The Basics
- Full Name: Radisson Rewards
- Parent Company: Radisson Hotel Group
- Launched: Rebranded as Radisson Rewards in 2018
- Number of Hotels: ~1,200 globally
- Brands: Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, Radisson Collection, Park Inn, Radisson RED
- UK Credit Card: None
- Transfer Partners: Limited but quirky
- Points Expiry: After 24 months of inactivity
- Major Quirk: Two separate programs, Radisson Rewards (International) and Radisson Rewards Americas (🤯)
Update: Radisson Rewards Americas is now owned by Choice Hotels, and while the platforms are still separate, a full integration may be coming. For now, points and status do not transfer between the two, so tread carefully if you’re travelling across regions.
In This Post
What’s the Vibe?
Radisson Rewards is that under-the-radar loyalty scheme quietly hoarding good deals while the big names are off-flexing their champagne lounges. It doesn’t get much attention, but it might surprise you if you stay in Europe or Asia.
The program covers Radisson’s global portfolio, including stylish urban hotels (Radisson Blu), minimalist boutiques (RED), and hidden gems in the Nordics. But there’s a catch: Radisson Rewards is split into two separate ecosystems, Americas and International. Points don’t transfer, elite status doesn’t match, and you can’t combine your bookings.
Yep. It’s as annoying as it sounds.
Also worth knowing: Some Radisson properties (especially in Africa and the Middle East) are oddly absent from the reward booking platform. Always double-check availability before banking on a redemption.
How Do You Earn Points?
Here’s the points breakdown by tier:
Tier | Points Per $1 |
---|---|
Club (Entry-level) | 8x |
Premium (Mid-tier) | 27x |
VIP (Top-tier) | 36x |
That’s one of the most generous earning schemes in hotel loyalty, and even Premium members are raking in serious returns. The downside? Points don’t stretch as far on the redemption side.
Fast tip: Radisson occasionally offers status match challenges, particularly in Europe. Keep your eyes peeled, as these promos aren’t always publicised but can help you jump straight to Premium or VIP without the grind.
Radisson Rewards Status: Modest but Mattering
Elite perks exist, but they’re less “red carpet” and more “slightly nicer doormat.”
Tier | Perks |
---|---|
Club | Member rates, standard points earning |
Premium | Early check-in, late checkout, occasional upgrades |
VIP | All Premium perks + complimentary breakfast, best earning rate |
Room upgrades and early/late check-ins are subject to availability, and suite upgrades aren’t officially a perk. Breakfast for VIPs is nice but still doesn’t compete with Hilton Gold or Marriott Platinum perks. You also get Radisson Premium status with the American Express Platinum Card.
Redeeming Points: Good Luck, Sherlock
Points redemptions start at 15,000 points per night, but top-tier hotels can climb to 75,000+, and there’s no award chart, so you’re at the mercy of Radisson’s fluctuating system.
That said, there are sweet spots:
- Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and parts of Asia = good value
- Nordic countries = underrated gems
- Western Europe = is less generous; expect to pay more
There is no fifth-night-free perk, upgrade awards, or dynamic pricing transparency here. What you see is what you get.
Average value? Around 0.15p per point. It’s not groundbreaking, but fast earners can still come out ahead.
Anything Else to Know?
Yes. A few neat (and weird) extras:
- Split scheme: Radisson Rewards (International) and Radisson Rewards Americas don’t play nice. Your status, points, and bookings are siloed. (At least for now, fingers crossed for a complete merger under Choice Hotels soon.)
- Transfer partners: Radisson has a handful of lesser-known airline partners, and occasionally, you’ll find a niche redemption that makes sense.
- Business bookings: Earn points when booking meetings or events handy if you’re a travel organiser.
- Promos: Radisson occasionally runs bonus point promos and discounted redemptions, often with little fanfare. Worth watching for.
- Website & App UX: Don’t expect Hilton’s slickness here. Radisson’s app and booking engine can feel clunky, so it is best approached with patience and a backup tab.
Radisson Rewards in a Nutshell
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
---|---|
Very high earning rates | Two separate programs = confusion |
Some great redemption value in Eastern Europe and Asia | Limited elite perks |
Complimentary breakfast at VIP level | Redemption rates for premium hotels are steep |
Frequent promos and discounts | No fifth-night-free, no suite upgrade system |
Transfer partners (if niche) | UK cardholders get no earning boost |
Business Rewards for event organisers | Some hotels don’t show on the booking engine |
Occasional status matches | App and website can be slow and glitchy |
So… Is Radisson Rewards Worth It?
Radisson Rewards can work for you if you regularly stay in Radisson hotels, especially in Europe, Asia, or the Nordics. It’s straightforward, earn-heavy, and sneakily helpful in under-the-radar markets.
But don’t expect Marriott’s polish or Hilton’s perks. There’s no lounge access, no guaranteed upgrades, and the Americas/International split feels like a bureaucratic prank.
Still, as a solid Plan B (or even Plan C), Radisson Rewards earns a place on the loyalty roster. Especially if you’re travelling where the Radisson name still carries weight.
Sign-Up Link
👉 Join Radisson Rewards here – and maybe start by checking out that quirky Radisson RED in Reykjavik.
Keep the Miles Rolling
Still shopping for your loyalty soulmate? Check out our complete guides to Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
1 comment
Awesome!