Club Carlson replaces Goldpointsplus loyalty program at Radisson, Park Plaza and other hotels

There's a new frequent guest program for the Carlson group, owner of the  Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn, and Country Inns & Suites. Club Carlson replaces the old Goldpointsplus program as of this month.

The new Club Carlson programme, announced earlier this year, had been short on details, but now that it's been officially launched we've got the lowdown about what's changed.

For existing members of the Goldpointsplus programme, there's not much change initially. If you had status under Goldpointsplus, you've been transferred over at the same tier.

The biggest plus for most members will be the free Internet at Radisson hotels worldwide, and all Carlson hotels in North America. We know that free WiFi is the a priority for business travellers, so it's good to see a hotel loyalty programme giving out complimentary access.

Other benefits are accorded by status tier, and there are three:

• Silver Status comes with 15 nights or 10 stays per year.
• Gold Status comes with 35 nights or 20 stays per year.
• Concierge status comes with 75 nights or 30 stays per year.

Silvers get a free room upgrade at Radissons worldwide and all Carlson hotels in North America, plus a 25% point bonus, rollover nights, early checkin/late checkout and a special customer service line.

In addition to the Silver benefits, Golds get an in-room Welcome Gift and a 72-hour room availability guarantee.

Top tier Concierge members get the Silver and Gold benefits plus a 48-hour room guarantee, a free continental breakfast and a concierge service that starts in mid-2011.

Here's the full table of benefits across the tiers.

There's also a new app for iPhone and Android devices, which lets members book, change their options, find a hotel (using GPS) and redeem points.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.