Club Carlson - Get 25,000 points with our 25 For 25 Event

Got this in my email this morning, not sure if targeted or not, but looks another nice promo that I will easily take advantage of.

Registration link here (email.carlsonhotels.com/1f5ceb779layfousiajmy3kqaaaaaay2fhgrqpyu4cayaaaaa)

25 Years for us, 25,000 for You.
It is our 25th anniversary and we are giving away 25,000 bonus Gold Points® to Club CarlsonSM members who register and complete a qualifying stay of two or more consecutive nights, now through October 14, 2012.

You may choose to redeem your points for gift cards from retailers* like The Home Depot®, iTunes®, Shell®, T.G.I.Friday's®, Cabela's® and more.
Learn more and register today for the 25 For 25 Event.

Added Bonus:
If you book your stay on countryinns.com you will earn at least an additional 2,000 bonus Gold Points with our online booking bonus!

I got that too. I had already booked a stay for next week. I made this booking about a month ago. Will I still get the 25,000? I just registered just now.

Or does one have to book only AFTER registering for the promo?

according to the terms, it says new reservations:

The 25 for 25 Event ("Promotion") is available only to Club CarlsonSM members for new reservations.

YMMV.

You have to book the special 25 for 25 rate, which is about $20/ more than the regular price at my local Country Inn & Suites.

Well - that was my next question. All the other promo's the "points + cash" rate was a qualifying rate. Is it the same for this promo? I just re-booked but chose the "points + cash" option.

Never mind. Just re-read T&C. You have to book the "25 for 25" rate in order to qualify. So I'm assuming "points & cash" isn't going to work.

Got this in my email this morning, not sure if targeted or not, but looks another nice promo that I will easily take advantage of.

Since it appears anyone can take advantage of this through a new booking, I wonder why they don't send out the promo email to everyone. I got a Club Carlson email this morning as well, but it was about some sweepstakes entry promotion. . . something I literally could not care less about! This promo on the other hand may be something that would have me book a stay. . .

A little underwhelmed by this.

1 night stays for 50,000pts will tend to do that.

A little underwhelmed by this.

1 night stays for 50,000pts will tend to do that.

LOL i know, twice the nights for half the points.

Can you file a BRG claim if you find a lower rate than this 25x25 rate?

I would not think so. My understanding of BRG is that the room, amenities, etc. have to be the same. Besides the radisson site, where else are you going to find a room that comes with 25,000 pts?

You have to book the special 25 for 25 rate, which is about $20/ more than the regular price at my local Country Inn & Suites.

I haven't received the email, but would think that +$40 for +25,000 points would be worth it.

I've changed my mind. Not going to do it.

I scored 50K with the Park Plaza -- and that will hold me for a while. No sense in paying double to get half that amount (sorry Country Inns). It just isn't that good of a promo when it comes down to dollars and cents (and points!).

I haven't received the email, but would think that +$40 for +25,000 points would be worth it.

No, the 25x25 rate is around $20 above the normal rate (even the AP rate is lower). For instance, if the normal rate is $60, the 25x25 rate may be around $80 or more and you have to book 2 consecutive nights so it ends up being $160 or more for 25K points. A very weak offer in my opinion.

I think it is far more accurate to say that it is not a good promo if I don't actually have a 2 night stay anywhere and have to fork out $160 for 25000 points. If you have a 2 night stay coming up somewhere where there is a competitively priced Country Inn and the extra dollars you pay = $40 then its a very good promo.

I think it is far more accurate to say that it is not a good promo if I don't actually have a 2 night stay anywhere and have to fork out $160 for 25000 points. If you have a 2 night stay coming up somewhere where there is a competitively priced Country Inn and the extra dollars you pay = $40 then its a very good promo.

+1

I think we have all been spoiled a little by getting 50k for one night anywhere. This is still better than most competing promos

I think it is far more accurate to say that it is not a good promo if I don't actually have a 2 night stay anywhere and have to fork out $160 for 25000 points. If you have a 2 night stay coming up somewhere where there is a competitively priced Country Inn and the extra dollars you pay = $40 then its a very good promo.

OK. What s/he said. :)

I got that too. I had already booked a stay for next week. I made this booking about a month ago. Will I still get the 25,000? I just registered just now.

