Club Carlson announces hotel category changes

Club Carlson has announced a list of category changes for its hotels, which impacts the number of points needed for a reward stay.

Don’t panic, though!  For the first time in a long time from a hotel scheme, the changes are mainly positive.

Here is a list of the hotels changing category.

As you skim down it, you will see that the majority of the increases are in the US.  In Europe, apart from Croatia, it is generally good news.

In the UK, for instance, 12 hotels change category.  All of them come down in price!

Here is the relevant extract with the new pricing in points:

• Radisson Blue Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel  – 44,000
• Radisson Blue Stansted Airport – 38,000
• Radisson Blu Birmingham – 38,000
• Radisson Blu Manchester Airport – 38,000
• Park Inn Cardiff City Centre – 28,000
• Park Inn Heathrow – 28,000
• Park Inn Peterborough – 28,000
• Park Inn Harlow – 15,000
• Park Inn St Helens – 15,000
• Park Inn Cardiff North – 9,000
• Park Inn Doncaster – 9,000
• Park Inn Leigh – 9,000

So, for once, it is not a bad result.

Remember that American Express points transfer into Club Carlson at 1:3.  This means that you can get a night at the Park Inn Doncaster for just 3000 Membership Rewards points, which must be a decent deal if you need to be in the area.

These new rates were introduced for bookings after May 1st.  If you had already booked at a hotel that has dropped in price, you might as well cancel and rebook.

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How to earn Radisson Rewards points and status from UK credit cards (March 2025)

Radisson Rewards does not have a dedicated UK credit card. However, you can earn Radisson Rewards points by converting Membership Rewards points earned from selected UK American Express cards.

These cards earn Membership Rewards points:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 60,000 Radisson Rewards points. This card is FREE for your first year and also comes with four free airport lounge passes.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• The Platinum Card from American Express (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 150,000 Radisson Rewards points

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• American Express Rewards credit card (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 30,000 Radisson Rewards points. This card is FREE for life.

Membership Rewards points convert at 1:3 into Radisson Rewards points which is a very attractive rate.  The cards above all earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on your card, which converts to 3 Radisson Rewards points.

Even better, holders of The Platinum Card receive free Radisson Rewards Premium status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here. You can apply here.

Got a small business?

You can get free top-tier Radisson Rewards VIP status with the new Capital on Tap Pro Visa credit card for small business. Clck here to apply.

Capital on Tap Pro Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review