Radisson Rewards: The Ultimate Guide to Radisson Hotel Group’s Loyalty Program for 2024

Radisson Rewards: The Ultimate Guide to Radisson Hotel Group’s Loyalty Program for 2024

Radisson Rewards, the loyalty program of the Radisson Hotel Group, provides a unique blend of rewards, exclusive benefits, and flexibility to its members. 

Designed specifically for travelers within the Eastern Hemisphere, Radisson Rewards focuses on offering value across Radisson’s properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Radisson Rewards program, from its origins to membership tiers, points earning and redemption options, and more. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a leisure visitor, here’s how Radisson Rewards can transform your stays in 2024.

A Rich Legacy: The Origins and Evolution of Radisson

Radisson’s history stretches back to 1907 when Edna Dickerson, a visionary entrepreneur, founded a luxury hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Encouraged by the hotel’s early success, Dickerson expanded with a second property in Christmas Lake, just outside Minneapolis. These initial ventures laid the foundation for the Radisson brand, which would eventually become a global hospitality leader.

In 1962, Radisson was acquired by The Carlson Company, which quickly expanded the brand’s reach across the United States. Meanwhile, in Europe, SAS Hotels was building its own presence, launching its first hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. These two hospitality brands would later converge in 1994 when Carlson and SAS Hotels formed a partnership to expand Radisson into Europe. Carlson and SAS headquartered their European operations in Brussels, marking a significant step in Radisson’s global journey.

In 2002, SAS Hotels rebranded as the Rezidor Hotel Group, with Carlson increasing its ownership and influence. Following multiple transformations, the company ultimately evolved into the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. In 2018, it rebranded once more as the Radisson Hotel Group and was acquired by Jin Jiang International Holdings, a state-owned consortium based in Shanghai. This acquisition led to the separation of Radisson Hotel Group into two entities—Radisson Hotel Group Americas and Radisson Hotel Group—in 2021, focusing Radisson’s non-American properties within the Eastern Hemisphere. In 2022, Choice Hotels acquired Radisson Hotel Group Americas, completing Radisson’s pivot toward a primarily Europe- and Asia-centered portfolio.

Radisson Hotel Rewards Program

Radisson Rewards was launched as a way to enhance guest experiences across Radisson’s portfolio. From hotel stays to dining, shopping, and even airport lounge access, Radisson Rewards allows members to earn points that can be redeemed for various rewards. For frequent travelers, the program offers opportunities to upgrade their travel experience with a range of perks, exclusive rates, and elite member benefits. Designed with both leisure and business travelers in mind, Radisson Rewards is a straightforward, valuable program that enhances every aspect of a guest’s journey.

Radisson Rewards: Radisson Hotel Group’s Loyalty Program for 2024

As travel returns to full swing in 2024, Radisson Rewards stands out as an ideal loyalty program for those frequently visiting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Designed to serve the needs of both business and leisure travelers, Radisson Rewards offers a carefully structured set of benefits that blend flexibility, valuable rewards, and exclusive perks. Members enjoy a three-tier system—Radisson Club, Radisson Premium, and Radisson VIP—that provides members-only rates, enhanced earning potential, and tailored benefits like priority check-in and access to VIP areas. With a variety of redemption options, including room nights, Priority Pass memberships, and select retail opportunities, Radisson Rewards gives travelers flexible ways to maximize the value of their points in 2024.

What makes Radisson Rewards particularly relevant in 2024 is its commitment to personalized experiences. The program’s “My Favorite Hotel” benefit lets frequent guests enjoy extra perks at their chosen hotel, such as luggage storage and preferred room selections, adding an extra layer of convenience for those with regular travel schedules. Radisson Rewards also shines in its accessibility: the program’s partnership with the Bicester Village Shopping Collection across Europe and Asia allows members to earn points beyond hotel stays, making it easy to accumulate rewards. With an emphasis on user-friendly policies, an expanding network, and competitive benefits across all tiers, Radisson Rewards continues to offer excellent value for travelers looking to enrich their journeys in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Membership Tiers and Exclusive Benefits

Radisson Rewards offers a three-tier membership structure that allows members to unlock more rewards and perks as they progress. Each tier is designed to enhance the travel experience through discounts, exclusive services, and accelerated point-earning rates. Here’s a detailed look at each membership tier:

