After HDFC Bank removed the Vistara Gold benefit from the HDFC Infinia card on March 15, 2019, the bank replaced it with a Club Marriott membership. Cardholders who joined the Infinia program on or after March 20, 2019, receive an SMS or email with a link to request enrollment in the Club Marriott program.
Club Marriott benefits
The Club Marriott membership provided through HDFC Infinia differs from similar benefits offered on other bank cards or memberships sold directly by hotels. It is tailored as an Infinia benefit and comes with a specific set of vouchers and discounts that are useful for frequent Marriott guests or those planning stays and dining at participating properties.
Key benefits included with the Infinia-linked Club Marriott membership are:
- Two upgrade certificates that allow an upgrade to the next room category subject to availability and hotel terms.
- Two 30% off certificates that provide 30% off accommodation on the Best Available Rate for the base room category at participating hotels.
- Discounts of up to 20% off room rates on the Best Available Rate at participating Marriott hotels in India, and specific offers for up to 20% off on weekend rates across the Asia Pacific region.
- Up to 20% off on food and beverage bills at participating hotel restaurants; some properties apply a 15% discount instead.
- Two spa certificates that provide 20% off select treatments from Monday to Friday. Each spa benefit is valid for one guest and is subject to participating hotel spa terms and availability.
- Full terms and conditions are available from HDFC Bank; cardholders should review the detailed FAQs and program rules for redemption procedures, blackout dates, and property exclusions.
Value proposition
For guests who frequently stay at Marriott hotels, the Club Marriott membership bundled with HDFC Infinia can deliver substantial value. Conservatively, the room upgrade certificates and the 30% off vouchers alone can be worth several thousand rupees per stay. In many practical cases, I estimate the combined value of those benefits around Rs.10,000, depending on the hotel category and timing of travel.
Compared with the previous Vistara Gold benefit, which offered airline upgrades and elite travel perks, Club Marriott shifts the value toward hotel stays, dining, and spa experiences. For cardholders who prefer hotel rewards over airline benefits, Club Marriott may be equal to or even better than the discontinued Vistara offering.
Practical notes
Keep these practical points in mind:
- Enrollment: Eligible Infinia cardholders should follow the SMS or email link to request Club Marriott membership and complete any enrollment steps required by HDFC Bank.
- Redemption: Certificates and discounts are typically subject to availability, blackout dates, and the specific terms of each participating property. Always confirm redemption rules with the hotel before booking.
- Validity and exclusions: Check expiry dates on certificates and any exclusions for specific hotels, room types, or peak periods. Spa and dining discounts may vary by property.
- Value depends on usage: The real benefit depends on how often you stay at participating Marriott hotels and how you use the vouchers—upgrades and percentage discounts deliver the most tangible savings.
Bottomline
If you frequently use Marriott hotels, the Club Marriott membership included with the HDFC Infinia card is a meaningful benefit that can offset part of the card fee. The package of upgrade certificates, room discounts, dining and spa savings makes it particularly attractive for leisure and business travelers who value hotel perks. While Vistara Gold appealed to frequent flyers, Club Marriott offers comparable value for hotel-focused cardholders.
What do you think of the Club Marriott membership included with new HDFC Infinia cards?