In August 2022, Choice Hotels acquires Radisson Hotels Americas. And by the end of January, maybe transfer points between programs at a rate of 2 Radisson Rewards Americas points for every 1 Choice Privilege point.
When I spoke to three Choice Hotels leaders at Choice Hotels Convention earlier this year, they were not yet ready to discuss the details or timing of the upcoming integration of Radisson Americas Rewards into Choice Privileges. But now we have a start date: July 18. And we also know that the integration will end before the end of the summer.
Radisson Rewards Americas members began receiving emails on Wednesday about integrations with Choice privileges. So here’s what you need to know about the integration — including at least one new perk for Choice Privileges members.
Information for Radisson Rewards Americas members
Starting July 18, Radisson Rewards Americas members will no longer be able to earn, redeem or transfer Radisson Rewards Americas points. Instead, they will need a Privilege of Choice account to operate from July 18 onwards. So, if you’re a Radisson Rewards Americas member without a Choice Privileges account, you should join Choice Privileges by July 18.
Having a Choice Privileges account will allow Choice to seamlessly switch your Radisson Rewards Americas account in the weeks after July 18. Radisson Rewards Americas members with a Choice Privileges account will automatically have status. matched elite and elite night credits are transferred to the Choice Privileges plan. A Choice Hotels spokesperson told TPG that “status will be calculated based on elite nights’ stays using the current Choice Privileges elite eligibility criteria.”
Likewise, your points balance as of July 18, 2023, will convert 2 Radisson Rewards Americas points to 1 Choice Privilege point.
Eligible stays at former Radisson Hotels Americas properties completed by July 18 will earn Radisson Rewards Americas points. Likewise, award nights booked with Radisson Rewards Americas points will be honored (without reconfirmation) even upon check-in on or after July 18.
Finally, although you can currently transfer points between Radisson Rewards Americas and the global Radisson Rewards program (here’s how set international Radisson properties using points), this functionality will no longer be available as of July 18. So if you want to transfer your rewards to or from the global Radisson Rewards program, you’ll want to do so by July 18.
Related: How to earn points with Choice Privileges Eat & Earn . dining rewards program
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New benefits for Choice Privileges members
When I spoke to program leaders at the Choice conference Earlier this year, one part of our conversation was particularly memorable: the desire to “do no harm” to members of both programs during the integration process. As such, I expect the new perks available to elite members of the Choice Privilege will likely come with the integration of Radisson Americas Rewards into the Choice Privilege.
And now we know that Choice Privileges Diamond members will enjoy complimentary breakfast for two at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red and Park Plaza hotels once integration is complete (not on July 18). This is a great boost from the complimentary breakfast buffet that Platinum members of the Radisson Americas Rewards program are currently enjoying.
Otherwise, it’s unlikely the Choice Privileges member benefits will change. However, Choice notes that Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members will receive 250 points per stay as a welcome gift. And Choice says it will continue Sweet Spot Reward Selection promotions, offering discounted bonus nights at featured hotels.
Finally, we asked a Choice Hotels spokesperson about booking old Radisson Rewards Americas hotels with Choice points, and they told us the following:
Radisson Hotels Americas hotels will be able to be booked with Choice Privilege points once the integration is complete. We have not yet announced Choice Privileges point prices for Radisson Hotels Americas properties.
So we won’t know until the end of this summer how many bonus nights at these hotels will cost.
Related: Redeem Choice points for Maldives resorts, all inclusive hotels, suites, etc.
bottom line
I’m excited that the integration of Radisson Americas Rewards into Choice Privileges will begin July 18 and end at the end of summer. As a Choice Privileges member, I eagerly await Radisson Rewards Americas’ ability to reserve legacy properties by Redeem Points Choice.
I was also pleased to see Choice Privilege Diamond status including breakfast for two at some of the legacy Radisson Rewards Americas brands. Sure, I’d love to see some of the full-service Choice Privileges brands included in this elite perk. However, it is fair to add this privilege to legacy Radisson Rewards Americas brands, as it respects the privileges currently enjoyed by Radisson Rewards Americas Platinum members.