  1. Radisson Club: This is the introductory tier, accessible to all new Radisson Rewards members upon signing up. Radisson Club members enjoy benefits such as:
  • Members-only rates: Up to 15% off bookings.
  • Discounts on dining: Available at participating Radisson hotel restaurants.
  • Priority Check-in: Exclusive access to a dedicated line for members, ensuring quicker check-in and checkout.
  1. Radisson Premium: Attainable after five nights or three stays, Radisson Premium offers the same benefits as Radisson Club, plus:
    • Early check-in and late checkout: Subject to availability, allowing for more flexible travel plans.
    • Room upgrades: Complimentary upgrades to the next room category, based on availability.
    • Discount booster: Up to 20% off rates when using a designated discount booster.
    • “My Favorite Hotel” Program: Special privileges at a designated favorite hotel, including:
      • My Luggage Storage: Leave up to two suitcases at your favorite hotel.
      • My Favorite Room: Option to book a preferred room at your favorite location.
      • Priority List: Priority booking if your preferred hotel is fully booked.
  2. Radisson VIP: Reserved for members who stay 30 nights or 20 stays within a calendar year. This top-tier status includes all Radisson Premium perks, plus:
    • 15% dining discount: At participating hotel restaurants.
    • 24-hour VIP contact center: Dedicated support line for VIP members.
    • Complimentary breakfast: Free breakfast for two at select hotels.
    • VIP lounge access: Exclusive access to VIP areas at select properties.

Each membership tier allows members to earn points at an accelerated rate, making Radisson Rewards an attractive program for frequent travelers who want to maximize their stays.

How to Earn Radisson Rewards Points?

How to Earn Radisson Rewards Points

Earning points with Radisson Rewards is simple, with multiple options available. Here are the primary ways to earn points as a member:

  • Hotel Stays: The primary way to earn points is through stays at Radisson properties. Members earn points for each dollar spent, with higher-tier members earning points at an accelerated rate.
  • Dining and Shopping: Radisson Rewards has teamed up with select dining and shopping brands, such as the Bicester Village Shopping Collection in Europe and Asia. Members can earn:
    • 10 points per euro or pound: Spent at European locations.
    • 10 points per 10 yuan: Spent at Chinese locations within the Village collections.
    • To accumulate points, members need to present their Radisson Rewards membership card or proof of membership at participating locations.
  • Limited Transfer Partners: While Radisson Rewards has limited transfer options, points can be earned by cardholders of the European-based American Express Platinum International Currency Card.
  • Seasonal Promotions: Radisson Rewards regularly offers promotions, such as double points for stays at specific properties, allowing members to earn more during peak seasons or at new locations.

Redeeming Radisson Rewards Points

Redeeming Radisson Rewards Points

Radisson Rewards points can be redeemed in several ways, offering members a range of options to maximize the value of their rewards:

  • Room Redemptions: Members can redeem points for free nights at Radisson properties or use a combination of points and cash for flexible payment options. Room redemptions are available across all participating Radisson properties, allowing members to save on stays throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
  • Airline Miles: Members can transfer points to partner airline frequent flyer programs, including Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, and SAS Airlines’ EuroBonus program. The conversion rate is 10 Radisson points for each airline mile (or 7 Radisson points for each SAS Airlines mile). 
  • Priority Pass Membership: Members can redeem 160,000 points for a Priority Pass Standard Plus membership, which provides access to airport lounges around the world. While this redemption option is available, it may not offer the best value for points compared to hotel stays.
  • Shopping: Points can be redeemed at select retail partners, providing access to gift cards, merchandise, and other goods. However, these options may not provide the best point value compared to redeeming points for free nights.

Additional Features of Radisson Rewards

The Radisson Rewards program has several unique features that cater to member preferences and provide added convenience:

  • My Favorite Hotel Program: VIP members can designate a favorite Radisson hotel, unlocking exclusive member benefits such as priority bookings, luggage storage, and the option to request a specific room. This program is ideal for frequent travelers who regularly stay at one Radisson location.
  • Points Expiration and Family Pooling: Points expire after 24 months of inactivity, so members should aim to engage with the program regularly. While Radisson Rewards does not allow point pooling between accounts, points can be transferred to up to five other Radisson Rewards members each month, with a limit of 100,000 points per transfer.
  • No Hidden Fees: Radisson Rewards does not charge fees for redemptions, though local taxes or resort fees may apply depending on the property and location. Some hotels may add resort fees, so it’s advisable to confirm with the property directly.

