I feel like I am in the majority here who has just started getting to know the Club Carlson portfolio of hotels as a result of the recent generous promotions. I have spent 2 nights in a Radisson and one night in a Country Inn in the US thus far. I like what Club Carlson is doing with their promotions and really want to love the properties, unfortunately I found them just serviceable and have yet to have someone recommend me an aspirational Club Carlson property.
I had originally planned to use my stash of around 200,000 Club Carlson points for airport hotel stays over the next couple years to save paid nights. Pretty boring and not my goal in collecting points and miles.
Two weeks ago I found myself booking a trip to Norway. With no Hyatt or Starwood properties in the country, I figured I would give the Radisson Blu chain a chance. Even with pretty average reviews on Tripadvisor, I went ahead with an award booking at the Radisson Blu Plaza in Oslo. Needless to say, my expectations were low.
I checked in this morning and could not be more impressed. This hotel is the tallest building in Norway, and as a (status-matched) Gold member which they recognized at check-in I was given an upgrade to a Business Class room near the very top of the hotel overlooking the landmark Oslo Opera House and the OsloFjord. This hotel is everything that the Radisson’s in the US are not. Stylish, modern, well located and staff that actually acknowledges the Club Carlson program!
My faith has been restored in the Club Carlson brand. This is a special property and a perfect location to explore the amazing city of Oslo. A full review to come!
About alex
Alex loves to travel and does so a lot. Logging 100,000 flight miles each year over the past 4 years, Alex uses points and miles to power his passion. Alex is continuously striving to experience the far reaches of the globe. In his day job, Alex is a Management Consultant frequently on the road advising Technology organizations. I love thinking about, reading about, and talking about all things travel. Feel free to reach me at pmmalex@gmail.com
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the radisson blu properties are the best in Europe….. USA ones are a dump
I am using some of my haul at the Radisson Blu in Stockholm. It is #1 in Stockholm on Trip Advisor. Looking forward to your review. I think Blu’s in Europe are a good use of our points.
Thanks for the write up on a radisson blu stay. I too is collecting(hoarding) for redemptions in Europe at radisson blu in the future
Just so you know there is a brand new Radisson Blu under construction right by the mall of america in Minneapolis. I was told it is expected to be completed in the next 6-12 months. It is also very close to the airport. I am looking forward for that property to complete. If Club Carlson has similar promo and rates are with in reach I will stay there 🙂
What else did the Gold status get you? Breakfast or internet access? I’m wondering if I should do this match as well.
I’ve been very impressed with Radissons and Sofitels in Europe and Asia.
I loved the Radisson at Niagara Falls, Ontario – fantastic. I have also come to enjoy the Country Inn & Suites. I have had good experiences at the few that I have stayed in. My last piece of advice to is RUN from the Park Inn. I wouldn’t even call it a budget hotel – that is a disservice to many of the fine budget hotels out there.
Same goes to the Park Plaza in Minneapolis. I think they forgot the word renovation. It looks like a 70’s hotel or so and the breakfast in their restaurant was awful. Food was so-so but the water smelled, juice tasteless. If not for the promo I wouldn’t stay there again.
I booked a stay at the Madrid Radisson Blu for my last night in Spain using my promo points.