Free Nights, VIP Lounges, and More: Inside the Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card

Free Nights, VIP Lounges, and More: Inside the Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card

By Author

Published on October 6, 2023

Get set to explore the Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card like never before. It's more than just a piece of plastic; it's your ticket to a realm where luxury knows no bounds.This isn't your typical credit card; it's your VIP pass to experiences that redefine luxury. If you are yet to discover this passport to a world of unforgettable moments, we're here to make sure you don't miss a thing! 

Unlocking the Travel Treasure Trove with Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card

Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Silver Elite Status? Check!

10 Elite Night Credits? Double check!

Up to 4 Free Night Awards? Oh, we're just getting started!

Now, about those Free Night Awards – they're like golden tickets to luxury stays. You get one upon paying the Joining/Annual Fee, and guess what? The more you spend, the more you get! INR 6 lakhs, 9 lakhs, or 15 lakhs – spend your way to a world of complimentary nights. It's like hitting the hotel jackpot!

Complimentary Domestic and International Lounge Access – Live the VIP Lounge Life

But wait, there's more! Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points for every Rs. 150 spent and watch your points pile up faster than you can say, "Room service, please!" Plus, with 12 complimentary Domestic Lounge access and 12 International Lounge access, you'll be living that VIP lounge life.

Additional Features: Golf Course Access and Lessons 

Now, here's where it gets even more exciting. Picture this: you're at the airport, sipping on a fancy cocktail in the lounge, and you haven't even boarded your flight yet. Yep, that's the kind of treatment you'll get with this card. And if you're a golf enthusiast, you're in for a treat – 2 golf course access and 2 golf course lessons per quarter await you, no matter where you are in the world.

Safety and Security: Insurance Benefits for Cardmembers

We know safety matters to you. That's why you get insurance benefits like coverage for baggage delays, loss of travel documents, flight delays, and even air accidental cover. It's like having a safety net while you soar through the skies.

Eligibility for Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card – Who Qualifies?

Now, you might be wondering if you're eligible for this fantastic card. If you're a salaried Indian national with a gross monthly income of over Rs 1,00,000, or a self-employed Indian national with an annual income exceeding Rs 15 lakhs, congratulations – you're on the list of potential cardholders!

Fees and Charges – Breaking Down the Costs

Of course, we've got to talk about fees and charges. The Joining/Annual Fee is just Rs. 3,000, and the interest rate is a manageable 3.6% per month. For all the nitty-gritty details, check out the MITC on the HDFC Bank website.

Lifetime Free Card – All You Need to Know

If you snag a Lifetime Free Card, you won't be eligible for certain welcome and annual benefits. But hey, a free card isn't too shabby, right?

Fast-Track to Approval – How Soon Can You Get Your Card?

So, you've decided this card is the one for you. How long until it's in your hands? Card approval typically takes 3-5 business days, and you'll receive it in 7 working days after approval. But remember, these are just estimates – it could be quicker if everything aligns perfectly.

And there you have it, people – the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card, your golden ticket to a world of travel perks and privileges. It's not just a card; it's your key to adventure. Now, who's up for a luxurious getaway? Your card is waiting for you to swipe and explore!


Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on December 31, 2025

Suba Hotels has officially commenced operations of Click Collection Hotel, Gangtok, marking its second landmark presence in the capital city of Sikkim. The new property strengthens the group’s growing footprint in the Northeast and reinforces its focus on delivering contemporary hospitality in emerging leisure destinations.

Strategically located at Bojoghari, Indra Bypass Road, near the helipad and within easy reach of popular attractions such as MG Marg and Tsomgo Lake, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok offers travellers a comfortable base to explore the city while enjoying scenic valley views. The hotel is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers seeking modern comforts in a relaxed mountain setting.

The property features 42 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, blending functional design with warm interiors suited for today’s urban traveller. Guests can expect well-appointed amenities, attentive service, and a stay experience aligned with Suba Hotels’ signature standards of efficiency and comfort.

With its convenient location, contemporary rooms and focus on guest-centric service, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok aims to become a preferred choice for visitors travelling to Sikkim for holidays, business trips or short city getaways. The opening also reflects Suba Hotels’ continued expansion strategy across key tourism-driven and emerging markets in India.

As travel demand to Northeast India continues to rise, the launch of Click Collection Hotel Gangtok positions Suba Hotels to tap into the region’s growing popularity while offering travellers a reliable and comfortable hospitality option in the heart of Gangtok.


Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

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For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.


A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

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Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.

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