I guess I should have included Club Carlson on my list of things to look forward to in 2015 because they’re running a promotion that I can’t imagine any other hotel rewards program will top this quarter. Between January 12 – March 29, members who register for the “Extend Your Stay, Earn 30K” promotion can earn up to 30,000 bonus points, depending on the length of their stay:
- Stay 2 nights, earn 15,000 bonus Gold points
- Stay 3 or more nights, earn 30,000 bonus Gold points
The terms specifically exclude award redemptions, including Points + Cash, so only paid rates qualify for the bonus. The great thing about this promotion is that the bonus can be earned multiple times. So if you have two 3-night stays coming up, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points.
This doesn’t even take into account the 20 Gold points per $1 earned by all members. Nor does it account for elite bonuses or 3-5 points per $1 paid out to Club Carlson credit card holders. It’s not quite the Big Night Giveaway, but at 7,500 – 10,000 bonus points per night you are earning upwards of a free Category 1 Club Carlson hotel stay for each paid night. With the last night free benefit from the Club Carlson credit card, your earnings can double.
Whether you’re mattress running or have a legitimate 1-2 night stay coming up, tacking on a third night for the full 30,000 point bonus can be worth it. Depending on what you’re paying. Keep in mind point valuations (generally, Gold points are valued at 0.4 cents each) as well as the cost of earning those points through manufactured spending.
The timing of this is promotion perfect for those of you who got in on Delta’s cheap fares to Europe. The Radisson Blu Dublin, for example, offers rates below $180 per night throughout January and February. Award redemptions go for 44,000 Gold points per night. Which would require $8,800 – $14,666 in spending on the Club Carlson credit cards. With the last night free benefit, those number are cut in half.
Assuming you book your hotel stays in 2-night increments. Be sure to compare those numbers to the amount of spend required on the Barclay Arrival Plus card to cover the paid rate. Then factor in the potential point haul from this promotion to determine whether it makes more sense to redeem Gold Points or pay with Arrival Plus miles.
Club Carlson has a huge portfolio of hotels throughout Europe. You should have no trouble finding one in the cities that were included in Delta’s fare sale.
What are your thoughts on Club Carlson’s latest promotion? Are you planning on mattress running for the full 30,000 point bonus?
Do your math before jumping into a mattress run. The nearest category 1 hotel to my home is an air point hotel costing $67/night prepaid rate = $201 for 3 nights. We can purchase 30,000 points diectly for $210. No much of a bargain, eh?
I’m not suggesting mattress running the entire 3 nights. If you have 2 nights booked, it might make sense to tack on a third for the bonus.
No mattress run for me. Thanks for posting nevertheless.
I’ll MS the 30K points for an out of pocket cost of ~$70.
I just got the card and I was curious the best tactic with this bank to MS? I need to hit my minimum
If you have access to a Redbird, you can meet the spend in one load. I also like the convenience of Amex for Target and Serve loads.
I had a question, as per the terms and conditions of the offer, Stays or nights paid for by redeeming Gold Points or by using Points + Cash are not eligible for this Promotion. This means I need to pay for all 3 nights (instead of 2 for 1). When I try to book, it’s asking to pay for all 3 nights (I have the credit card and am a gold member too). Do you have any ideas? Thanks!
Yes, you will need to pay for all three nights in order to get the 30k bonus.
Thanks Ariana. I believe I’ll just go for a 2 night stay then, which will give me about 32770 pts (being a gold elite), to go along with 40000 that I’ll get this month on renewal, and the current 57000 balance. So, will have a decent amount of points to be used this summer 🙂
Don’t you just love Club Carlson? So firkin easy to earn those points.
Indeed! And 5 points per $1 makes it even more easier!
One more questions 🙂 can this be combined with the ” Club Carlson 3-day sale 25% off January stays” ?
Yes, you can combine the two promotions.
Thank you!