Radisson Rewards VIP Status: A Hidden Gem in Hotel Loyalty Programs

As someone deeply immersed in the points and miles game, I'll admit I've historically gravitated toward Marriott and Hilton as my go-to hotel chains. However, my recent stays with Radisson have completely shifted my perspective on where to allocate my hotel nights. I recently checked into a Radisson property and was immediately upgraded to a junior suite, offered complimentary breakfast, and even received welcome drink vouchers and a fruit bowl courtesy of the manager.

What makes this experience particularly noteworthy is that I didn't earn this VIP status through countless nights or qualifying stays – I acquired it through a free sign-up link that Loyalty Lobby shared a while back, which I then passed along to our Facebook group. This easy pathway to top-tier status has made Radisson an accessible luxury option for many of our Smart With Points community members.

Community Experiences: It's Not Just Me

What's especially interesting is how consistently positive the feedback has been from our Smart With Points community. Several members of our Facebook group have reported similar experiences across different properties:

One member mentioned their stay at a Radisson near Heathrow, where they received a free drink at the bar, a welcome gift in the room, and complimentary breakfast. They also highlighted how Radisson's customer service team helped them cancel a reservation free of charge when their BA flight was unexpectedly canceled – demonstrating that Radisson's service excellence extends beyond just the stay itself.

Another member tried a modestly priced £64 stay at a Park Inn and received an upgraded room (complete with bathrobes), water, chocolates, and free breakfast. For budget-conscious travellers, this represents exceptional value for money.

Several others have reported automatic upgrades to rooms with lounge access, with one reception staff confirming that upgrades are standard procedure with VIP status – exactly the kind of consistency we all hope for with hotel elite status.

Where Radisson Excels

In my experience, several factors make Radisson's VIP program stand out:

1. Consistent upgrades: Unlike some other chains where upgrades can feel like pulling teeth, Radisson appears to reliably deliver room upgrades for elite members.

2. Breakfast inclusion: The complimentary breakfast benefit is consistently honored, which represents a substantial value, especially for family travelers.

3. Welcome amenities: The small touches like welcome drinks and fruit bowls make a disproportionate impact on the overall stay experience.

4. Value pricing: Many community members noted that Radisson properties often offer competitive pricing compared to equivalent Marriott or Hilton properties in the same area.

5. Discount booster: One feature worth highlighting is Radisson's "discount booster" option, which allows you to save significantly on cash rates at the expense of earning fewer points – often a worthwhile tradeoff given the moderate value of Radisson points.

The Challenges: Limited Footprint

The main drawback repeatedly mentioned by our community is Radisson's more limited global footprint, particularly after their USA properties split from the program. As one member succinctly put it: "Sadly there just aren't enough Radissons around in places I need or want to visit for me to retain it!"

This is Radisson's primary challenge in competing with larger chains. While their service and elite benefits might be superior in many cases, they simply don't have the global coverage of a Marriott or Hilton, making it difficult for travellers to remain loyal across all their journeys.

Property Variation Worth Noting

There does seem to be some variation between property types. Some community members have mentioned that certain Radisson Blu locations weren't as generous with upgrades, though they did note that "the blu do a much superior breakfast and a secret menu too if you ask in some." - I’ve just booked a Radisson Blu, so definitely going to try this secret menu!

Is Radisson VIP Status Worth Pursuing?

Based on my experience and the feedback from our community, I'd say Radisson VIP status represents excellent value for UK and European travellers, particularly if:

1. You frequently stay in cities where Radisson has a presence

2. You value room upgrades and breakfast benefits

3. You're looking for strong elite recognition without needing dozens of qualifying nights

For travellers who frequently need hotels in less-covered regions, maintaining primary loyalty to a larger chain like Marriott (where I hold Titanium status) or Hilton (where I have Gold through my Amex Platinum Business card) while using Radisson opportunistically where they have properties might be the optimal strategy.

The Bottom Line

Radisson's VIP status might be the hotel loyalty program's best-kept secret in 2025. While its more limited footprint prevents it from being a one-size-fits-all solution, the consistent elite recognition, valuable benefits, and competitive pricing make it worth serious consideration for your hotel strategy.

Have you experienced Radisson's VIP status benefits? I'd love to hear about your stays in the comments below!