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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.

(EDIT: In the comments some people have not been upgraded again. It would be interesting to know if you did a stay after the badly worded ‘do a stay to retain your VIP benefits’ email was received in June – I did, as did my wife.)

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 (81)

  • 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
  • Nic says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:11

    Mine just states Tier Updates 12/99 🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  • Ross says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:17

    I dropped to Premium on Tuesday… and still Premium.

    Reply
  • Nico says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:19

    I booked a stay when VIP for next week, dropped to premium, what benefits will I get?

    Reply
    • The Original David says:
      13 Sep13 September 07:28

      This is a great question – all through the booking process as a VIP it says “free breakfast”, even for stays you’re booking beyond your status expiry. So would seem harsh if they don’t honour the free breakfast, but I’m also keen to find out!

      Reply
      • Nico says:
        13 Sep13 September 07:35

        T&Cs don’t seem to answer the question, I sent them an email.
        It is weird also, that we don’t get an email stating that status changed.

        Reply
    • Mat says:
      13 Sep13 September 07:43

      I’m afraid you wouldn’t get any benefits since I had a booking as VIP that part of the booking confirmation’s Price Summary indicating the following lines in addition to room cost and taxes,

      Rewards – VIP GBP 0.00
      Rewards – VIP Breakfast for 2 GBP 0.00

      But as soon as my status dropped to Premium the above lines and ‘Breakfast included’ disappeared from booking summary page on my panel. Consequently I cancelled and re-booked when VIP status was re-instated after 24h.

      Reply
      • Nico says:
        13 Sep13 September 07:50

        Yes, I noticed it disappeared from the booking summary on the app, pretty weird managed.
        Did you call them to get the status back or was it automated as Rob mentions?

        Reply
        • Mat says:
          13 Sep13 September 08:09

          I called them telling that I have screenshots proving I had the required 20 stays to qualify then agent gave me an email address to submit my evidence. 24h passed and they responded,

          ”your account will be restored to its original tier status within the next 24–48 hours.”

          They also apologized for the mistake!

          Reply
          • Nico says:
            13 Sep13 September 08:35

            Ah, so for you a genuine mistake, glad they fixed it, can’t say I have done the 20 nights, so let’s see what they reply.

  • TimM says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:37

    I had to look up the word “comped”.

    “The term comped is slang that originated in the gaming industry, particularly in Las Vegas casinos. It is a shortened version of the word “complimentary.” In this context, it refers to receiving free benefits, such as a complimentary room, food, or drinks, from a casino in exchange for having spent a significant amount of money on gambling.” [fluentslang.com]

    I do wish HfP would stick to using regular (British) English. Using American slang just detracts from the point the article is trying to convey.

    Reply
    • JDB says:
      13 Sep13 September 07:16

      I don’t mind the use of the word ‘comped’ but trouble comes with the increasingly sloppy use of language, as people stop realising what the correct (underlying) word is or how to spell that word. In this example, one can see from past comments and forum posts that some don’t know the difference between complimentary and complementary.

      Reply
    • Andrew J says:
      13 Sep13 September 07:35

      Or the invention of the verb – to gift. Particularly when used in the past tense – “John gifted the book to me”

      Reply
    • Rob says:
      13 Sep13 September 08:54

      You mean 1950s English.

      It’s in the Oxford English Dictionary which also says it has been in use since the late 1970s.

      Reply
      • TimM says:
        13 Sep13 September 12:15

        I wasn’t around in the 1950s and couldn’t talk until the 1970s.

        There must be a huge difference between London English and British English. I cannot imagine anyone I know knowing what ‘comped’ means and I have friends all over the World.

        I am a habitual reader of hotel reviews and one common complaint is that the staff can’t speak English. The fact is the staff speak more correct English than the English guests. It is the international language and a requirement to be employed. When guests use colloquialisms, references to TV series etc., or in this case, US slang, it is no wonder they are not understood.

        I am sure there are many words in the OED that most people, even native English speakers, would not understand.

        As a former academic, when writing or presenting, the most important aspect was making people understand. Jargon is for the pretentious.

        Reply
  • Mark Bradshaw says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:46

    I dropped from VIP (via Club Avolta) to Premium this week and have not been returned to it. Any ideas? Should I call them?

    Reply
    • Rob says:
      13 Sep13 September 08:53

      Did you do a stay after that weird email arrived which said ‘do a stay and keep your status’?

      Reply
      • CateP says:
        13 Sep13 September 15:07

        I did 2 stays after the ‘weird’ email but haven’t keep my status. Seems very random on who has kept theirs & who hasn’t.

        Reply
  • Mick says:
    13 Sep13 September 06:47

    I have 12/99 end date on mine also ! Not sure if that’s good or bad

    Reply

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