All the secrets of Radisson Rewards, (arguably) the most underrated of loyalty programs

We have to admit that even at The Flight Club in these early months we underestimated the possibilities offered by the Radisson chain's loyalty program, although it is one of the elite statuses offered by the American Express Platinum card, we never delved into how it works, how to collect points and how to book Radisson Rewards award rooms.

About Radisson

A dutiful introduction to explain in detail the features of the hotel chain that has nothing to envy to Marriott o Hilton, indeed in some ways it is even better.

With more than 1,100 hotels scattered around the world, Radisson operates "only" 9 signs:

1. Radisson. They are the most traditional hotels
2. Radisson Blu. The blue color indicates facilities with more sophisticated set-up
3. Radisson Red. Family of "red" hotels, latest winks at design and young people
4. Radisson Collection. Luxury reigns in these hotels
5. Radisson Individuals.
6. Park Plaza.
7. Art'otel
8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. They are mainly facilities located in the hinterland of large cities
9. Park Inn by Radisson. It is the "low cost" sign found in many cities, offering functional design that can meet the needs of both a tourist and business clientele.

Although Gold status is granted to AmEx platinum holders, it is also possible to convert Membership Rewards points toward this chain's loyalty program.

The different name on the American Express website should not be misleading; in 2018 the loyalty program changed its name from Club Carlson to precisely Radisson Rewards. The conversion rate is the best of the 3 available, and it transforms 1 MR point in 2 GP points.

Radisson Rewards, how it works

Radisson Hotel Group's global loyalty program offers a superior experience at every moment, from booking to check-out.

• Free award nights: Starting at 9,000 points with no offer suspension dates for Standard rooms.
• Elite Levels: From nine eligible nights or six eligible stays.
• As a Radisson Rewards member, you will save up to 10% on the best available rate by booking directly on our website or through the mobile app.
• Members receive two complimentary bottles of mineral water for each stay.
• Earn 20 points for each USD spent on eligible stays.
• Use points for free award nights, airline miles, gift certificates, prepaid cards and more!

Elite statuses

There are 4 levels of the loyalty program: starting with the club level, followed by silver, gold and platinum. As with the other programs you move up a level with a minimum number of qualifying nights or stays. The higher you level up, the more benefits you get.

Radisson Rewards Club

Being the entry level one can expect little or nothing, as in all loyalty programs, the benefits are:

• 20 points for every dollar spent at the hotel
• 5% discount on expenses incurred in featured restaurants
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• 10% discount on public fares for non-club members

Radisson Rewards Silver

You get this level after 9 nights or 6 stays, the benefits are:

• 22 points for every dollar spent at the hotel
• 10% discount on expenses incurred in featured restaurants
• Possibility of having room upgrades (if available)
• Early check-in and/or late check-out (if available)
• Extra "rollover" nights
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• 10% discount on public fares for non-club members

Radisson Rewards Gold

It is obtained after 30 nights or 20 stays, this level is guaranteed for American Express Platinum holders. Benefits are:

• 25 points for every dollar spent at the hotel
• 15% discount on expenses incurred in featured restaurants
• Welcome gift
• Room guaranteed up to 72h before.
• Possibility of having room upgrades (if available)
• Early check-in and/or late check-out (if available)
• Extra "rollover" nights
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• 10% discount on public fares for non-club members

Radisson Rewards Platinum

This is the highest level; to reach it you have to spend 60 nights or 30 stays. It is obviously the one with the most benefits. These include free breakfast, but it is important to make a point.

Breakfast is complimentary always for status holders; it is also possible to extend the benefit to a companion in group hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In contrast when staying in the rest of the world, breakfast will not be included for the other occupant of the room, a small aside that can make a difference on the reservation depending on where you are staying.

In detail, the benefits are:

• 35 points for every dollar spent at the hotel
• 20% discount on expenses incurred in the restaurants present
• Welcome gift
• Room guaranteed up to 48h before
• Possibility of having room upgrades (if available)
• Early check-in and/or late check-out (if available)
• Extra "rollover" nights
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• 10% discount on public fares for non-club members

Until next April 30, all reservations will generate double points provided in the standard. This means that club users will receive 20 extra points, up to the platinum level, which will accumulate a total of 70 points for every dollar spent.

