Credit Cards With Free Hotel Stay

Are you planning to start your new year with a trip? If so, then keep a close look at your room charges wherever you stay, because they might rise. 

In 2024, the hotel room rates reached record highs. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, driven by a projected 7-8% increase in demand across various segments. 

According to Rahul Uppal, Director of Echor Hotels, India’s tourism industry is expected to grow by an estimated 24% over the next 5 years. So, with the rising tourism, hotel room rates are also supposed to increase.

But what if we told you that you won’t need to worry about the rising room rates? There’s a way for you to get a free stay at a luxurious hotel. All you have to do is simply swipe your credit card!

Curious to know more? We’ve created a list of credit cards that offer free hotel stays so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the bill.

Table of Contents:

• American Express Platinum Credit Card
• HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
• Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card
• How to Make the Most of These Credit Cards’ Benefits

Credit Cards With Free Hotel Stays

Here are some of the best credit cards that can transform your travel expenses into easy-going staycations:

1. American Express Platinum Credit Card

If exclusivity had a name, it would be the American Express Platinum Card. This card offers complimentary nights at some of the world's most luxurious hotel chains through its Fine Hotels & Resorts Program.

• Joining/Annual Fee:

  • Joining Fees: ₹66,000 + Applicable taxes
  • Annual Fees: ₹66,000 + Applicable taxes (waived off on spending ₹20 lakh in a year)

• Key Benefits:

  • Benefits worth ₹44,300 at 1,000+ Fine Hotels & Resorts properties, including late check-out, room upgrades, and more
  • Spend ₹20 lakh annually and get renewal vouchers worth ₹35,000
  • Access 1,300+ premium airport lounges worldwide via:
    • The Centurion Lounge
    • Priority Pass
    • Delta Sky Club
    • Escape Lounges
    • Domestic Partner Lounges in India

  • Exclusive airline deals with top carriers like Air India, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and more

  • Exclusive treatment at over 600 hotels in over 30 countries, including:

    • The Ritz- Carlton
    • Hyatt
    • Hilton
    • Grand Hyatt and more

  • Upgrade to Elite Tier memberships with:

    • Taj Reimagined Epicure
    • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status 
    • Radisson Rewards Premium Status and more

  • Domestic Lodging Program: 

    • 25% off at Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta Hotels
    • 50% off on suites at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
    • Complimentary nights at The LaLiT, India

  • Coverage of ₹5 crore for air accident death if tickets are booked with the Platinum Card

  • 3X Membership Reward points on international spends

  • Up to 20X Rewards on 20+ luxury brands

  • 5X points on purchases via Reward Multiplier and 1 point per ₹40 spent

  • Points never expire and can be redeemed across 500+ options, including travel, dining and more

  • Exclusive VIP invites to:

    • VIP-only events
    • Concerts
    • Fashion weeks
    • Grammy Awards
    • Wimbledon and more

• Up to 50% off at 1,800+ premium restaurants in India with EazyDiner Prime 

Get complete details of the benefits and rewards of American Express Platinum Credit Card. 👈

2. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

Known for its elite benefits, this card offers complimentary stays at luxury hotels and resorts globally. 

• Joining/Annual Fee:

  • Joining Fees: ₹12,500 + Applicable taxes
  • Annual Fees: ₹12,500 + Applicable taxes (waived off on spending ₹10 lakh in a year)

• Key Benefits:

  • Get complimentary nights & buffet at participating ITC hotels—book 3 nights, pay for 2
  • Enjoy a free Club Marriott membership for the first year with up to 20% discounts on dining and stays
  • Unlimited lounge access at 1,000+ airports globally with Priority Pass 
  • Earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
  • Enjoy unlimited golf games at top courses in India and selected international locations 
  • Get flat 15% off on dining bills at 35,000+ restaurants 
  • Get 12,500 reward points upon card activation
  • Earn up to 10X Reward Points on travel and shopping spends via Smartbuy 
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹1,00,000 at all fuel stations

Learn everything about the rewards and benefits of the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card. 👈

3. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

For travellers seeking premium services, the Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers curated experiences, including free hotel stays at top-tier properties.