Or does one have to book only AFTER registering for the promo?

Based on what I read you need to do the rebooking because prior reservations will not apply.

I think it is far more accurate to say that it is not a good promo if I don't actually have a 2 night stay anywhere and have to fork out $160 for 25000 points. If you have a 2 night stay coming up somewhere where there is a competitively priced Country Inn and the extra dollars you pay = $40 then its a very good promo.

I agree --this promo is only good if you are already planning on staying 2 consecutive nights at a hotel at the #10-$30 higher rate than best rate to get 25,000 pts.

I look at this when you add up the points of your stays into something like stay 2 nights get a third night free ---almost.

During this same time in mid september-mid octoner you have the marriott promo of 2 sparate stays get a night free.

What dod you think you would likely use?

Carlson 28K hotels and under are relatively equivalen to marriotts cat 1-4 hotels.

I'm doing this promo b/c I value 25k points at $100. However, I hesitate to add more points b/c it's difficult to use them in US hotels. (I don't see myself going to Europe much.) If Carlson runs another 50k points per stay promo, then I will have no need for this 25k. Any suggestions?

Yes. Decide to do it or decide not to.

I don't value the points that high (sorry) so after thinking about it for 2 days I just cancelled my "25 for 25" reservation and re-booked at normal rates.

Plus, you have to stay 2 nights in a Club Carlson property ;)

Any ideas regarding the cheapest property to make this happen??

The usual suspect at IAD costs around 175$!! :(

I've been trying to find a low-cost property out in the sticks somewhere, but even then the 25 for 25 rate is coming up at $70+ per night. I'm reluctant to do it for $150.00. I can get these rooms much cheaper and can't justify the payoff.

I got that too. I had already booked a stay for next week. I made this booking about a month ago. Will I still get the 25,000? I just registered just now.

Or does one have to book only AFTER registering for the promo?

Check out the rate under which you booked your reservation. What matters only is that you selected the "25 for 25" rate, which is more expensive and only available for stays 2 days long or more, and that you registered for the promo "before" your stay.

I think this special rate became available only after the promo so if you booked it before, I think it was probably under a different ineligible rate.

I've been trying to find a low-cost property out in the sticks somewhere, but even then the 25 for 25 rate is coming up at $70+ per night. I'm reluctant to do it for $150.00. I can get these rooms much cheaper and can't justify the payoff.

That is closest to the lowest rates I found too. They are basically making you pay more for those extra points.

I would consider this promotion if I wasn't committed to the Hyatt promotion.

Check out the rate under which you booked your reservation. What matters only is that you selected the "25 for 25" rate, which is more expensive and only available for stays 2 days long or more, and that you registered for the promo "before" your stay.

I think this special rate became available only after the promo so if you booked it before, I think it was probably under a different ineligible rate.

That is closest to the lowest rates I found too. They are basically making you pay more for those extra points.

is this worth it?

I would consider this promotion if I wasn't committed to the Hyatt promotion.

promo are you referring?

Anyone want to go 50/50 on a UK Country Inn franchise? :p

i would take 50/50 anywhere

promo are you referring?

Hyatt has a promo too right now but weak and not worth it in my opinion unless you have stays planned ahead. Basically, you get an increasingly amount of points for incremental stays:

"Earn 5,000 bonus points after your first five nights and 10,000 more for every five nights after that, up to 65,000 bonus points."

Check out the Hyatt's board or website for more info.

is this worth it?

Only you can decide if it's worth your time and money. It depends on how much each person values CC points. Do the math and decide for yourself.

If you're only paying about $20 more per night (earlier reference to higher rate for 25 for 25) then I don't know why it wouldn't be worth it.

Completed my 2 night stay on Saturday. Regular points AND 25,000 points were in my account on Monday.

THanks Club Carlson !

If you're only paying about $20 more per night (earlier reference to higher rate for 25 for 25) then I don't know why it wouldn't be worth it.