A Closer Look at Radisson Brands

Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio includes a range of hotel brands catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some key brands included in the Radisson Rewards network:

  • Radisson Blu: Known for stylish, full-service hotels, Radisson Blu properties are situated in major urban and resort locations, offering upscale accommodations and amenities.
  • Radisson Collection: This luxury brand features distinctive hotels with unique, locally inspired designs, perfect for travelers looking for an elevated stay.
  • Radisson RED: Catering to a younger, more modern audience, Radisson RED hotels are vibrant, bold, and incorporate cutting-edge design elements.
  • art’otel and Park Plaza: Art-focused and design-driven, these brands offer immersive experiences, particularly popular with cultural travelers seeking creative surroundings.
  • Country Inn & Suites and Park Inn by Radisson: Mid-range brands providing comfort and affordability for budget-conscious travelers.

Special Considerations for Radisson Rewards Members

There are a few key details to keep in mind for Radisson Rewards members, especially those looking to maximize their points and benefits:

  • Limited Transfer Partners: Unlike other loyalty programs with multiple transfer partners, Radisson Rewards has limited transfer options. This may limit the flexibility of the program for members looking to transfer points to airlines or other loyalty programs.
  • Lower Redemption Value for Points: Compared to other hotel loyalty programs, Radisson Rewards points may have a lower redemption value, often around 0.2 cents per point. Redeeming points for hotel stays typically offers the best return, while Priority Pass memberships and gift card redemptions may not provide optimal value.
  • Elite Status Benefits: Each tier of Radisson Rewards provides a unique set of benefits, making elite status a valuable goal for frequent travelers. From room upgrades to exclusive lounge access and dining discounts, the perks of Radisson Premium and VIP tiers are designed to enhance the overall travel experience.

Is Radisson Rewards Right for You?

Radisson Rewards is an ideal choice for travelers who frequently stay at Radisson properties in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The program’s flexibility, unique benefits, and straightforward earning system make it easy for members to accumulate and redeem points. While the lower redemption rate may not appeal to those seeking maximum value from each point, Radisson Rewards offers strong value for those loyal to Radisson Hotel Group brands.

For travelers interested in a simple, accessible loyalty program that spans multiple brands and properties across the Eastern Hemisphere, Radisson Rewards provides a tailored solution for both business and leisure travel needs.

Conclusion

In summary, Radisson Rewards provides a well-rounded loyalty program for travelers looking to maximize their stays across Radisson’s global network. From exclusive members-only rates and room upgrades to points redemption options and elite member perks, Radisson Rewards adds significant value to every stay. Whether you’re new to the program or a seasoned Radisson guest, this guide ensures that you can make the most of your membership in 2024 and beyond.

FAQ

1. How To Book a Radisson Hotel With Points?

To book a Radisson hotel using points, log into your Radisson Rewards account and search for the hotel and dates you want. During the booking process, select the option to use points. You can either pay the full amount with points or combine points and cash, which gives you flexibility based on your points balance. This makes it easy to redeem your points for free or discounted stays at Radisson properties.

2. How Much Does It Cost To Join Radisson Rewards?

Radisson Rewards is free to join! When you sign up, you get access to special member perks like discounted rates, the chance to earn points on stays, and exclusive promotions. It’s open to anyone looking to make their hotel stays more rewarding and enjoyable without any membership fee.

3. What Are Radisson Rewards Points?

Radisson Rewards points are the currency of Radisson’s loyalty program. You earn these points by staying at Radisson hotels, dining at participating restaurants, and sometimes even through shopping. Later, you can redeem these points for free hotel nights, airline miles, or other rewards, giving extra value to your travels.

4. How Long Do Radisson Rewards Points Last?

Radisson Rewards points expire after 24 months if there’s no activity on your account. To keep your points active, make sure to earn or redeem points at least once every two years. Qualifying activity can include staying at a Radisson hotel, earning points with partners, or redeeming points—this helps keep your points from expiring.