Radisson Hotel Group Overview and Key Facts

The Radisson Hotel Group is a global hospitality company with a rich history. It was founded in 1962 by Karl Lundberg.

Radisson Hotel Group operates over 1,400 hotels worldwide, making it one of the largest hotel chains in the world. With a presence in more than 120 countries, you can find a Radisson hotel just about anywhere.

The group's portfolio includes several well-known brands, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, and Park Plaza.

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The Radisson Hotel Group has a rich history that spans over a century. The first Radisson Hotel was built in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1909 by Edna Dickerson, who invested $1.5 million in its construction.

The hotel was designed in the French Renaissance architecture style and was the second-tallest building in Minneapolis at the time. It had 16 stories, hand-carved walnut furnishings, and Spanish leather chairs in the main lobby and banquet hall.

The Radisson Hotel Group has undergone significant changes over the years. In 1962, Curt Carlson purchased the hotel and expanded the chain into one of the world's largest hotel corporations. By 1976, the chain had 14 locations, and by 1984, it had grown to 32 locations.

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Here's a brief timeline of the Radisson Hotel Group's major milestones:

In 2021, the Radisson Hotel Group Americas was split off as a separate organization with complete operational independence.

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The Radisson Hotel Group has a rich history that spans over a century. In 1907, Edna Dickerson invested $1.5 million in the construction of the first Radisson hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The hotel was designed in the French Renaissance architecture style and was the second-tallest building in Minneapolis at the time. It was a luxury hotel with hand-carved walnut furnishings and Spanish leather chairs in the main lobby and banquet hall.

Curt Carlson, the founder of the namesake company, bought the Radisson Hotel in downtown Minneapolis in 1962. He expanded the hotel division into one of the world's largest hotel corporations.

Over the next few decades, the division owned several other brands, including Park Inn, Park Plaza, and Country Inns & Suites. Carlson also founded Country Inns & Suites in 1986.

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The division expanded into the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market by signing a franchise agreement with SAS Group's SAS International Hotels (SIH) in 1994. This agreement led to the creation of the co-brand Radisson SAS.

In 2009, the European partner, Rezidor Hotel Group, was rebranded as Radisson Blu. Carlson became the parent company of Rezidor in 2010.

In 2021, Radisson Hotel Group Americas split off as a separate organization with complete operational independence.

Radisson Hotel Group was operated by Jinjiang International, a state-owned Chinese firm headquartered in Shanghai at the time.

The company relocated its headquarters from Minnetonka to St. Louis Park in early 2022.

Radisson Hotel Group Americas reshuffled its c-suite, adding several industry veterans that same year.

CEO Jim Alderman stepped down in 2022 and was succeeded by Tom Buoy, the recently appointed chief commercial officer, as interim chief executive.

Radisson Hotel Group Americas partnered with Lockwood Development partners and Commonwealth Hotels to acquire and redevelop nine hotels with Veteran Services USA.

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On June 13, 2022, the Radisson Hotel Group agreed to sell Radisson Hotels Americas to Choice Hotels for $675 million.

The acquisition included 624 properties, including 473 Country Inn & Suites, 130 Radisson Hotels, and 17 Park Inns among other properties.

Choice Hotel International’s acquisition of RHGA nearly doubled its footprint in the upscale hotel segment.

Radisson was purchased in 1962 by the Carlson Company, which then began adding new locations.

By 1976, the chain had 14 locations, and by 1984, it had grown to 32 locations.

The original Radisson in Minneapolis was demolished in 1982, with a new hotel being constructed and beginning operations in 1987.

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The Radisson Hotel Group operates a diverse portfolio of brands across the globe. One of its notable brands is Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, which is a midscale hotel brand inspired by a sense of belonging and community.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is known for its homey comfort, simple design, and friendly service, making it a reliable choice in India and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

The group also operates Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn by Radisson, Prize by Radisson, and art’otel, among others. These brands cater to various segments and provide a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and preferences.

Here are some of the hotel chains that partner with Radisson Hotel Group:

The Radisson Hotel Group operates a diverse range of brands across the globe. As of 2024, they have properties in the EMEA and APAC regions under the following brands:

Radisson's brands cater to different markets and preferences, from luxury to budget-friendly options. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a midscale hotel brand that creates inviting modern comfort for guests.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is inspired by a sense of belonging, community, and shared experiences. Its simple design and friendly service have made it a reliable choice in India and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has been around since 1986, when Carlson Companies established it as a midscale brand.

The brand was primarily located in the Americas, and was later transferred to Choice Hotels as part of the 2022 acquisition. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson creates inviting modern comfort through its design, products, and services, so that all guests feel that they are welcome and connected.

It's a reliable choice in India and parts of the Asia-Pacific region, known for its simple design and friendly service. The brand specializes in homey comfort for families and travelers passing through suburban or secondary markets.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has 431 locations as of late 2024, with ownership split between Choice Hotels in the Americas and Radisson Hotel Group outside of the Americas. In January 2018, the chain was rebranded from "Country Inns & Suites by Carlson" to its current name.

