Goodbye Club Carlson… Radisson Elite Status is now easier!

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As we all travel for work or pleasure, striving to get status is a journey. It can be many nights in hotels or many hours on your favorite airline. Radisson Elite Status has now become simpler to earn in an effort of rebranding the hotel group!

However, when travel brands make changes to their rewards program, it is met with applause by some and grief by others. Casual travelers applaud the changes because they want to be in the elite group to use the great benefits! However, the news is met by grief by those who are extremely active business or personal travelers who know the loopholes and can exploit them to their advantage.

Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino San Juan rooftop pool
Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino San Juan rooftop pool

Related Links:

Radisson Elite Status and Branding Overhaul

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has now renamed themselves as Radisson Hotel Group in a full-fledged effort of rebranding the Radisson name.

Along with this, the Club Carlson rewards program has been aligned with Radisson to be simply called “Raddison Rewards”.

For those that are looking to reach Radisson Elite Status, here are the exact changes in the program.

Silver Status

It was either 15 nights or 10 stays before rebranding.

Now, it is either 9 nights or 6 stays.

40% decrease!

Gold Status

It was either 35 nights or 20 stays before rebranding.

Now, it is either 30 nights or 20 stays.

Again… simpler to achieve status with the rewards program changes.

Platinum Status

It was either 75 nights or 30 stays before rebranding.

Now, it is either 60 nights or 30 stays.

In every instance, it is easier to achieve Radisson Elite Status under the new rules than the old rules. That is very rare in today’s travel world.

Radisson Elite Status Reward Levels
Compare the benefits among the Radisson Elite Status levels

What does Radisson Elite Status get you?

Great question! Many people underestimate the power of hotel loyalty. This is especially true today where loyalty is not awarded on a fair basis from brands. One of our 5 simple steps to start travel hacking is to pick one hotel brand and stick with it to achieve elite status, perks, and free nights faster.

Here are a few things Radisson Elite Status can get you!

  • Charging hotel bills to your hotel room can get you as much as 35 points per dollar!
  • Discounts on food and drink inside the hotel.
  • Free award nights!
  • Partner redemption offers (Sell your points for airline miles, gift cards, etc)
  • If you book business meetings for your company, 5 points per dollar on business expenditures!
  • Complimentary water bottles
  • Rollover nights
  • Free upgrades!
  • In-room welcome gifts

For the full list of benefits, click here!

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago 2013-10
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Lee’s favorite Radisson property in the US.

The fastest way to Radisson Elite Status

If you are looking for an expedited way to Radisson Elite Status, the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card is a great go to! There’s a business version as well if you want to double up.

You will be awarded Gold Status when you receive the card, and you can earn up to 9 free nights with the initial offer bonus.

You can earn 85,000 points after you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days of your card being opened.

For a small $75 annual fee, you can earn another $40,000. Super worth it!

Lee has both the personal and business version of this card and loves using Radisson points for stays in Europe and Australia. You’ll find great value for your points just about anywhere outside the United States.

The Bald Thoughts

Radisson hotels are great for those looking to travel, but not blow their entire budget on their accommodations. With their rebranding and restructuring of their loyalty programs, you may be enticed to become loyal to the Radisson brand.

Many travel brands are creating nearly impossible benchmarks for their loyalists to keep their status. (We’re talking to you World of Hyatt.) Seeing hotels make efforts for travelers to earn elite status is nice to see.

Are you a fan of this move by Radisson? Do you think loyalty programs should bring down the bar or raise it?

Let’s hear it in the comments!

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