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Bits: comped Radisson VIP statuses extended (to 2027?), Marriott Amex bonus issues

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News in brief:

Radisson seems to have extended your comped VIP status

Last December, many hundreds of HfP readers got free top-tier VIP status in Radisson Rewards when the Club Avolta duty free scheme offered it as a benefit to top tier elites.

(This is no longer available. Ironically, the Club Avolta elites only had that status because they took part in an earlier status match we promoted, when Avolta was matching anyone with airline or hotel status.)

Whilst Radisson Rewards often gets a hard time on HfP, you can’t argue with the benefits of VIP status. You are given the best available room in the hotel at check-in, and many hotels includes suites too. You also receive free breakfast.

Readers started this thread in our forum to share their VIP experiences at Radisson, Park Inn, Park Plaza and art’otel hotels.

Those who got VIP status in December 2024 were due to lose it in August 2025.

September came around and we all remained as VIP. We thought we had been extended but then, on Tuesday, we all dropped to Premium. A reader called Radisson and was told this was a mistake and, lo and behold, on Thursday we were all VIP again!

My app shows this, which is interesting:

Not only am I back to VIP, but apparently I will keep it until September 2027. If this is correct, it is an excellent result.

It will also result in more of my stays going to Radisson, of course, so it is shrewd business sense on their part too.

PS. Don’t forget that Radisson Rewards transfers to Avios will end on 30th September. If you want to empty out your points, do it now.

Problems with the recent Marriott Bonvoy American Express offer

Marriott Bonvoy recently ran a special offer for holders of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card.

You usually earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per £1 when using the card at a Marriott hotel. Under this promotion, you would earn a bonus worth an extra 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per £1 at selected hotels.

Unfortunately American Express has messed this up.

It is NOT awarding an extra 6 points per £1.

It is awarding an extra 6 points. Full stop.

From my Amex app:

I’m sure it will be fixed in time, but keep an eye on your Marriott account if you took part in this offer.

Category

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Bonvoy American Express, Radisson Rewards

Comments (30)

  • Michael Jennings says:
    13 Sep13 September 04:30

    Yes, I have had an up and down this week. “I am about to lose the VIP status. Oh well. It was good while it lasted”. “Hey, they have just extended it two more years. Whoah”. “They have downgraded me to Premium. Oh well, I was expecting that”. And now I discover that I do in fact have another two years of VIP.

    I’ve really enjoyed the VIP benefits for the last few months, so happy about this. Extending it does of course that a lot more of my stays will be going to Radisson, too. (I had a very nice stay in the Radisson Collection Warsaw over the last long weekend).

    Reply
  • Peter says:
    13 Sep13 September 04:54

    Looks like those of us who joined with the SAS code have fallen to Premium

    Reply
  • Lumma says:
    13 Sep13 September 05:09

    My status expiry was always 12/25 and still says so. I’ve actually been trying to retain it for 2026 and I’m only 3 nights from doing so, so I’ll be quite angry if everyone is getting it extended for free as I’ve put some stays in Radisson that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

    Reply
  • AndrewF says:
    13 Sep13 September 05:29

    I’m not sure why (and I’m not complaining), but for a few years now the app says my Radisson VIP status updates 12/99.

    I’d love that to be true although, if it is,, I’ll be long dead by then…

    Reply
  • Neil says:
    13 Sep13 September 05:36

    Mine still shows as updating on 12/99.

    Reply
  • Simon says:
    13 Sep13 September 05:50

    Ditto.

    Reply
  • tillyedwards1 says:
    13 Sep13 September 05:59

    Re Marriott bonvoy issue with the additional 6 points

    I had the same issue with my stay at aLondon hotel , only 6 bonus points were added , callled customer services , as expected no clue whatsoever , saying you have to wait 30 day for it to post ( it’s already posted but the incorrect amount) another agent ssaying the same thing you have to wait . When asking what are the 6 points for then as there are no Marriott transactions for £1 on my account , Oh this is perfectly normal and just to wait …. Mmmm don’t think so

    Have complained to Amex exec office , was told I would get a response by Friday on the matter , this has passed and no response given yet

    Let’s see what they say, my guess they will play the 30 day quote again

    What was interesting is that the AC Birmingham hotel wasn’t listed on the property list and before it has been

    Reply
  • Ross says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:17

    I dropped to Premium on Tuesday… and still Premium.

    Reply

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