Welcome to a whole new world of hotel rewards.  goldpoints plus^SM is now Club Carlson — the global hotel rewards program from Carlson Hotels.  Members can enjoy an enhanced collection of superior benefits, service and privileges at any of our more than 1,000 hotels worldwide.

Earn Gold Points®. Get rewarded.

You can earn points for every eligible stay at participating hotels worldwide: Country Inns & Suites by Carlson^SM, Radisson^®, Park Inn^® and Park Plaza^®.

Plus, you can redeem your Gold Points for things like:

• Free Award Nights – starting at 9,000 Gold Points® with no blackout dates on standard rooms
• Prepaid Cards and Gift Cards – new retail and restaurant partners provide low point redemption options
• Vacation Savings – redeem Gold Points for savings on vacations from Club Med® (US/Canada members only) or on select CWT Vacations (US members only)
• And more

Learn more about all the exciting redemption options at www.clubcarlson.com.

Club Carlson – you belong here.

If you are an existing goldpoints plus member, you’re already in the club.  Your membership number hasn’t changed – all you have to do is Log-in and start exploring the many advantages that await you as a member of Club Carlson at www.clubcarlson.com.

Not yet a Club Carlson member?  Enroll for free today at www.clubcarlson.com.

Show someone the love with this special deal. Not a member? Sign up for goldpointsplus by visiting http://www.goldpointsplus.com.

I Love this Country!

~Emily

When deciding where to stay for a business trip, there are multiple considerations. Sometimes you just feel lucky to get a hotel within 20 miles of the office, as was the case when I was in a tiny town in Georgia last year. But when you have options, sometimes it can get overwhelming. Here are a few things to look for when deciding on your hotel.

Location. Different locations are important for different reasons. Obviously, proximity to the office can make things a lot easier. Commute time is shorter, and possible delays due to traffic are minimized. Sometimes, however, you want to be close to other things, like downtown, shopping, or the airport. This December I went to Pensacola, and the office I was visiting was as far away from the beach as you could get.  But I figured if I’m going to be in Florida, I’m staying at a beach. Even with the thirty minute drive, it was totally worth it.

Food. Will you be working late? Do you need to have room service available? Or is it enough to have good restaurants nearby? And what about breakfast? Do you enjoy the traditional continental option, or or will you build your own waffle?

Hotel amenities. Do you need a hotel with a gym or a pool? What about a fridge in your room? Will you need to print, copy, or fax anything while you are there? Do you need a universally accessible room? And of course, what about beds? Do you prefer a king, or two queens? Does bedding matter? Other amenities to consider are free breakfast and high-speed internet.

Reward programs. I highly, highly encourage you to try to stay at the same family of hotels whenever you can. Free trips are one of the best rewards for all of your business travel. The Home Warrior and I have taken many flights on American Airlines and Southwest from rewards points, and have been able to stay in hotels across the country for free. Another benefit? Once you attain Elite status you will often receive bonuses at check in, such as room upgrades, bottles of water, a free movie, or extra reward points. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, and most families of hotels have multiple price points. (Check out the Carlson family, which includes Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, Park Inn and Radisson hotels.)

Let’s face it: Business travel can be stressful—between flight delays and less-than-ideal work spots, there’s a lot to manage. In the midst of all that, our goal is to provide a friendly haven where you can feel like you never left the comforts of home. From our hot breakfast served each morning to high-speed Internet and weekday morning newspapers, we’ve got you covered for a productive morning to start your busy day out of the office.

I’m happy to tell you that we’re extending a special offer to business travelers. From now until February 17, when you book the Country Means Business promotion, you’ll receive 10,000 bonus Gold Points^® when you stay at a Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM hotel between Sunday and Thursday (that’s in addition to the standard Gold Points you’ll earn for your stay). Whether you’re working from your room all day or just stopping in for the night, Country Inns & Suites has you covered.

Visit www.countryinns.com/business to learn more.

Book now and stay Sunday-Thursday (through November 18th at participating hotels), and goldpoints plus members can earn 15,000 bonus Gold Points.

Additional terms and conditions apply.  Visit www.countryinns.com/business for details and to book today!

Not a goldpoints plus member?  Not a problem — you can join online right before you book!

Your home office away from home awaits.
~Emily

If you plan to travel by car, there are a few things you can do to maximize your mileage and save money:

• Pack light. The more you pack, the heavier the car is. That makes the car have to work harder and use more fuel.
• Tire check. Make sure your tire pressure is accurate so that the gas is spent efficiently.
• Cruise it. Cruise control helps the engine run efficiently and save gas.
• Grade Gas. You probably don’t need premium grade fuel. Use only the grade level of gas that your owner’s manual calls for, nothing more.

If you’re not taking your own car, consider using public transportation to get around your vacation spot. You can often check local bus and light-rail schedules on line. And some cities offer inexpensive day passes.

Keep an eye out for freebies. Some airlines and hotels have specials for children 12 years and under. Check out local restaurants for their kids-eat-free nights, too. And don’t forget the free activities in a lot of cities – get on the visitor website of your destination city and find out what’s free. They may even have a free coupon book to area attractions and restaurants.

Joining a hotel loyalty program can save you money as well. You earn points for every stay in the hotels, and those can add up to free nights and airline miles.  Visit www.goldpointsplus.com to join today! 

When you’re choosing a hotel, check their website for special promotions or packages. Visit www.countryinns.com and click on “Specials and Packages” to take advantage of dozens of special promotions in different areas.

Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far or spending a lot of money. You can have a  trip that won’t break the bank!

~Emily

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our loyalty program goldpointsplus has partnered with FTD Flowers to come up wtih a great offer –  for a limited time, goldpoints plus members receive 20% off FTD purchases!

First – Join and access discount via www.goldpointsplus.com. 

Second – join gpp or log in —  and say I love you with a special deal on a beautiful floral arrangement for somebody special.

I love this Country!
~Emily