Changes ahead for Radisson Hotels and Club Carlson as its Chinese owners hits difficulties
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Skift published this interesting article about the Radisson hotel group yesterday. They certainly have a job on their hands, having been acquired by a Chinese conglomerate which is now reportedly in financial difficulties.
If there was a prize for most complex hotel group then Radisson would win it by a mile. Carlson Hotels, based in the US and wholly owned by HNA, controls the group. Rezidor Hotel Group, which is the master franchisor for Carlson, is only 70% owned by HNA and retains a listing in Sweden. The two companies are jointly referred to as Carlson Rezidor although we are now meant to call them Radisson Hotel Group.
For extra fun, neither Carlson nor Rezidor actually controls Park Plaza and art’otel, two of the brands in the portfolio, in 56 countries across EMEA including the UK. These properties are run by PPHE Hotel Group, quoted in London, although bookings are handled by Radisson and the properties are part of Club Carlson.
Here are some of the changes underway as Radisson attempts to get itself up to the level of the other major brands:
10% of Radisson hotels in the USA to be deflagged (the general standard of Radisson hotels in the US is very poor, apart from a couple of Radisson Blu properties)
25% of Radisson hotels in the USA to be told to ‘shape up or ship out’
Radisson Blu hotels to be targeted for 21 major US ‘gateway’ cities
60% of the EMEA properties “losing revenue due to some opportunities that we have seen regarding the asset or the brand realization” (ie they need refurbishment or rebranding to reflect their current condition)
30 of the 60 leased hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa are losing money
High-end Quorvus Collection to be rebranded as Radisson Collection
Club Carlson to be rebranded, although the new name has not been released
If you have five minutes to spare the full article is worth a read if you’re interested in the corporate side of this business.
The photo above is the decent Radisson Blu Hamburg Airport.
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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
