Fellow blogger FrequentMiler just shared information that honestly ruined my day. For those who have been following my blog for a bit, you know I’m the biggest cheerleader for Club Carlson’s loyalty program, and the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature® Card is was one of my most-loved hotel credit card (I loved it so much that it made the list of credit cards that are never leaving my wallet).
Over the course of my card membership, I’ve redeemed my Club Carlson points wisely for some great value at some of their best properties including at the Radisson Aruba and Radisson Blu Sydney. Sweet-spot redemptions within the program have always been exciting for me.
Today is a sad day though. I learned that it is now confirmed that the most lucrative benefit of the Club Carlson Visa is disappearing: bonus award nights. This benefit is being replaced with a new benefit: a free night after $10,000 in annual spend on the card.
For those who are not following, simply put:
THIS IS A MAJOR DEVALUATION. What’s even more upsetting is that it’s happening so soon. It is confirmed that June 1Â would be the last day to use book (whew)Â the Bonus Award Night feature.
What really bothers me is that I just paid my annual fee on the card not too long ago, and now I have to scramble to think of ways to use the points before Memorial Day Weekend. Part of me wants a refund on the fee. Not for nothing, but I paid an annual fee with expectations to get at least another year’s worth of the benefits I signed up for.
I’m also feeling really annoyed that I just earned a boatload of Club Carlson points last week by stacking all of their promotions. I feel especially bad for those who purchased points during the Daily Getaways as well.
This is a classic example of how “all good things come to an end”, and while the benefit seemed “too good to be true”, it was something that I truly enjoyed and it kept me excited about Club Carlson and their properties.
What are your thoughts? Are you going to keep the card? Dump the points? Would love to hear what’s going through your mind…
Feeling a knot in my stomach! :(
I have reservations in June that I made last autumn; will they be cancelled since I already booked them with the extra night free? That would seem odd
Robert, you bring up a good point. I don’t think they would cancel any pre-existing reservations (that would just be really tacky) Maybe I’ll make speculative bookings now for after May 28 and see what happens on the final booking page.
Angelina– Do we really have confirmation that May 28 is the last day to consume the Bonus Award Nights reservations? I’m hoping we get some more clarity today.
I’m so disappointed. but I’m happy that I had such a great run with the 2nd night free benefit over the past couple of years. I always figured the time would come when the benefit would be removed. It was too awesome to continue forever. I just booked the Radisson Blu in Chicago for the weekend of their St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 2016. I got the 2nd night free.
I think I’m going to burn through my stash of points before May 28th. I’ll decide on whether or not to keep the card when it gets closer to my annual fee due date.
Just my luck. Received Club Carlson card a few weeks ago. I am using it in May for two hotels in Sweden and 2 in the UK, so, not totally wasted – 4 nights for 100K points!
I spoke with Club Carlson Visa rep, who insisted that reservations made before May 31 for stays June 1 onwards will be honored – like to see it in writing.
When you say “bonus award night,” are you talking about the benefit of 1 free night when you book 2 or more nights?
Yes, that is the card perk she is referring to.
I am very disappointed but I will still keep the card.
1 free night and 40k renewal points arent too bad, definitely worth the annual fee.
This card was insane with the last night free benefit, with that change it becomes alright, on par with other cards like SPG and Hilton Surpass.
Do you have any clarification as to whether stays booked BEFORE May 28 but for dates AFTER June will be honored. I’m bummed. We had a London stay coming up in September, so this really messes up plans for our family. I may even have to change flights now. REALLY upset, and took to twitter to let them know. Naturally, they haven’t commented on my tweet. They must be too busy fending off angry customers… Crazy not to give customer much more notice…
Laura, the VISA rep insisted that is the case. Suggest you call the 800 number and ask the question. If they confirm your reservation will be protected – ask them to document your record with their answer. You can always call back at another time to confirm the agent did document it.
Suspect this may be more of a US Bank-driven change rather than Carlson? When I last looked, the Club Carlson VISA application is still showing the free night, without any reference to the change in the terms (#5) – a bit naughty!!
Sorry, don’t think I was very clear – the rep said that bookings made before May 31 for June 1 and beyond will be protected.