Epicure is the loyalty program from IHCL (Taj Hotels) designed for guests who frequently use Taj, Vivanta, and SeleQtions properties. It provides tiered benefits—ranging from complimentary nights and dining vouchers to room upgrades and spa discounts—making it attractive to frequent travellers, corporate guests, and high-net-worth individuals who prioritise IHCL experiences.
Table of Contents
- TAJ Epicure Variants
- Features & Benefits
- Membership via Credit Cards
- Things to know
- Bottomline
TAJ Epicure Variants
Epicure is available in three variants, each aimed at different types of members:
| Variant | Complimentary Nights | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Privileged | 2 Nights | 50K INR + GST |
| Preferred | 1 Night | 25K INR + GST |
| Plus | – | – |
Privileged and Preferred are typically sold directly by IHCL, while Epicure Plus is commonly provided as a bundled benefit through select premium credit cards. Occasionally, discounts of 10–20% are available through channels like Neu, the TAJ app, or offline TAJ sales.
Features & Benefits
Epicure Privileged
- Two complimentary stay nights at select Taj, Vivanta, and SeleQtions properties
- Four lunch/dinner vouchers (each for two people) at participating Taj restaurants
- Four one-level room upgrade vouchers valid for one night each
- Three complimentary 60-minute spa sessions for one person
- Four Taj Club lounge access passes for two people
- Complimentary cake during the member’s birthday month
- Additional room upgrade and discount vouchers
- 20% discount on food & beverage and spa services
- IHCL Gold membership status
Epicure Preferred
- One complimentary stay night at select Taj, Vivanta, and SeleQtions properties
- Two lunch/dinner vouchers (each for two people) at participating Taj restaurants
- Two one-level room upgrade vouchers valid for one night each
- One complimentary 60-minute spa session for one person
- Complimentary cake during the member’s birthday month
- Additional room upgrade and discount vouchers
- 20% discount on food & beverage and spa services
- IHCL Silver membership status
Epicure Plus
- Room upgrade and discount vouchers tailored to the issuing partner
- 20% discount on food & beverage and spa services
- Complimentary cake during the member’s birthday month
Epicure Plus variants supplied by credit cards typically focus on dining, spa, and room discounts rather than complimentary nights, making them valuable for guests who prioritise savings on Food & Beverage and wellness rather than free stays.
Membership via Credit Cards
- Some premium credit cards provide a one-time Epicure Preferred membership that includes one complimentary stay night. Examples of issuers and products offering this benefit (subject to change and bank-specific terms) include select private-banking or ultra-premium cards.
- Epicure Plus is commonly issued as a customized benefit by super-premium credit cards. These variants often include dining, room, or spa vouchers but usually do not include complimentary nights. Cards that have historically offered Epicure benefits include top-tier products from major issuers and private banking portfolios.
Because Epicure Plus tends to focus on discounts and vouchers rather than free nights, it suits cardholders who value regular savings across dining and spa services at IHCL properties. Conversely, the directly purchased Preferred or Privileged tiers are better for members seeking free-night redemptions.
Things to know
- Redemption availability: In the author’s experience, availability for complimentary nights has generally not been an issue at many properties, though it can vary by location and season.
- Room categories: Complimentary stay nights are restricted to base-category rooms unless otherwise specified by the property.
- Taxes and charges: Even with complimentary nights, applicable taxes (typically 18%) and any incidental charges must be paid by the guest.
- Payment options: Outstanding balances such as taxes or incidentals can be settled using credit cards, Neu coins, or Taj gift vouchers where accepted.
- Occupancy: Most properties allow two adults plus two children up to 12 years for a complimentary night, but this policy can vary by hotel.
- Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast for two is generally included with the complimentary stay night; child inclusion depends on property policy.
- Exclusions: Certain high-end properties such as Taj Palaces, safari lodges, and select other locations may be excluded from complimentary-night bookings.
- High-value redemptions: Some properties, like Vivanta Dal View Srinagar and Taj Chia Kutir Darjeeling, often offer strong value when redeeming complimentary nights, sometimes exceeding the effective price paid for membership.
Bottomline
Overall, IHCL and the Epicure program are known for attentive customer service and prompt resolution of issues. For frequent guests who prefer IHCL brands and want a range of benefits across stays, dining, and spa services, Epicure can significantly lower the cost of Taj stays and related expenses. At certain properties, the redemption value can exceed the membership fee by a considerable margin.
However, for infrequent travellers or those who prefer flexibility across multiple hotel groups, a paid Epicure membership may not be cost-effective since its benefits are limited to the IHCL portfolio. Assess your travel patterns and likely redemptions before purchasing to ensure the membership matches your needs.