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Radisson Collection is a luxury lifestyle brand that's making waves in the hotel industry. With a global footprint of 65+ hotels in operation and under development, they're offering over 13,080+ rooms to travelers.

Their properties are designed to feel authentic to their unique locations, with a strong focus on bespoke design and exceptional experiences. This is evident in their recent additions in Srinagar and Rome, which highlight the brand's commitment to high design and locally rooted experiences.

Radisson Collection has a rich history, originally known as Quorvus Collection, and was introduced in 2014 as a luxury brand.

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The Radisson Collection is a luxury lifestyle brand with a global footprint of 65+ hotels in operation and under development, offering 13,080+ rooms. It's a collection of iconic properties located in unique locations, each with its own character and charm.

Radisson Collection hotels are united by bespoke design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness, and sustainability. They offer the ultimate template for contemporary living, as described by the brand itself.

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The Radisson Collection was originally known as Quorvus Collection, and it adopted its current name in 2018. This luxury brand has been around since 2014, and it's been growing steadily ever since.

As of 2025, there are over 40 Radisson Collection properties globally, with 32 in the EMEA region and 8 in Asia Pacific. This impressive growth is a testament to the brand's commitment to high design and locally rooted experiences.

Radisson Blu is an upper upscale hotel brand that delivers meaningful and memorable experiences in stylish spaces.

Radisson Blu hotels can be found in major cities, key airport gateways, and leisure destinations, with a strong presence in airports, city centers, and resorts.

The brand has a global footprint with 400+ hotels in operation and under development, offering 88,370+ rooms.

Radisson Blu hotels combine consistent service with approachable design and global familiarity, making them a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers.

The brand has roots dating back to the opening of the SAS Royal Hotel in Denmark in 1960, which was the world's first designer hotel.

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Red is a global upscale chain of full-service hotels that injects new life into hospitality through informal services and a vibrant social scene.

Radisson Red was launched in 2015 as the brand's answer to the next-gen, digitally savvy traveler, aiming to balance playful design with digital convenience.

The brand's identity is still maturing, but its expansion shows potential, with a global footprint of 100+ hotels in operation and under development, and 16,690 rooms.

Radisson Red has 36 locations across the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, and four locations in the Americas, where Choice Hotels owns the regional brand.

Radisson Red's focus on communal social spaces and stylish public spaces with standout design aims to inspire its guests and provide a fresh contrast to Radisson's more traditional offerings.

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Park Inn by Radisson has a global footprint of 240+ hotels in operation and under development, offering 33,810+ rooms to guests.

The brand is known for delivering stress-free experiences, good food, and upbeat environments, with a focus on mastering the essentials to create a happy stay.

Park Inn by Radisson hotels can be found in capital cities, around economic hubs, and near airports and railway stations, making it a convenient option for business and leisure travelers.

The brand's design is characterized by clever use of color, inspired and contemporary design, and friendly, personalized service with surprising feel-good extras.

Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is a more recent addition to the Radisson family, launched in 2022 with a focus on India's booming midscale market.

It aims to have 150 hotels in tier 2 to 5 cities over the next 10 years, catering to domestic travelers who value speed, affordability, and local relevance.

Park Inn by Radisson also has a presence in the Americas, owned by Choice Hotels with 40 locations in operation by the end of 2024.

The brand offers comfortable, contemporary accommodations and on-site restaurants, making it an attractive option for travelers looking for a hassle-free stay.

In India, Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its presence with the opening of two new hotels, Park Inn by Radisson Lucknow Vikas Nagar and Radisson Hotel Prayagraj, reinforcing its commitment to growth in Uttar Pradesh.

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Radisson Hotel Group has transformed into a regionally focused operator, emphasizing flexible brand models, lifestyle offerings, and conversions, especially after divesting its Americas business.

Its portfolio now includes a diverse range of brands from luxury (Radisson Collection) to midscale (Prize by Radisson), each tailored to specific regional markets and traveler segments.

Radisson is aggressively expanding in India and EMEA, with new brands and concepts targeting domestic travelers, secondary cities, and the growing demand for affordable lifestyle hotels.

Here's a breakdown of the key facts:

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Radisson Hotel Group has undergone significant changes in recent years, shifting its focus from a legacy operator to a regionally focused hotel group. This transformation has led to a diverse portfolio of brands tailored to specific regional markets and traveler segments.

The group has divested its Americas business to Choice Hotels, refocusing on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. As a result, Radisson is aggressively expanding in India and EMEA, targeting domestic travelers and secondary cities.

Radisson's luxury brand, Radisson Collection, offers high-end hospitality experiences, while its midscale brand, Prize by Radisson, caters to budget-conscious travelers. The group's soft brand, Radisson Individuals, targets boutique and independent hotels seeking support infrastructure.

Here's a breakdown of Radisson's brand portfolio:

Radisson Hotel Group's commitment to growth in India is evident, with recent openings in Uttar Pradesh, including Park Inn by Radisson Lucknow Vikas Nagar and Radisson Hotel Prayagraj. This expansion reinforces the group's focus on regionally tailored brands and concepts.

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