The world of loyalty is full of strange mix-and-match options, and one of these just got signed up. Now, airline loyalty programmes and hotels have been partners for a long time; however, this one made a big announcement, so I decided to go deeper.
IHCL and Etihad Guest partner to enable discounts and miles on IHCL stays
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced a frequent flyer partnership between its Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. This alliance will offer Etihad Guest members enhanced travel and stay benefits across participating hotels worldwide.
Under the collaboration, Etihad Guest program members will gain access to 10% savings during stays at Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, amã, and Trails properties worldwide, and earn 500 Etihad Guest miles every time they stay. Members will receive a 10% discount on stays, dining, and spa treatments at select IHCL hotels when booking through a dedicated booking page. Bookings will automatically be eligible to earn Etihad Guest Miles.
Mr Praveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, said
As travel becomes increasingly seamless across destinations, guests are looking for added value and familiarity when choosing where to stay. This partnership brings together two globally recognised programs with a shared commitment to elevating loyalty experiences. It allows us to engage with Etihad Guest’s global member base and offer meaningful benefits across our portfolio.
Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, said
We are pleased to partner with IHCL, bringing together a global synergy to enhance value for our guests worldwide. This collaboration strengthens our presence in India and around the world while expanding opportunities for our members to benefit from a broader travel ecosystem. We look forward to delivering more seamless, rewarding and personalised experiences for our members.
Is this a good partnership?
I pulled up the regular rates and the partnership rates for a random date at the Taj Palace in Mumbai next month. The first screenshot offers a rate of INR 20,700 for the night.
The second screenshot, listed under, shows the Standard Rate (INR 21,000) and a member rate of INR 17,850 for the same date, for the same room, at the same time. Basically, the discount is just about 1.43%
So, this works for people who don’t have a NeuPass account better, because NeuPass members would be better off booking directly via the IHCL website. It would be better off if people applied for the Etihad Guest BOBCard to earn miles instead, where there is a 15,000 Etihad Guest Miles signup bonus.
Bottomline
Etihad Guest members will be able to earn 500 Etihad Guest Miles when they book and stay at a Taj hotel or one of the many other IHCL properties using a dedicated link published above. This is a weak offer, and people, however, are better off booking the member rates.
What do you make of the Etihad Guest x IHCL partnership?
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Crazy how Etihad keeps trying to beat life into its dead rewards program when it was clear since their pre pandemic shrink that the majority of their money comes from budget conscious economy pax.