Editor's note: Radisson is now part of the Choice Privileges loyalty program. This content is being updated to reflect this change. In the meantime, read more about this news here.

Though big hotel loyalty programs get the most attention, don’t overlook smaller loyalty programs like Radisson Rewards, especially if any of its 1,100 properties are located in the places you travel to most.

Radisson Rewards brands include Radisson, Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson and the Radisson Collection. All of its hotels offer the opportunity to earn and redeem points.

A helpful redemption chart with properties divided into seven redemption categories makes it easy to know how many points you need to book an award stay. Radisson Rewards also offers points and cash redemptions, which are great for members still growing their points balances.

You can earn Radisson Rewards points using a credit card like the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card or the Radisson Rewards™ Platinum Visa® Card. The Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card also comes with instant Gold status (the midtier in the brand’s program), offering perks like bonus points, a welcome gift and space-available room upgrades.

Though you’re probably avoiding travel during the pandemic, now is a good time to plan future award stays. Exciting new properties entering the Radisson Rewards portfolio include some stunning aspirational hotels overseas, in addition to Radisson's big push to expand in the Americas. Here are some of the most enticing new hotels and resorts where you can look forward to redeeming your points.

The Americas

1. Radisson Blu Resort and Residence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This is the first Radisson Blu to open in the country, and it will add another resort redemption option in the popular destination. Along the Cabeza de Toro beach, the Radisson Blu Resort and Residence, Punta Cana is scheduled to open later this year, so we’ll have to wait a little longer to learn how many points an award night will cost.

This elegant beach resort is 10 minutes from the airport and downtown Punta Cana and will feature five restaurants, guest rooms spread across 12 buildings and dramatic, winding swimming pools.

2. Radisson Blu Aruba

Enjoy European influences in an island paradise at the new Radisson Blu Aruba. It's located close to, but not directly on, Palm Beach and near the historic center of town, known for its colorful architecture.

This high-rise resort, which opens in November, offers great views of the island and beaches. A reservation search for December turned up a three-bedroom suite for 105,000 points per night. But we expect that once operations are in full swing, rooms should start at the normal Category 7 rate of 70,000 points per night at this all-suite property that's sure to be popular with families.

3. Radisson Blu Anaheim, California

When it becomes safe to visit our favorite amusement parks, Radisson Blu will be waiting. The brand is opening an Anaheim property by the end of 2020. Near Disneyland and with a rooftop pool, the Radisson Blu Anaheim will attract leisure visitors. Its meeting facilities will draw business travelers, too, but it's sure to be a popular redemption for families.

We found a one-bedroom suite with a fireworks view for 75,000 points, but we expect in the future to see Category 6 redemption rates of 50,000 points per night in a standard room. The Anaheim GardenWalk and Anaheim Convention Center and Arena are less than a mile from the hotel.

4. Radisson RED Miraflores, Lima, Peru

The new Radisson RED Miraflores is sure to turn heads in this popular shopping and tourist district of Lima. Striking modern artwork adorns its facade and continues indoors on the walls of guest rooms and public areas.

This Category 4 hotel costs 38,000 points per night, and it's within walking distance of the popular Larcomar shopping mall and oceanfront park.

Europe, Middle East and Africa

5. The May Fair, Radisson Collection, London

A city icon is joining Radisson Collection, which includes high-end luxury hotels around the world. The May Fair in London is a Category 7 property with an award night costing 70,000 points for a standard room. It's the first hotel in England to join Radisson Collection, the premium lifestyle brand for Radisson.

With Baccarat chandeliers and contemporary guest rooms (some of which have terraces), this legendary hotel lets guests stay near Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben and Bond Street shopping. It's also the official hotel to London Fashion Week, so be sure to dress to impress.

6. Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Nairobi Arboretum

The new Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Nairobi Arboretum is located — no surprise — near the Nairobi Arboretum in Kenya’s capital. Many visitors use Nairobi as a jumping-off point to a safari, but might be surprised to learn that the city has quite a few natural parks and green spaces in the middle of its urban sprawl.

Nairobi Arboretum has over 300 trees and 100 bird species within its bucolic grounds, just 10 minutes from downtown. Other area attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park. Wilson Airport, from where most domestic flights depart (including safari flights), is 15 minutes away by car.

The hotel is a Category 5 property with a standard room costing 44,000 points per night. It's a great option for a pre- or post-safari stay.

7. Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center, Morocco

This new business hotel in Casablanca does double duty as a home base for tourists visiting the city. With American Airlines launching nonstop service to Casablanca from Philadelphia in 2021 and the recent addition of Royal Air Maroc to the Oneworld alliance, there are more options than ever to visit Morocco on miles.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center is in a central location along Mohammed V Boulevard for major offices and shops; the neighborhood is known for its art deco buildings and proximity to the Old Medina. We found award redemptions in August starting at 66,000 points per night, but we expect to see standard Category 5 rates of 44,000 points per night in the near future.

8. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View

For a different perspective on Dubai’s dramatic skyline, stay at the new Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View. The property is along the city’s man-made canal and about 1 mile from famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Views from many guest rooms take in the city’s skyline with the sparkling canal in the foreground.

The hotel is a Category 6 property with an award night costing 50,000 points.

Asia Pacific

9. Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, Vietnam

International visitors in recent years have discovered the natural beauty of the Vietnam coastline, fueling a tourist boom in this surprisingly affordable vacation destination. The new Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh is south of Nha Trang’s shopping and nightlife and only 10 minutes from the Cam Ranh airport. Designed as a leisure-focused resort, the property also offers business traveler amenities such as ample meeting space and an executive level category of guest rooms.

Guests have the option to lounge on the sand of Bai Dai Beach or in one of many refreshing swimming pools that dot the resort. As a Category 6 hotel, an award night costs 50,000 points, and the rooms we found included breakfast.

10. Radisson Blu Resort Maldives

On private Huruelhi Island, the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives offers the sweeping aquamarine sea views and rows of tropical overwater bungalows the island nation is famous for. We found a standard overwater villa with a private pool for 70,000 points per night. Compared with other Maldivian luxury resorts, that's quite a deal.

Snorkeling, diving and other watersports keep active travelers happy, while spa goers and relaxation seekers have just what they need here, too. Plus, the overwater bungalows offer excellent privacy during your stay.

Photos courtesy of Radisson Hotels.