It seems to me more like paying for 2 nights at a higher rate and getting one half night in return. Each person might value points differently but in my opinion, it's a bit weak. Let's say I spend $70 per night ($140 for 2 nights) to get 25K points. I'd need to spend $280 (can this promo even be claimed more than once?) to get the equivalent of one night at a Radisoon Blu or 50K points. However, it might be worth it if you're planning on staying at a property that charges more than $280 per night or if you already have a stay planned.

I wonder if CC will do anything similar for stays at Radissons, Park Inns, etc.? Please post if they do.

It seems to me more like paying for 2 nights at a higher rate and getting one half night in return. Each person might value points differently but in my opinion, it's a bit weak. Let's say I spend $70 per night ($140 for 2 nights) to get 25K points. I'd need to spend $280 (can this promo even be claimed more than once?) to get the equivalent of one night at a Radisoon Blu or 50K points. However, it might be worth it if you're planning on staying at a property that charges more than $280 per night or if you already have a stay planned.

I also didn't like the promotion at first, just because I don't like paying more than the lowest rate for the bonus points. However, it's great they at least give people the option to get the points if it's worth it for them.

There also seems to be a 2500 point bonus tied to the 25 anniversary I have gotten it the last 2 2 nights stays I have made

It happen to have a 2 day stay in CAE, and the 25/25 rate is the same as the regular rate. Might as well take advantage.

I also didn't like the promotion at first, just because I don't like paying more than the lowest rate for the bonus points. However, it's great they at least give people the option to get the points if it's worth it for them.

I'm staying in Oakville Ontario Canada. 25 for 25 rate is the same as the best available rate. Had to stay somewhere for 2 nights anyways, so for me its a no brainer

Yep, my stay was the same rate, too. Surprised that others reported otherwise earlier in the thread.

My points posted today, ended up with 30K points with the bonuses. That equals two free nights at the same hotel on a later date---not too bad.

i did a 2 night stay at a ATL airport location, price for the rate was no more than the other rates. paid 79/nite. had a 2 night stay in the area planned anyway, so took advantage of it. property needs to be upgraded inside and at that price point for ATL, plenty of alternatives, so won't stay there again. still, the promo worked out for me...

Strangely, they seem to have now lowered the 25x25 rate to match the best available rate (the advanced purchase is still lower though) in most cities. I know they did because I searched the same cities I was interested in staying before and now both rates are the same. Perhaps, they actually listened to people's complaints or just realized the promo made more sense for others that way. If you have a planned stay of 2 days or more, you should take advantage of it.

My points posted today, ended up with 30K points with the bonuses. That equals two free nights at the same hotel on a later date---not too bad.

Finished my 25/25 stay last week. Basic points, 50% gold bonus and 2k web booking bonus posted but not the 25k bonus. Called and CSR said I need to wait 6-8 wks. However I recall bonuses always posting with the stay post. Any one have any thoughts?

Finished my 25/25 stay last week. Basic points, 50% gold bonus and 2k web booking bonus posted but not the 25k bonus. Called and CSR said I need to wait 6-8 wks. However I recall bonuses always posting with the stay post. Any one have any thoughts?

Same situation here. Got all the "basics" but not the 25K bonus. I'll wait a few days and then call if nothing appears. It seems that it is YMMV as someone upthread posted he got the 25K at the same time as his basic points posting.

Thanks. Makes me feel a little better. Wonder if CC is getting overwhelmed by all the promos and can't keep up. Also about 1000 points short on the Look Book promo.

In addition, I haven't gotten e-mail confirmation for any of the latest promos, and didn't even get an e-mail about the Radisson 1-for-1 promo at all.

This promo is already over but it's worthy to note that it's cheaper to buy the points directly from CC with their current 50% bonus promotion.
Right now, you can get 30K points for $140. If you had spent the same amount ($70 per night) staying at one of their properties, you would've only gotten a little over 25K points. And that's assuming your stay would've cost that much. Some of the lowest 25x25 rates were starting at around $60-70 before taxes but others were much higher.

This promo is already over but it's worthy to note that it's cheaper to buy the points directly from CC with their current 50% bonus promotion.
Right now, you can get 30K points for $140. If you had spent the same amount ($70 per night) staying at one of their properties, you would've only gotten a little over 25K points. And that's assuming your stay would've cost that much. Some of the lowest 25x25 rates were starting at around $60-70 before taxes but others were much higher.
Sometimes these bonuses make sense only if you are actually traveling and decide to use the product, so that it is in fact a bonus and not something you are trying to make a profit on.

