We can all agree that there is nothing better than packing your bags for a trip. And when the stay is at a luxury hotel, the excitement is even higher.But what if we tell you that a woman, who is a Chartered Accountant by profession, managed to stay at a luxury hotel for free even though her stay’s worth was Rs 3 lakh? Intriguing, right? Read on to know all about it.
Pune-based Chartered Accountant Priti Jain recently shared her experience of enjoying a three-night stay at a Marriott resort in Uttarakhand, valued at Rs 3 lakh, without spending any cash. Instead, Jain utilised the reward points she’d accumulated through her American Express Platinum card, converting them into Marriott Bonvoy points, Marriott’s global loyalty programme.
The extravagant stay, which Jain detailed on social media, was booked with 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which she had transferred during a 30% bonus offer from her 58,000 American Express membership rewards. These rewards had been earned through her card expenditures totalling Rs 4 lakh. The savvy conversion effectively netted Jain a stay in a premium suite for free, turning an ordinary rewards programme into a luxurious experience.
But the value didn’t stop at just the points. Upon checking in, Jain was given not just a standard room but an upgrade to a premier room on the first night and an executive suite for the remainder of her stay. Describing her time at the resort as “feeling like royalty,” she revealed that the suite typically costs upwards of Rs 90,000 per night. Over the course of three nights, this upgraded stay added up to nearly Rs 3 lakh in value.
Jain’s trip came with additional perks that added to the overall indulgence, including complimentary breakfasts, afternoon tea, and the opportunity to experience the resort’s serene evening Ganga Aarti on the deck, overlooking the river. The highlight of her stay was the personalised service and tranquil environment, featuring live music and scenic views, which allowed guests to unwind completely.
Thus, if you use your credit card rewards strategically, a lot is possible. By planning purchases and taking advantage of bonus point offers, Jain was able to transform everyday spending into an experience worth remembering. For frequent travellers or anyone with reward-heavy cards, her example provides inspiration for turning points into priceless travel memories.
