Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

Hey there points enthusiasts! Welcome back to another episode of Smart With Points. I'm absolutely buzzing to share something with you today that's been a complete game-changer in my travels lately - and it might surprise you.

You know how we're always talking about the big names in hotel loyalty - Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards? Well, today we're going to discuss an unsung hero that's been absolutely crushing it in two thousand and twenty-five: Radisson Rewards.

I'll be honest - as someone with Marriott Titanium and Hilton Gold status, I wasn't expecting to be blown away by Radisson. But after my recent ten-day stay in Da Nang, Vietnam, I just had to share my experience with you all.

Let's talk about suite upgrades. You know how sometimes getting an upgrade can feel like pulling teeth? Not with Radisson. Their VIP status has been delivering suite upgrades consistently, without even having to ask. During my Da Nang stay, I was upgraded to a beautiful suite automatically. When you're staying somewhere for more than a week, that extra space makes all the difference.

The lounge access benefit has been another absolute winner. In Da Nang, I had unlimited refreshments in their Coffee Lounge throughout the day. Over in Dubai's Deira Creek Radisson Blu, they offered afternoon tea, dinner, and drinks. Think about the savings on a longer stay - it really adds up!

Here's something exciting - there's currently a fantastic promotion running on Rakuten offering fifteen times cashback on Radisson bookings. To put that in perspective, a five hundred pounds hotel stay would earn you seventy-five pounds back in cashback. Unfortunately, the Membership Rewards points option is only available for our US listeners.

Now, you might be wondering how to get VIP status. You can qualify with thirty nights or twenty stays in a calendar year, or keep an eye out for status match opportunities through Club Avolta.

The programme includes all the usual suspects - room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, seventy-five percent bonus points, welcome amenities, lounge access, and breakfast. But what sets it apart is how consistently these benefits are delivered.

Is Radisson right for you? Well, with over one thousand one hundred hotels worldwide, they're particularly strong in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. The footprint might be smaller in North America, but for European and UK travelers, the coverage is excellent.

Before we wrap up, I want to mention our sponsor. Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes.

Thanks so much for listening to Smart With Points! If you've enjoyed today's episode, make sure to subscribe on all major podcast platforms or visit us at smartwithpoints.co.uk. Until next time, keep traveling smart!