Port Elizabeth

Who: Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth.

Why: Buy one night get one night free or buy 2 nights get 2 nights free over weekends.

For: Gold Elite Club Carlson holders (stay 35 nights per calendar year) + Club Carlson has a stay two nights earn 20,000 Gold points special.

A card worth R60,000 ?

In the past few years Port Elizabeth’s beach front has been blessed with 2 fantastic 5 star hotels namely The Boardwalk Hotel and The Radisson Blu. I’ve had the opportunity to stay at both numerous times, by special request I can comment on all the levels of rooms at The Boardwalk from standard to executive suites to the presidential suite with balcony overlooking pool, however due to the fact that The Boardwalk does not offer a loyalty point earning potential from stays I do not cover them nor any other on my trips.

I’ve stayed at the Radisson Blu over a weekend during a surfing competition right infront of the hotel in 2011. I managed to get a good 50% off rack rate from my Hotel Express card back when Hotel Express was fairly decent. The total cost was R1800 for 2 nights in a standard open plan room and did not include breakfast (nor any points).

The least you should get after handing over your hard earned cash for a stay is some points (and if you a Traveloyalty reader its bonus points ontop of bonus points to enjoy frequent free stays in future. Who wouldn’t ? ).

How to book: Access Club Carlson’s web page for the offer here check the terms and conditions, most of hotels offer breakfast free (and gold points ).

Standard room rates are quoted. Gold Elite benefits entitles one to an upgrade. Read more on benefits here.

Via email the concierge manager offered me my previous stays room and any other special request to which I responded that I would only like my upgrade to the best room in the house as I am returning as a Gold Elite member this time. I have to admit I had been checking the bookings and availability online aswell prior to checking in as upgrades are subject to availability. Top 18th floor Suite granted.