Earning and spending points

As explained, the bonus for members of the Radisson loyalty program is very generous already from the basic level. This means that it is easier to get points to turn into free stays In hotels around the world.

A "gold" customer earns (excluding bonuses) 25 points for every dollar, meaning. with a €100 one-night stay will earn a minimum of 2,600 points By booking award rooms starting from 9,000 RH points. It is then possible to get a free stay for every 4 nights (or less).

All hotels in the group are divided into categories, from 1 to 7. Each category corresponds to a standard cost for booking the room with points, a system similar to that proposed by Marriott.

There are two possible uses: fully booked reservation with points (9 to 70k per night depending on hotel category) or with points and money.

If you decide to use the "cash & points" solution, you will be able to get an approximate 20% discount on the room price against a points outlay defined according to the category: from 5k for cat1 to 20k at cat7.

Transfer points to airlines

If you are not interested in using points to book complimentary stays, you can opt to transfer points to many airlines. Here's the full list, as you'll notice Alitalia is missing.

Redemption options may vary by airline. It may take 4-6 weeks for miles to be credited to your frequent flyer account. Currently the main conversion rate is 10:1 to most loyalty programs. If you are a SAS EuroBonus® member, you can convert Radisson Rewards points into SAS EuroBonus points at the exclusive 7:1 conversion rate. 

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ITA Airways Platinum American Express Card

100,000 Volare points upon reaching 6,000 in spending within 3 months*

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• 100,000 Volare points upon reaching €6,000 in spending in the first 3 months after the Card is issued
• Earn 1.5 Volare points for every euro spent and an additional 3 Volare points (for a total of 4.5 Volare points) for every euro spent on ticketing purchases and other services offered by ITA Airways
• Access to the Premium Club of ITA Airways' Volare program.
• ITA Airways Lounge Access
• Free excess baggage
• Points Back, Fast Track and Priority Boarding

Advertising message with promotional purpose. *Offer valid online only from October 19 to December 10, 2024 and reserved for ITA Airways Customers enrolled in the Volare program who apply for an ITA Airways Platinum American Express Card and become a Cardholder. You will receive 100,000 bonus points on your Volare account upon reaching €6,000 of American Express Card spending within the first 3 months of issuance, which you can use, for example, to claim ITA Airways award tickets. Volare points will be credited to your statement within 12 weeks from the date the last transaction was made to reach the above spending threshold. For terms and conditions of all Card benefits go to https://www.americanexpress.com/it- en/benefits/card-ita-airways-platino/index.html. For more information on economic and contractual terms and conditions consult the General Card Terms and Conditions and the attached Information Sheets by visiting americanexpress.co.uk/termsconditions. Before applying for the Card, remember to download and keep a copy of the pre-contractual and contractual documentation related to the Card you are applying for. Issuance of the Card is at the discretion of American Express.

ITA Airways Gold American Express Credit Card

50,000 Volare points upon reaching 3,000 in spending within 3 months*

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• 50,000 Volare points upon reaching €3,000 in spending in the first 3 months after Card issuance
• Earn 1.25 Volare points for every euro spent and an additional 1.5 Volare points (for a total of 2.75 Volare points) for every euro spent on ticketing and other ITA Airways services
• Access by right to the Plus level of the Volare program
• Points Back
• Airport benefits: fast track, priority boarding and access to ITA Airways lounges.

Advertising message with promotional purpose. *Offer valid online only from October 19 to December 10, 2024 and reserved for ITA Airways Customers enrolled in the Volare program who apply for an ITA Airways Gold American Express Credit Card and become a Cardholder. You will receive 50,000 bonus points on your Volare account upon reaching €3,000 of American Express Card spending within the first 3 months of issuance, which you can use, for example, to claim ITA Airways award tickets. Volare points will be credited to your statement within 12 weeks from the date the last transaction was made to reach the above spending threshold. For terms and conditions of all Card benefits go to https://www.americanexpress.com/it-it/benefici/carta-di-credito-ita-airways-oro/index.html. For more information on the economic and contractual terms and conditions consult the General Regulations and the Basic European Consumer Credit Information by visiting americanexpress.co.uk/termsconditions. Before applying for the Card, remember to download and keep a copy of the pre-contractual and contractual documentation related to the Card you are applying for. Issuance of the Card is at the discretion of American Express.