Let’s be honest. Radisson Rewards rarely makes the cut when people talk about hotel loyalty programs. You hear about Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and even IHG One Rewards getting a mention. But Radisson? It’s like the quiet kid in the corner of the playground who actually has a stash of the best snacks. So, let’s take a proper look at what Radisson Rewards offers and whether it deserves a spot in your hotel loyalty playbook.
In This Post
The Basics: What Is Radisson Rewards?
Radisson Rewards is the loyalty program of Radisson Hotel Group, which includes brands like Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, and Radisson Collection. It operates in the Americas and everywhere else under two separate programs: Radisson Rewards Americas and Radisson Rewards International. Why? No idea. But it does mean your points in one region won’t help you much in the other, which is inconvenient and downright baffling at worst.
Earning Points – Is It Worth The Effort?
You earn points every time you stay at a participating Radisson property, with elite status giving you a boost:
- Club (Entry-level) – 8 points per $1 spent
- Premium (Mid-tier) – 27 points per $1 spent
- VIP (Top-tier) – 36 points per $1 spent
This is one of the most generous earning structures out there, but the redemption side isn’t quite as rewarding before you get too excited.
Redeeming Points – The Reality Check
The problem with Radisson Rewards is that while you can rack up points quickly, using them efficiently is another story. Free nights start at 15,000 points for a budget-friendly hotel, but premium properties can cost 75,000 points or more.
Unlike Hilton or Marriott, Radisson doesn’t always have sweet spots to get fantastic value from your points. But if you’re flexible, there are still decent redemption’s to be found. For instance, properties in Eastern Europe or Asia often require far fewer points than those of their Western European counterparts.
Status Perks – Worth Chasing?
Radisson Rewards elite benefits are a mixed bag. The program offers:
- Room upgrades (when available, which is a polite way of saying ‘don’t count on it’)
- Complimentary breakfast for VIP members
- Early check-in and late check-out (again, subject to availability)
It’s a step up from nothing, but compared to Hilton’s complimentary breakfast at Gold level or Marriott’s suite upgrades, Radisson’s perks feel a bit underwhelming.
The Good, The Bad, and The Underrated
The Good:
- High earning rates, especially if you have VIP status
- Simple, no-nonsense program structure
- Some excellent value redemptions in less touristy destinations
The Bad:
- The split between Radisson Rewards Americas and International is confusing
- Redemption rates at premium hotels can be steep
- Limited elite perks compared to bigger programs
The Underrated:
- The program’s transfer partners include some obscure but occasionally useful airline options
- Radisson often runs promotions with bonus points and discounted award nights
- Some hidden gems in the portfolio, especially in the Nordic countries
Final Thoughts: Is Radisson Rewards Worth It?
If you’re loyal to Radisson properties, the program isn’t bad. You’ll earn points quickly, and in the right locations, you can squeeze good value from your redemptions. But if you’re after premium hotel benefits and luxurious perks, you’re probably better off sticking with Hilton or Marriott.
That said, Radisson Rewards is a solid backup plan. The points come in fast; if you know where to look, you can still find great redemptions. Just don’t expect five-star pampering with a side of Dom Pérignon.