I got my two-night stay on a $118 per night room rate. I was happy paying roughly $250 for two nights and getting the 25,000 bonus points because I needed to stay somewhere, so the points were free to me. I don't view it as having paid $250 for the points, I view it as having stayed at a hotel where I needed to say and receiving a free bonus of 25,000 points.

, I view it as having stayed at a hotel where I needed to say and receiving a free bonus of 25,000 points.

Same thing. I need a two night stay and there was a CI&S near my work site. Paid less and got more amenities than my colleagues who stayed at the Hyatt, though they were closer and in a nicer hotel.

I suppose that's what CI&S was looking for. While my family enjoys CI&S, this was my first business stay. Given the way my travel budget keeps getting tighter, it may not be the last.

I think it is far more accurate to say that it is not a good promo if I don't actually have a 2 night stay anywhere and have to fork out $160 for 25000 points. If you have a 2 night stay coming up somewhere where there is a competitively priced Country Inn and the extra dollars you pay = $40 then its a very good promo.

Very true! We were given free DisneyWorld passes for this past weekend, and planned on going to Orladno anyway. The 25 for 25 rate at the Orlando CI & S was $14- per night above and beyond the basic rate ($74 vs. $60).

Essentially it cost us $15- a night more, including tax, to earn: the 25K points, plus the 1000K points to go through the CC website, plus an extra 1400 points per night for the actually room rate, [74 x 20], plus a 2000 room bonus for a stay this particular weekend...
.
Total: $30 outlay for 32,800 points. Not bad for a trip we were planning to take, regardless,and a free breakfast, to boot.

I suppose that's what CI&S was looking for. While my family enjoys CI&S, this was my first business stay. Given the way my travel budget keeps getting tighter, it may not be the last.

My wife stayed at the CI&S in New Orleans four or five months ago as part of the stay once get 50,000 points deal. I don't think she had ever stayed at one before. The New Orleans CI&S is actually a boutique hotel located between Canal and Poydras on Magazine. My wife loved it and it is now her preferred New Orleans hotel, although she has trouble booking it because it is often full.

That's exactly what promotions are supposed to do.

p.s. It really is a nice hotel and I recommend it to anyone. If you stay there, try the Bon Ton Cafe next door. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the world.

I suppose that's what CI&S was looking for. While my family enjoys CI&S, this was my first business stay. Given the way my travel budget keeps getting tighter, it may not be the last.

My wife stayed at the CI&S in New Orleans four or five months ago ...

p.s. It really is a nice hotel and I recommend it to anyone.

I recall it was one of the featured hotels in one of the Look Books. Did look very nice. I'll keep it in mind as we look for our next family get away.

Finished my 25/25 stay last week. Basic points, 50% gold bonus and 2k web booking bonus posted but not the 25k bonus. Called and CSR said I need to wait 6-8 wks. However I recall bonuses always posting with the stay post. Any one have any thoughts?

Same situation here. Got all the "basics" but not the 25K bonus. I'll wait a few days and then call if nothing appears. It seems that it is YMMV as someone upthread posted he got the 25K at the same time as his basic points posting.

Got a PM soon after my post advising to call CS. Finally did and they said there should be a sweep this weekend and then they should post.

The promo email says that the stay must start(?) or is it end(?) on/before Oct. 14.

... they said there should be a sweep this weekend and then they should post.

Weekend passed and points didn't post. CS said they saw the points poised in my account but there was a technical glitch holding it up. Said to wait 6-8 weeks for it to post. Not cool.

Points posted today...after staying at a CIS from 9/17-9/19

Posted Date Type Description Points Total Points

Nov 02 2012 Earn Promotion Points - Country Inns 25 for 25 Point Bonus 25,000

Same here:

Nov 02 2012 Earn Promotion Points - Country Inns 25 for 25 Point Bonus 25,000

Weekend passed and points didn't post. CS said they saw the points poised in my account but there was a technical glitch holding it up. Said to wait 6-8 weeks for it to post. Not cool.

Finally posted on Friday, a month after my stay.