Bits: Radisson / Park Inn / Park Plaza taken over by Chinese group, Radisson’s new family package

Two bits of Radisson news today:

Carlson Rezidor taken over by Chinese conglomerate

Carlson Hotels, parent of the Radisson, Park Inn and Park Plaza brands, has been acquired by HNA Tourism Group, a major Chinese conglomerate.  HNA, amongst other things, is an investor in Spanish hotels group NH Hoteles.

The acquisition also includes the other smaller or US-focussed Carlson brands – Quorvus Collection, Radisson RED and Country Inns & Suites.

The price was not disclosed.  The transaction is complicated by the fact that hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are technically run by Rezidor, a Brussels-listed company of which Carlson only owns 51.3%.  HNA must now either make an offer for the remainder of Rezidor (the likely option) or sell down its stake to 29.9% or less.

Compared to the alternative – Carlson being swallowed up by a bigger brand, thus reducing competition in the branded hotels market further – I think this is a positive result.  I don’t think that Club Carlson members have anything to worry about, and the programme could well be improved if some of HNA’s other hotel investments are rolled into Carlson.

Radisson Blu launches new family package

And speaking of Radisson, Radisson Blu hotels in the UK and Ireland have launched a new ‘family friendly’ package which aims to make life easier when travelling with children.

The key features of the rate are:

no extra charge for children under 16 sharing their parents room – you won’t pay extra for a rollaway bed (London Portman and Manchester Airport do not participate in this)

free breakfast for children under 12, when an adult eats

free dinner for children under 12, when an adult eats

late check-out

Full details can be found on the Radisson Blu website here.

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How to earn Radisson Rewards points and status from UK credit cards (April 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