Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels was closed in September 2016. Since then, Marriott has been offering three different loyalty platforms: Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards. On day one, Marriott offered the ability to transfer points between the two programs and equalise status for members of both the programs, but kept their cards close on when would they merge the programs as well as various Marriott Rewards redemption options which are unique to their program.
Earlier this year, Marriott announced how they would proceed forward with the merger of these programs. Marriott has now proceeded with the re-categorisation of 6500+ hotels. An updated redemption chart for all the properties has been published, which kicks in from August 2018.
Out of the 105 hotels, 46 get more expensive, 39 get cheaper and 20 remain the same when you redeem Marriott Rewards points.
Here are 10 Marriott hotels in India which will get significantly more expensive for redemptions in August. So perhaps, it is an idea to book before July 31 if you’d like to make them home for a night or few.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bengaluru (Category 5)
India’s only Ritz-Carlton hotel is situated in the heart of Bengaluru. With more than 250 rooms & suites, it brings the iconic Ritz-Carlton hospitality to India. As you walk in, everyone in the hotel would know your name, already. This is a great opportunity to experience the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ritz Carlton serving you. With an entire floor dedicated to the spa, this hotel is perfect for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Ajay stayed here back in the day, and you can read his experience here.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
The St. Regis, Mumbai (Category 5)
The St. Regis Mumbai, is the country’s tallest hotel, and India’s lone St. Regis property. Enjoy a drink or two on the rooftop bar, Asilo, which is 40 storeys above with a panoramic view of the city. Also catch the champagne sabering ritual, which happens dutifully every evening. The Seven Kitchens restaurant is perhaps one of the biggest restaurants out there, with 7 cuisines served up every day. But our favourite part is the ice cream pinwheel.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, Gurgaon (Category 5)
A 90-minute drive from Delhi, the Westin Sohna is a resort for when you need a mini-vacation without going far from the city. Pamper yourself and your loved ones to a spa weekend while the kids are having fun riding horses or learning to fish. If you are a Platinum, you might find yourself in one of their plush villas rather than a room!
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
JW Marriott, Kolkata (Category 4)
Situated in a neighbourhood which was historically India’s only Chinatown, the JW Marriott Kolkata is equidistant from the bustling downtown of Park Street and the new cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of Salt Lake City, making it suitable for a weekend getaway or a work trip.
Book a room at 20,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 25,000 points/night after.
ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru (Category 5)
This is one of ITC’s finest hotels in the country, available to Starwood Marriott Members via the collaboration between ITC Hotels and SPG. Situated pretty much in the centre of the city makes it great for folks who would usually be in and out of the hotel often. Don’t be surprised if you see a chopper or two taking off the roof as the hotel has an operational helipad.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (Category 3)
Renaissance Mumbai is one of the larger hotels in the Mumbai suburbs, with 600 rooms and has a gorgeous view of the Powai lake. In contrast with most hotels in the city, this gem is peaceful and quiet and located near the Powai Valley (i.e., IIT Mumbai).
Book a room at 10,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 17,500 points/night after.
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity (Category 5)
Amongst all the Marriott hotels in Delhi Aerocity, the JW Marriott is perhaps the best option to stay. It offers all the amenities including extensive dining and spa options, including India’s most expensive Pizza at INR 35,000. So whether be it a work trip or a transit, the hotel is a solid contender for your business.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
JW Marriott Resorts & Spa, Jaipur (Category 3)
What do the folks at Marriott do when all the good palaces around Jaipur are taken? They build themselves one. Don’t be fooled though, the decor and the hospitality are at par with most of the palace resorts in the vicinity. The property offers the chain’s signature spa treatments along with fun activities making it a great family destination.
Book a room at 15,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay 17,500 points/night after.
ITC Maurya, New Delhi (Category 5)
The preferred hotel of statesmen, rock stars and tycoons alike, the ITC Maurya delivers a consistent and memorable experience to its guests. Located in Lutyen’s Delhi, the Maurya is a great option if you are looking at a place in the heart of Delhi. Also, I highly recommend trying the Lamb Raan and the Dal Bukhara at Bukhara, their award-winning restaurant.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay vs. 35,000 points/night after.
Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield (Category 3)
Located in Whitefield, the hotel has over 300 rooms with all the bells and whistles of a Marriott property. An hour and a half away from the airport, the property makes perfect sense for business travellers with major corporates in the vicinity. With pricing consistently on the higher side, redeeming points here offers great value to travellers.
Book a room at 10,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before July 31 or pay vs. 17,500 points/night after.
Clearly, some of the hikes are pretty big and the difference adds up pretty quickly if you intend to stay for a couple of days. So if you plan on staying at any of the above hotels, make sure to book them now.
What Marriott Hotel hotels do you have on your radar before the new redemption structure comes into effect?
anybody her please let me know how can i use my marriot points for breakfast and lucnch at marriot.. i didnt find option to book it along with room
I am currently staying in Sheraton hotel in New Delhi and want to know whether I can use my Marriott reward points for lunch or in lounge without paying. I have Marriott points and want to use my rewards points instead of making cash.please reply to gaithal2@gmail.com asap
Once the Accounts get merged, How Many Marriott points would I get for 1 SPG point ?
3 Marriott : 1 SPG
Ajay,
Can you also do a list of Marriott hotels that are now cheaper work the new rates? Any interesting properties there?
@JG, We will be putting out that list too but after August 1.