Problems booking standard rooms online
Jul 14, 2020, 6:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Marriott Titanium -> United Silver
Posts: 937
Problems booking standard rooms online
Near the end of June, I was able to book rooms at a lot of hotels at the standard (i.e. not premium room) rate. I know Radisson had a huge BOGO sale for points that ended 6/30, and I'm wondering if, following that sale, they eliminated a lot of the hotel availability at the standard rates. I've looked for rooms in California, New York, Texas, Asia, and South America, and have yet to come across a single hotel that has standard rooms available for points-only on several dates later in 2020 and through early 2021. Is this a temporary thing, or did Radisson do this sale knowing that they would drastically devalue the points immediately after?
Jul 16, 2020, 9:03 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 23
Yeah, this has been going on for at least a week (I posted about it on the 10th on a different thread, and I had noticed it several days before that as well); it seems clear at this point that it is not just a bug, as there's no way that it wouldn't be fixed by now. All I can say is what the hell? I have found good value with Radisson and their CC over the years, but this has deeply eroded my trust and good will towards the brand.
Jul 16, 2020, 2:51 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tonbridge
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 2,034
I contacted Radisson Rewards on Twitter via DM and they claim it is a known IT issue and they are working on a fix.
I should note this was the second reply they gave me , the first one was a complete fob off.
I’m still not convinced, looks like they are trying to drive revenue bookings imo.
I should note this was the second reply they gave me , the first one was a complete fob off.
I’m still not convinced, looks like they are trying to drive revenue bookings imo.
Jul 16, 2020, 10:06 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Marriott Titanium -> United Silver
Posts: 937
Good to know it might just be an IT issue. I thought it might have to do with the 5000 pt for every stay offer and them not wanting to award 5k points on a 9k category 1 redemption.
Jul 18, 2020, 2:34 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, Best Western Gold
Posts: 34
Still a problem today. Can sometimes get a "points plus cash" rate, or occasionally a premium room points rate, but usually no points rates at all, period! This BETTER be an IT problem and not the "new normal!"
Jul 19, 2020, 7:31 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I really wish one of the major bloggers with influence would start to cover this issue to put some pressure on Radisson. It has been nearly a month. It would be a complete gutting of the program and even the 40k per year for the credit card annual fee would become a waste of money.
Jul 19, 2020, 4:02 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Marriott Titanium -> United Silver
Posts: 937
I just cancelled my CC. Unless I'm going somewhere with a Category 1 hotel, I can't even get a $60 room with the annual point gift. It's sad how quickly they went from possibly the most generous program, with BOGO rooms when redeeming points as a CC holder, to an almost worthless one.
Jul 21, 2020, 11:38 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: US
Programs: KLM Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 744
But then, it is going to kill their 5000 points/stay promo as people before jumping on it, would go ahead and check the redemption rates at properties, and will see 42000 points rate for a $100 room.
Jul 21, 2020, 11:53 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 876
Loyalty Lobby just posted about this. Radisson spokesperson said you can call in to book a standard award room. Would love to see if their call center people are really able to find standard award redemption.
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/07/21/...ilable-online/
Radisson Rewards has identified a system issue that is limiting standard award night from being displayed on the website. In the meantime, members can call the call center directly at 1.800.333.3333 where they can find the full inventory of room redemption options, including standard nights. Radisson Rewards continues to be focused on delivering exceptional value to members.
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/07/21/...ilable-online/
Jul 22, 2020, 7:10 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: US
Programs: KLM Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 744
Loyalty Lobby just posted about this. Radisson spokesperson said you can call in to book a standard award room. Would love to see if their call center people are really able to find standard award redemption.
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/07/21/...ilable-online/
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/07/21/...ilable-online/
Have the furloughed all of their IT people? Jesus, the chain is losing money because of this bug.
Jul 27, 2020, 3:54 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tonbridge
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 2,034
Jul 27, 2020, 4:44 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SJC/BUR
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 1,089
When I called to book a standard room, it indeed seemed possible. Then I called back at 4:05 PM Pacific time to lock it in, and the call center was closed. The booking was for that night. I used Hilton points instead.