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The Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program has sweet spots for redemption in several regions of the world. I define ‘best value’ of redemption by not only comparing cash prices but also by service standards and luxury quotient of the property. This is where ITC hotels come far ahead in my list of best SPG redemptions in India.
ITC hotels are part of The Luxury Collection brand of Starwood portfolio in India. With over 100 properties across 70 destinations, ITC properties are lavish, luxurious and come with distinct local cultural branding. In my opinion, the best kept secret in the SPG program since most of the properties are either Category-2 or Category-3 SPG redemption. Here is the list of my best SPG redemptions in India;
Category 2 properties
- Category-2 award night = 3000 points on weekends, 4000 points on weekdays.
- Cash+Points = 2000 points + $35
The cash rates of the properties listed below can vary based on time of year. I have done my best to provide an average price range.
- ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
The Pink city is a staple on every tourist’s list of places to visit in India. And with that popularity comes steep hotel prices in the city. However, this opulent property is available as a category 2 redemption for SPG members and can yield incredible value.
Cash Rate ~INR 14,000 or ~$210 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Mughal, Agra
Well, Taj Mahal – need I say more? Agra, however, is a lot more than just Taj Mahal and if you are in town to soak in the sights and smells, its hard to look beyond ITC Mughal.
Cash Rate ~INR 9000 or ~$140 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Chola, Chennai
ITC Chola is the largest stand alone hotel in the country. Perhaps my favorite SPG property in India, could easily be a category 7 hotel for its sheer architecture and grandeur. A must visit.
Cash Rate ~INR 10, 000 or ~$152 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad
The only property on this list I haven’t stayed at, ITC Kakatiya is located centrally and serves as a primary business hotel for many travel friends and colleagues.
Cash Rate ~INR 9,000 or ~$140 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
Category 3 properties
- Category-3 award night = 7000 points
- Cash+Points = 3500 points + $55
The cash rates of the properties listed below can vary based on time of year. I have done my best to provide an average price range.
- Le Meridien, New Delhi
Hotel rates in New Delhi can be oppressive and there is never a shortage of tourists who are willing to dole out the cash. “Location Location Location” fits well here – a south facing room and you can lie in bed with views of India Gate to your left and the President’s Official Residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan) to the right. Both tourist staples in town.
Cash Rate ~INR 11,000 or ~$170 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Maratha, Mumbai
No shortage of hotels (all shapes, sizes and luxury) in the city. ITC Maratha gets a mention for its proximity to the International airport and the royal treatment on offer. The Peshwa Pavilion cafe, pictured below, is just as beautiful and serene in person. The dining options alone at the property make it worth the visit.
Cash Rate ~INR 11,000 or ~$170 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Sonar, Kolkata
The food, lily pond (pictured below) and the spa are the highlights of this property. Truly an oasis in a city known for its chaos, my multiple stays since 2009 have only yielded move love and yearning to go back.
Cash Rate ~INR 11,000 or ~$170 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru
A different world as soon you step into the lobby, the calm with green textures of live plant walls is far removed from the unfolding chaos of Bengaluru traffic. Even the standard rooms come with balconies overlooking the city. Ask for the ‘Tower rooms’ at check-in for the balcony experience. The pool and the sun desk are great fun too!
Cash Rate ~INR 12,000 or ~$185 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
- The Westin, Pune
Was pleasantly surprised with the Westin Pune, it is a new property with modern and elegant amenities. Perfectly located away from the chaos of the city, with lots of high end eateries and bars within walking distance.
Cash Rate ~INR 9000 or ~$140 USD (Photo Source: https://www.itchotels.in/)
Take Away
With the exception of Hyderabad, I have stayed in every property listed above and was impressed with excellent service and amenities. Given that cash rates for properties mentioned are fairly nominal, it may not make sense for everyone to use points. But if your goal is to keep cash in pocket, its hard to go wrong with these redemptions. I find myself going back to ITC properties for sheer value proposition, definitely my best SPG redemptions in India.
If you have stayed at ITC properties, please share your experience with a comment below.
2 comments
I have stayed at the ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad (in Jan 2017). It is a quality business hotel that is well located in the city. The restaurants there are first class as well as adjacent to another good restaurant (Oh Calcutta) . What sets this place apart for me was the excellent service of all the staff there. I ran a small seminar and received excellent feedback from the attendees in part due to the room .
On that score I also stayed at the ITC Gardenia. This place is even better. Much better location and gorgeous seminar room (Board Room). The grounds are lovely and the dining choice wider and classier than the Kakatiya
Thanks for the feedback on kakatiya, sounds like a solid business hotel. Gardenia is awesome, love staying there when in BLR. CErs!