Radisson Rewards Americas is now fully integrated into Choice Privileges, including award bookings: Here's what you need to know
Editor's Note
In August 2022, Choice Hotels acquired Radisson Hotels Americas. And at the end of January, it became possible to transfer points between the programs at a ratio of 2 Radisson Rewards Americas points for every 1 Choice Privileges point.
In late June, we learned the integration of Radisson Rewards Americas into Choice Privileges would begin July 18 and finish before the end of summer. The integration is complete now, and members can book legacy Radisson Rewards Americas hotels through Choice Privileges. So, here's what you need to know.
Radisson Rewards Americas is no more
If you go to where the Radisson Rewards Americas website previously lived, you'll get an automatic redirect to the Choice Privileges website. So, you can no longer log in to your Radisson Rewards Americas account.
Radisson Rewards Americas members should now see that their elite status, points, elite night credits and existing reservations booked through Radisson Rewards Americas have been moved to the Choice Privileges program. Specifically, points balances as of July 18 were transferred at a ratio of 2 Radisson Rewards Americas points to 1 Choice Privileges point.
If you don't already have a Choice Privileges account, or your Radisson Rewards Americas account didn't transfer properly to Choice Privileges, go to this page on the Choice Privileges website for help merging your accounts.
Related: How to earn points with the Choice Privileges Eat & Earn dining rewards program
Changes in the Choice Privileges program
When I spoke with program leaders at the Choice convention earlier this year, they were seemingly still deciding how to fairly combine the loyalty programs. But overall, the integrated program feels fair, and Choice Privileges kept most of its previously offered promotions and benefits — including one of my favorites, the Choice Sweet Spot Rewards promotion.
Starting Wednesday, Choice Privileges members with Diamond status will enjoy complimentary breakfast for two at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red and Park Plaza hotels in North America, Latin America and South America. A Choice Hotels spokesperson also told TPG that elite member room upgrades are now offered at:
- Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection brands worldwide
- Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals and Park Plaza brands in North America, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean
I always appreciate getting an upgrade. But temper your expectations as the rules and regulations of the Choice Privileges program state the following:
Elite Member room upgrades are determined by each hotel at check-in, are subject to availability and only apply to Member's personal room. Upgraded room types may include recently renovated rooms, rooms on a higher/lower floor, or rooms with favored views. Participation may vary and hotels are not required to upgrade Members' rooms to any specific type.
Related: Register for Choice Hotels Your Extras to earn gift cards or other perks on weekday stays
Choice Privileges award pricing
Good news: Choice Privileges will continue its current award pricing model of publishing set award rates for each property across defined periods, with weekdays pricing differently than weeknights.
Better news: Award rates have remained similar to before the integration. For example, I can still stay in the heart of Tokyo for 8,000 points per night.
Award nights in New York City still top out at 30,000 points per night, including at legacy Radisson Rewards Americas hotels.
You can still book multiple room types for the same rate at many properties. For example, I can still book the three-bedroom house at the Quality Suites Huka Falls for the same award rate as a standard room.
You will occasionally find properties with award nights that cost 35,000 points (and award nights in Asia Pacific can still cost up to 75,000 points). But luckily, this is limited to a small set of properties.
And finally, the only not-so-good news: Choice Privileges will continue its current policy of only allowing award bookings within 100 days of check-in.
Related: Redeem Choice points for a Maldives resort, half-board hotels, suites and more
Bottom line
I've historically gotten excellent value when redeeming Choice points, so I'm relieved that Choice Privileges didn't take the integration as an opportunity to devalue its loyalty program. Instead, the integration went smoothly and quicker than expected. And Choice Privileges Diamond members can now start enjoying a new perk: breakfast for two at select legacy Radisson Rewards Americas brands.
Most Choice Privileges properties currently list award rates through Nov. 30. Choice doesn't usually publish award rates further in advance, so this isn't cause for concern. However, we'll track whether award rates shift upward as Choice extends its pricing window. But for now, enjoy earning and redeeming Choice points at over 7,400 hotels across 22 brands in 45 countries and territories.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.