Radisson Rewards Americas Properties Integrated Into Choice Hotels (& The Former RHA Categories Map)
All images courtesy Choice Hotels
The integration is semi complete now with Choice Hotels being merged into Radisson Rewards Americas. I already felt that Choice Hotels was the most underrated option in the points community, but now I think that's even more true with the integration of Radisson Rewards Americas. Because it's so underrated and gets so little attention in the points community, it's especially important to do your own research beyond points bloggers. With most other points programs that are viable, they get a lot more attention, which inhibits availability, so with Choice, putting in that extra legwork can pay off big time.
Caribbean Top Tier Properties: Radisson Grenada Beach Resort ($.04/pt w points only or $.17/pt on $ + Points)
Here's an example of a property where 30k/night can now get you a $1207/night room, getting over 4 cents per point:
If you were to do the 6k +$204 option, the value per point would be >4x higher at $.167/pt.
What I like
It's easier than ever to book around 600 additional properties in the Americas since you'll only need to search 1 website instead of 2. While Radisson Rewards Americas were more difficult to acquire, with no viable transferable partners, Citi Thank You Rewards is a 1:2 transfer partner to Choice Hotels.
Choice also came out with a credit card recently that's superior to the old Radisson credit card since you get enough points at most properties in the world (at least in the Western Hemisphere, though there are some exceptions including some properties for 35k) each year, while with Radisson Rewards Americas, you got a little over half of what you needed for a top tier property.
Map of Most Radisson Rewards Americas Properties in Former Tiers
Here's a map of most (around 5/6) Radisson Rewards Americas properties as they were in their former tiers. I also link the maps I'm pulling from that have more details including integrated Google Maps Ratings of properties. Here those are for reference:
Please let me know in comments if you see any important ones missing. I excluded category 1 low rated properties since I typically don't recommend considering low rated low cost properties.
Map of Some Higher Tier Properties to Consider Checking on with Radisson
Here is a map of some of the top properties I found to check on with peak dates.
What's Still Missing on Website
1. Some properties are still missing like this one, but if a scenario like this one occurs, 1st confirm that the property is still going by Googling it (I saw another one that wasn't that didn't have a Choice page, Radisson Blu Punta Cana, an All-Inclusive Resort; Radisson Blu Anaheim also doesn't have a page & does not appear to still be going on Google Maps), then call Choice about the prospect of a reservation and $/points pricing etc.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago states it has no points only availability for a long time, but by logging in, I can see the $+Points availability, & by calling in, it's available... That's not the first time I've seen that with Choice either, so if you ever see a property unavailable, it's not a bad idea to call in.
If you can't book it online in a scenario like this one, contact Members Services:
888 770 6800
Option 2
That said, I contacted them and they couldn't do it quickly, but you might have a better time than me. They said it "should" be possible.
2. You still can't filter by the new Radisson Rewards Americas brands like you can with other integrated existing Choice brands. That makes it a lot harder to check out those new properties until the time that you can. It also means that those doing their homework on the old Radisson Rewards Americas chart have an advantage on booking the better properties.
2-3 Bedroom Suites & Upgraded Rooms
While individual hotel policies vary substantially, and can change rapidly, one of the beautiful things about Choice is that at some properties, you can book a 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom option for the price of a 1 bedroom. Also, some upgraded rooms that you used to not be able to book with on Radisson Rewards points, even if you were willing to pay for the difference in $ cost which wasn't allowed, now can be booked with Choice Hotels points.
While it's far from fully comprehensive, here's a map of some of those properties.
Related:
The Best Choice Hotels Option in Value Per Point?
Daily Getaways Deals Preview Live! (you could purchase Choice Hotels Rewards for about half a cent a point, & it's been happening for years)