company, with over 5700 hotels in their portfolio, spread across 30 brands.

Not just this, Marriott has now become India’s largest hotel company too. Marriott, along with Starwood & Ritz Carlton portfolios, has a total of 79 hotels operating in India now, along with 18000 rooms. They will be opening the W Goa in November 2016, taking the count up to 80 hotels. Another 100 hotels are in the pipeline. With a combined membership base of 1.5 million members, India is to be the company’s second largest market in Asia after China.

We already know that points can be transferred between Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and  Marriott Rewards in the ratio of 1 : 3.  I have shared earlier how this new merger has created some great redemption opportunities across both portfolios but here are 10 great Marriott and Starwood hotels in India which you should earmark to spend your points.

1. W, Goa : SPG Category 5
Located right on the Vagator beach in North Goa, the W is all set to open its doors this November. This will also be the first W hotel in India so worth checking out . Not to miss out the fact that most 5 star luxury resorts in Goa are in the South far away from Goa’s vibrant night life while the W stands in the midst of it. With a small inventory of 160 rooms this resort is already selling for INR 21,000 per night.

As a category 5 hotel and reward night here will cost 12,000 Starpoints and the 5th night is free. At 48,000 Starpoints, a 5 nights redemption here can bring an amazing value of INR 2 for every point redeemed.

2. ITC Rajputana, A luxury collection Hotel, Jaipur : SPG Category 2
The Pink City, Jaipur now has a choice of 3 hotels in the combined portfolio. Located in the centre of the city this hotel is a great option for all those who want visit the Jai Mahal Palace, Hawa Mahal and other local attractions. In the peak season you can expect to pay about INR 8,000 for a night’s stay here.

This is a SPG Category 2 hotel, 4000 Starpoints per night .

3. ITC Mughal, A luxury Collection Hotel, Agra :SPG Category  2 
Spread over 35 acres of luxurious gardens , the ITC Mughal Agra won the first Aga Khan award for architectural excellence in Asia. An ideal holiday resort if you want to stay indoors away from the city chaos and a great choice for travellers interested in Mughal architecture and monuments.

Thanks to the ITC Hotel’s participation in the Luxury Collection brand of Starwood, you can redeem a night at this hotel for just 4,000 Starpoints.

4. Le Meridien, Kochi : SPG Category 1
Here is another nice hotel that you can redeem at just 2,000 Starpoints a night.

Known for its giant Chinese fishing nets, Kochi in Kerala is the only place in India where you can find a 400 year old Jewish synagogue, ancient mosques and Hindu temples all in one city. Le Meridien here overlooks the beautiful backwaters.  At a best available rate of INR 5,200 in peak season this hotel offers great redemption value to those planning a Kerala holiday.

5. ITC Grand Chola, A Luxury Collection, Chennai : SPG Category 2

Another ITC Hotel that has exceptional redemption value since prices are close to INR 10,000. The Grand Chola is built like a palace and has magnificent south Indian architecture.

For 4,000 Starpoints a night  you can get a return value of INR 2.5 for every point spent here.

6. JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove & Spa : Marriott Rewards Category 5
I have fallen in love with this property ever since Ajay and I spent a weekend here last year.  I haven’t visited a resort in India yet that has such warm hospitality and such stunning views of the mountain ranges. This luxury resort nestled in the middle of the Himalayas in Mussoorie is bound to transport you to another world.

Priced at INR 15,000 per night, a reward stay here costs 25,000 MR points or 100,000 points for a 5 nights stay.

7. JW Marriott Hotel Pune: Marriott Rewards Category 2

Located right in the heart of Pune City, this Marriott hotel is perhaps the most elegant option in the city. Reward night here can be availed for 10,000 MR points per night or 40,000 points for a 5 nights  redemption.

8. Marriott Resort & Spa, Jaisalmer : Marriott Rewards Category  3

Jaisalmer known for  its splendid fort, elaborate havelis and never ending sand dunes will soon have Marriott’s newest addition in India. Due to open next month, the Marriott Resort & Spa aims to be a luxurious resort property offering an amazing view of the Jaisalmer fort.

A night here is currently priced at INR 13,200 and redemptions can be made at 15,000 MR points per night or 60,000 points for 5 nights.

9. Fairfield by Marriott, Lucknow  : Marriott Rewards Category 1

For a long time the only chain hotel option available in Lucknow was Taj. Fortunately a number of hotel brands now have hotels in the pipeline in this ‘City of Nawabs’. The Fairfield by Marriott here is a brand new hotel located in the newer part of the city. Now is a good time to explore the Mughal architecture in the city and devour the famous Lucknowi chaat, Biryani and Kebabs.

You redeem a night here at 7,500 MR points or explore the city at your own pace for 30,000 points for a 5 nights stay.

10. JW Marriott Hotel, Bengaluru : Marriott Rewards Category 3

While my favourite hotel in Bengaluru is The Ritz-Carlton, when it comes to redemption the JW Marriott at 15,000 MR points offers much better value than the 30,000 points required for a night’s stay at the Ritz- Carlton here.

At 15,000 MR points per night you won’t regret staying in the best part of Bengaluru, right next to UB City and overlooking the Cubbon Park.

Tell us which of these listed hotels are you earmarking for your next stay. We fore sure are looking forward to the W Goa.

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