Guide to hotel rewards programmes, deals and booking strategies

Stretch your travel budget by saving on hotels. See our top tips for when to book, finding the best hotel rewards credit card, and avoiding hidden fees.

How to get the best deals on hotels

Hotel rooms aren’t cheap, and if you aren’t careful, they can quickly drive up the cost of your trip. Fortunately, a little planning can help you save on accommodations and get the most from your travels.

Good to know:

Rewards credit cards: If you travel often, apply for a hotel rewards credit card. The yearly free night certificate frequently covers the card’s annual fee. Plus, you’ll enjoy member perks and earn points toward more free stays.
Booking without a credit card: Most hotels accept debit cards, but you should budget for the room plus an upfront deposit. Unlike a credit card hold, a debit card deposit will withdraw actual funds from your current account.
Alternative payment options: Digital wallets are also increasingly accepted. Some hotels take cash but may require additional documentation.
Rewards programmes: Finding the right loyalty programme means matching your needs with a programme’s strengths.
Booking strategy: Book 1–3 months in advance with free cancellation, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals. Sunday is the best day to book, but stay mid-week for the lowest room rates.
Tourist and destination fees: These mandatory fees are common at hotels in major cities.

Discover more hotel booking strategies 

Take a deeper dive into insider strategies for finding the best hotel deals.

How to choose the best hotel credit card for free nights and travel perks

With free nights, room upgrades and perks like late checkout, hotel rewards cards make travel more affordable and enjoyable. Learn which cards give you the best value for money.

Read more 

How to book a hotel without a credit card

Booking a hotel room without a credit card is possible. Learn how to use debit cards, digital wallets or even cash to book a room. Know what to expect with deposits and incidentals to enjoy a smooth stay.

Read more 

Best hotel rewards programmes: Your guide to maximising loyalty points

If you travel often and haven’t joined any loyalty programmes for hotels, you’re leaving money on the table. Rewards points can add up to free nights, upgraded rooms and other member benefits. We break down which programmes have the best perks.

Read more 

When is the best time to book a hotel?

Is it cheaper to book a hotel far in advance, or are last-minute deals the key? We share our top tips for when to book, how to use comparison tools and price alerts, and why a little destination research can help lock in the cheapest room rate.

Read more 

Hidden hotel fees: What Indian travellers need to know

What is a tourist fee, and how do you avoid paying it when booking a hotel? This guide walks you through your hotel bill, from service charges and destination fees to incidental holds. Learn how to keep hotel fees down and avoid billing surprises.

Read more 

Frequently asked hotel booking questions:

To get the best hotel rates in India, book 1–3 months in advance and choose flexible rates with free cancellation where possible. Use price alerts to track fluctuations, avoid travelling during peak seasons (festivals, long weekends, school holidays) and check whether taxes and service charges are included in the final price. Joining hotel loyalty programmes and using credit card reward points can also help you save on free nights and upgrades.

In India, hotel prices usually increase as availability drops, especially during festivals, wedding season and major events. Booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance is generally safest for popular destinations. That said, last-minute discounts can appear during off-season or mid-week stays, particularly in business cities.

There isn’t a fixed cheapest day to book in India, but mid-week stays (Tuesday to Thursday) are often more affordable than weekends, especially in leisure destinations like Goa, Jaipur or Udaipur. Business hotels may offer better weekend rates when corporate demand is lower.

The best hotel rewards programme depends on how often and where you travel.

  • Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of properties across India.

  • World of Hyatt provides strong elite benefits but fewer hotels.

  • Hilton Honors balances flexibility and rewards.

  • IHG One Rewards can be good for occasional travellers due to lower redemption thresholds.

  • TajNeuPass is ideal for more elevated stays throughout India.

Choose a programme with strong coverage in the cities you visit most.

In India, traditional “destination fees” are uncommon. However, hotels may add service charges, GST, or mandatory gala dinner charges during festive periods (such as New Year’s Eve). These are usually compulsory if listed in your booking terms.

Most Indian booking platforms display GST and applicable charges before payment, but always review the final pricing page carefully. Some additional charges (like early check-in or extra guests) may only appear at the property.

In addition to room rates and GST, you may encounter:

  • Service charge (varies by property)

  • Extra person charges

  • Early check-in or late check-out fees

  • Parking or valet charges

  • Pet fees

  • Mini-bar and in-room dining charges

  • Mandatory festive meal supplements

Always review your bill at checkout, especially for minibar or snack items.

At check-in, many hotels place a refundable hold on your credit card for incidental expenses. This can range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per night, depending on the hotel category. The amount is blocked (not charged) and released after checkout if there are no additional charges.

Not always. Many hotels in India accept debit cards and UPI payments. Prepaid bookings via online travel agencies are common. Some properties may accept cash, but policies vary, and ID verification is mandatory. Independent hotels may be more flexible than large chains.

The right card depends on your travel style. Premium cards such as American Express Platinum offer hotel status benefits and reward transfers. Many Indian banks (HDFC, Axis, ICICI) offer travel cards with reward points redeemable for hotel stays. If you frequently stay with a specific chain, focus on earning points within that loyalty programme to maximise benefits like room upgrades and late checkout.