New GST for Hotel Rooms in India: Tax Rate Based on Tariff
Booking a hotel room in India? Whether it’s for a vacation, a business trip, or a weekend getaway, it’s important to know how much of your bill goes to taxes. This guide explains the GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates applicable to hotel stays based on room tariffs and provides insights on HSN codes, input tax credits, and exemptions.
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New GST Rate on Hotel Rooms in India
The Government of India is updating GST rates effective after 22 Sep 2025. Below are the expected new GST rates for hotel room tariffs (no compensation cess).
| Room Tariff (per night) | New GST Rate | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Below ₹1,000 | 0% | Exempt from GST |
| ₹1,001 – ₹7,500 | 5% (No ITC) | Mid-segment stays; input tax credit not available |
| Above ₹7,500 | 18% (with ITC) | High-end & luxury hotels; ITC available |
Tariff = declared rate before discount
So, even if you get a discount and pay ₹6,500 for a room originally priced at ₹8,000, 18% GST will still apply.
Old GST on Hotel Room Tariff: A Slab-Wise Breakdown
Under GST, hotel accommodation is taxed based on the declared room tariff per night. The higher the tariff, the higher the GST rate.
Here’s a quick look:
| Room Tariff (per night) | GST Rate | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Below ₹1,000 | 0% | Exempt from GST |
| ₹1,001 – ₹7,500 | 12% | Applies to most 2-star to 3-star stays |
| Above ₹7,500 | 18% | High-end & luxury hotels |
Tariff = declared rate before discount
So, even if you get a discount and pay ₹6,500 for a room originally priced at ₹8,000, 18% GST will still apply.
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HSN Code for Hotel Services
Hotel and accommodation services fall under the HSN code 9963, which is used for classifying services related to lodging, boarding, and other accommodations.
| Service Type | HSN Code | Description | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel accommodation | 996311 | Lodging services by hotels, inns, guest houses | 0% / 12% / 18% |
| Convention services | 996334 | Hall rentals, wedding venues | 18% |
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How to Calculate GST on Hotel Bookings
Let’s say you book a room for ₹5,000 per night for 3 nights:
- Base Amount = ₹15,000
- GST @12% = ₹1,800
- Total Bill = ₹16,800
If the room tariff were above ₹7,500 per night, GST @18% would be applicable.
Input Tax Credit (ITC) for Businesses
Businesses that incur hotel expenses for official purposes can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST paid, provided:
- The stay is used for official business purposes
- A valid tax invoice with GSTIN is issued
- The business is GST-registered
However, ITC is not available for personal travel or entertainment expenses, as per Section 17(5) of the CGST Act.
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GST on Room Tariff vs Actual Payment
It’s important to remember:
- GST is based on declared tariff, not on discounted price.
- So if a ₹10,000 room is offered at ₹6,999 due to an offer, GST is still charged at 18%.
This rule ensures standard tax application regardless of promotions or discounts.
Other Hotel Services and Their GST Rates
Hotels often offer services in addition to room stays, like spa treatments, restaurants, and conference halls. These are taxed separately:
| Service Type | GST Rate |
|---|---|
| In-room dining | 5% (no ITC) if billed with room, else 18% |
| Banquet services | 18% |
| Laundry & spa | 18% |
| Mini-bar items | 18% |
GST on these is applicable only if billed separately.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re booking a budget stay or a luxury suite, knowing the GST rates helps you avoid surprises on your final bill. For business travelers, understanding input credit rules ensures proper tax planning. The key takeaway—GST on hotels is slab-based, and the final cost can differ significantly depending on your room tariff and add-on services.
I am a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience and a finance content writer. I focus on educating people about finance and taxation. I have written many blog posts on finance, taxation, trading, and investment on the BUSY website. My goal is to increase financial understanding by making complex concepts easier to grasp and to support educational programs in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is GST applicable on homestays or OYO rooms?Yes, if the declared room tariff is ₹1,001 or more, GST is applicable—usually 12%. If the tariff is below ₹1,000, it’s exempt.
- Can GST be claimed on hotel expenses?Yes, if it’s a business trip and you’re GST-registered, you can claim ITC with a valid invoice.
- Is GST applicable on room service?If room service is billed with the room, 5% GST applies. If billed separately, 18% applies.
- Does GST apply to the discounted price or original tariff?GST applies to the declared tariff, not the discounted price.
- Are wedding venue bookings in hotels taxed?Yes, hotel banquet and convention hall rentals attract 18% GST.
