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

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.