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Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is an international hospitality firm with offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota and Brussels. Brands include Radisson, Country Inns and Suites, Park Plaza, Club Carlson, and the Quorvus Collection.
The company was founded in 1938 by Curt Carlson who took out a 55 dollar loan to start the Gold Bond Stamp Company. Gold Bond Stamps were issued at gas stations and supermarkets and could be redeemed for rewards.
Carlson purchased a 50% stake in the Radisson Hotel of Minneapolis in 1960 and a full share in 1962 and began expanding the brand. The Radisson Hotel was built in 1909 and was named after French Explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson (1636–1710) who was a cofounder of the Hudson Bay Company. Pierre Radisson engaged in exploration of the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States.
Carlson company developed an enviable line of quality hotels with innovative architectural styles through construction of new hotels, franchising and acquisitions. Acquisitions include Colony Resorts (in 1960) and Regent Hotels & Resorts (in 1996). Carlson developed a marketing and reservation alliance with Park Plaza.
In 1985, Carlson entered the International Stage by developing an agreement with the SAS International Hotels by the Scandinavian Airlines System. The SAS Group was renamed The Rezidor Hotel Group in 2002. The Radisson SAS hotels were rebranded as Radisson Blu® in 2009.
In 1987 Carlson founded Country Inns & Suites By Carlson℠ for a line of comfortable hotels in midsize markets.
In 1999, Carlson revived the Gold Points Rewards program which evolved into Club Carlson which offers reward points for sales at its hotels.
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group was purchased by the Beijing based HNA Group for an undisclosed sum in 2016.
References:
- Wikipedia - Pierre Radisson (Drawn 2/12/2020)
- Carlson Rezidor - Our History (Drawn 2/12/2020)