Latest Carlson Promotion Is Good for Budget Travelers

The latest in the continuing stream of hotel offers is from Carlson Hotels, for members of its goldpoints plus program.

Between June 1 and August 31, program members can earn bonus points for the third and subsequent nights at Regent, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inns, and Park Inn hotels, as follows:

• 3,000 bonus points for three nights
• 4,000 bonus points for four nights
• 5,000 bonus points for five nights
• 15,000 bonus points for 10 nights
• 25,000 bonus points for 20 nights

Since the bonus is keyed to the number of nights, there’s a much higher ratio of bonus points per dollar spent at the less expensive hotels. In other words, the promotion offers a better payoff for the frugal than it does for the big spenders. While that’s perverse from a business standpoint, it’s good for the average consumer, who’s looking to get the most for his or her travel dollar.

During the same period, goldpoints plus members can also earn 1,000 bonus points per day on Avis or Budget car rentals of three days or more, up to 5,000 bonus points per rental.