• Joining/Annual Fee:

  • Joining Fees: ₹50,000 + Applicable taxes
  • Annual Fees: ₹50,000 + Applicable taxes (waived off on spending ₹35 lakh in a year)

• Key Benefits:

• 8 complimentary VIP Assistance Services, including check-in, security check, immigration and porter services at airports
• Unlimited international lounge visits for primary and add-on cardholders with Priority Pass membership, plus 12 guest visits annually
• Unlimited domestic lounge visits for primary and add-on cardholders with Priority Pass membership, plus 12 guest visits annually
• Club ITC Culinaire membership: 
  • Free third-night stay
  • One complimentary room upgrade 
  • 50% off at all-day-dining restaurants
  • 25% green points on food and beverage spend
• Accorplus membership:
  • Free 1-night stay across Asia Pacific 
  • Complimentary room upgrade
  • Up to 50% off on dining
  • Complimentary lunch buffet for 2 across Accor hotels in India
• Club Marriott Asia Pacific membership:
  • 20% off on food and beverage
  • 20% off on best available room rates at Marriott hotels in India, plus weekend offers in Asia Pacific
  • Oberoi and Trident hotels (international and domestic):
  • 15% off on room only rate and room with breakfast rate or a free third-night stay
• Postcard hotels:
  • 15% off on the best available room rate
  • Anytime check-in and check-out
  • A free lifestyle consultation at their Goa hotels
• 50% off on golf rounds at top golf courses in India 
• Up to 25% off at premium restaurants with EazyDiner Prime membership
• BookMyShow offers:
  • Buy 1 movie ticket and get up to ₹500 off on the second ticket (max. 5 times/month)
  • Buy 1 non-movie ticket and get up to ₹1,000 off on the second ticket (max. 5 times/month)
• 15,000 Reward Points on card activation
• 15 Edge Reward Points per ₹200 spent
• 2X points on international spends
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000 (capped at ₹400/month)

Get full insights on the rewards and benefits of the Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card. 👈

4. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card can be a perfect choice for brand-loyal travellers who often stay at Marriott properties.

• Joining/Annual Fee:

  • Joining Fees: ₹3,000 + Applicable taxes
  • Annual Fees: ₹3,000 + Applicable taxes (cannot be waived off)

• Key Benefits:

  • 1 Free Night Award and 10 Elite Night Credits on the first eligible spend or fee payment
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
  • Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points:
    • 8 points per ₹150 spent at Marriott hotels
    • 4 points per ₹150 spent on travel, dining, and entertainment
    • 2 points per ₹150 spent on all other applicable purchases
  • Get 2 rounds of complimentary golf access per quarter worldwide
  • 12 complimentary lounge visits annually within India and 12 internationally
  • Additional Free Night Awards:
    •  1 night on ₹6 lakh spent in an anniversary year
    •  1 night on ₹9 lakh spent in an anniversary year
    •  1 night on ₹15 lakh spent in an anniversary year (valid for a year, redeemable up to 15,000 points)
  • Skip check-in lines and receive baggage assistance
  • Exclusive dining offers from gourmet cuisine to local delicacies
  • Special rates at some of the finest spas in India

Discover the exclusive benefits and rewards of the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card in detail. 👈

How to Make the Most of These Credit Cards’ Benefits?

By strategically aligning your spending habits with these cards' benefits, you can enjoy premium perks, along with saving much on travel and dining.

• Maximise Rewards: Use cards strategically for spending aligned with reward categories (e.g., staying at luxurious hotels across the world with American Express Platinum, Marriott stays for Marriott Bonvoy)
• Utilise Lounge Access: Plan travel with included lounge benefits for smoother experiences and comfort
• Leverage Hotel Perks: Book through the respective hotel programs (Fine Hotels & Resorts, Club Marriott) to enjoy complimentary upgrades, free nights, and dining discounts.
• Attend Exclusive Events: Take advantage of VIP invites for events and shows offered by American Express Platinum and other cards.
• Combine Benefits: Pair privileges like free nights and reward points to reduce out-of-pocket expenses on luxury stays and travel.
• Book Early: With hotel room rates expected to rise, advance bookings can lock in lower rates while still enjoying your card benefits
• Track Expiry Dates: Reward points often have expiration dates; plan your travels accordingly
• Monitor Offers Regularly: Keep an eye on updated offers, seasonal promotions, and tie-ups with airlines and travel agencies.
• Achieve Fee Waivers: Target the required annual spends to waive off hefty fees (e.g., ₹20 lakh for American Express, ₹35 lakh for Axis Reserve)

Conclusion

Whether you're an always-ready traveller or a staycation enthusiast, these credit cards can redefine the way you travel. The benefits they offer are not just about free hotel stays; they can add luxury, convenience, and unmatched rewards to your travel bucket. 

With rising hotel rates on the horizon, leveraging these cards can transform your travel dreams into a cost-effective reality.

Let these cards' benefits enhance your journey and make your vacations unforgettable without breaking the bank. 
Not sure which card will best suit your spending habits?—Visit Finology Select and compare cards with their complete benefits and features.