Skip to content

The 2019 Radisson Rewards Category Changes Are In Effect. Book These Properties For Fewer Points Now!

March 01, 2019
2 min read
Exterior at the Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek.
The 2019 Radisson Rewards Category Changes Are In Effect. Book These Properties For Fewer Points Now!
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Radisson Rewards instituted its 2019 category award category changes today. On the whole, the Radisson Rewards changes this year weren't too bad. We lost a few good properties with the increase, but there are more than 50 hotels that are new cheaper to book using your Radisson Rewards points.

As a reminder, here's what the Radisson Rewards chart of categories looks like:

You'll find a bunch of limited-service hotels across the US that are part of Radisson Rewards, such as Park Inn and Country Inn & Suites. These are the sort of hotels where points might come in handy if you're visiting family in a smaller town. But, that's not where the real value in Radisson Rewards lies. As TPG Family Editor Summer Hull notes, Radisson is fantastic for families, especially abroad.

Now that the March 1 changes are in place, there are definitely a few properties you should consider for an upcoming booking. If you're in the US, the Radisson Blu Minneapolis is now 20,000 points cheaper per night.

Radisson Blu Minneapolis (image courtesy of hotel)

If the southwest is in your plans, the Country Inn & Suites in Page, Arizona (Lake Powell), is 6,000 points a night. And, Dubai is an area where all of the Radisson properties went down in category. There are roughly half a dozen choices, all costing fewer points today than yesterday.

Exterior at the Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek.

The Bottom Line

Category changes are a rite of passage this time of year. Radisson Rewards' changes in 2019 really aren't the worst we've seen. That mantle probably belongs to Marriott this year, with the majority of its changes involving properties getting pricier (in just 4 days, here's your reminder). Hyatt's changes take place a couple of weeks from now and are more balanced. In some ways, you could look at 2019 as the year of the hotel program devaluation. On some days, and for some properties, it certainly feels that way. But, that glass can also be seen as half full. Be strategic and your travels won't suffer.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app