Radisson Blu, formerly Radisson SAS, is an upper upscale brand for Radisson Hotelsprimarily

outside the United States, including those in Europe, Africa, and Asia. These are operated
by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) was previously a major shareholder in Rezidor Hotel Group and
licensed its brand for Radisson SAS hotels. Following the withdrawal of SAS from the partnership in
2009, the name changed from Radisson SAS to Radisson Blu.
[1]
The new brand is currently being
introduced gradually across the portfolio.
[2]
In 2012, Carlson Hotels and Rezidor Hotel Group
combined to form Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
Radisson Blu operates 158 hotels, with 42 projects in development.
[3]

History[edit]
In 1960, The Royal Copenhagen, opened in Denmark. Designed by the Arne Jacobsen for SAS
International Hotels (SIH) - the hotel division of the Scandinavian airline group, SAS.
[1]

Radisson SAS was created in 1994 when SAS International Hotels (SIH) joined forces with the
Radisson brand for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in a joint branding initiative.
[1]

In 2000, Radisson SAS opened its hundredth hotel.
[1]

In 2002, Rezidor introduced the SAS Hospitality brand. Radisson SAS operated more than 150
properties at this time in more than 40 countries throughout EMEA. By late 2006, Rezidor SAS,
renamed The Rezidor Hotel Group, IPO's on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
[1]

In 2008, The Rezidor Hotel Group had a total portfolio of over 360 hotels in 55 countries.
[1]

When the name was changed in 2009, Gordon McKinnon, Rezidors Executive Vice President of
Brands, explained that the name Blu was choice from Rezidors research to find a new visual
differentiator to replace the familiar SAS blue box.
[1]

The name Blu started life as the projects working title. But it soon became apparent that it was
actually the most natural of choices. Its simple, its short, its relevant and weve applied it in a way
that adds a certain modernity to the identity without taking it too far, he said.
Most importantly it also promotes our specific brand heritage by preserving the graphic blue box
which has become the recognised symbol of the distinctive characteristics of the Radisson brand in
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Radisson Blu preserves the continuity of our unique brand, while
taking it that one essential step forward to more accurately represent its true position and future
ambitions.
Expansion into United States[edit]
SAS previously did not exist within the borders of the United States. The first Radisson Blu in the
U.S., theRadisson Blu Aqua Hotel opened in downtown Chicago in Aqua, a skyscraper, in November
2011. The second Radisson Blu, the Radisson Blu Mall of America opened on March 15th, 2013
in Bloomington, Minnesota and is connected to the Mall of America. After completion of a $17 million
renovation, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia will become the third Radisson Blu late
summer 2013, and renamed The Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel Philadelphia. A fourth Radisson Blu
will open inMinneapolis, Minnesota in early 2014. Work is to start in November 2013 to expand and
remodel the current Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Minneapolis and convert it to a Radisson
Blu.
[4]



Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is an international hotel company, with headquarters
in Minneapolis and Brussels, Belgium. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes more than 1,300
hotels in operation and under development in over 100 countries, employing over 88,000 staff. The
hotel brands includeRadisson Hotels, Radisson Blu, Country Inns & Suites, Park Inns, Park Plaza
Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Missoni and newly announced brands Radisson Redand the Quorvus
Collection.
[1]

The group has its roots in a partnership between Carlson Companies and Scandinavian-based
Rezidor.
In most of the groups hotels, guests can benefit from the loyalty program Club CarlsonSM.
Contents
[hide]
1 Operations
2 History
3 Brands
4 References
Operations[edit]
The group has more than 1,300 hotels in operation and under development in 100 countries and
territories. It is the world's tenth largest hotel group.
History[edit]
In 1938, Curtis L. Carlson founded the Gold Bond Stamp Company in his hometown of Minneapolis,
Minnesota. Over the next 75 years, Gold Bond grew into an international travel and hospitality
magnate, operating thousands of hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and the world's leading business
travel management company.
Rezidor was originally the hotel section of SAS Airlines, Rezidor opened the first hotel 1960 in
Denmark, the Royal Copenhagen, designed by Arne Jacobsen. The group developed from a
regional player in Scandinavia to an international company. In 1980, Radisson SAS opened in
Kuwait, the first to open outside of Scandinavia. In 1994, Rezidor signed the first Master Franchise
Agreement with Carlson for operation and development of the Radisson brand in Europe, the Middle
East and Africa. In 2002, the second Master Franchise Agreement followed for the Park Inn, Country
Inn and Regent brands in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. When SAS sold the hotel business in
2006 and Rezidor went public (listed at Stockholm Stock Exchange), Carlson became the largest
shareholder and is today the majority shareholder.
Carlson and Rezidor launched their strategic partnership in January 2012. Together, they target
more than MUS$ 400 incremental revenue and a RevPAR index increase of more than 9 points by
2015. Focus areas of their global cooperation are Revenue Generation activities and alignment of
their core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson.
Brands[edit]
Radisson
Radisson Blu
Country Inns & Suites
Park Inn
Park Plaza
Hotel Missoni
Radisson Red
Quorvus Collection

Radisson blu cp, Delhi
Located in the heart of New Delhi's central business district, Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place is ideal for
corporate travellers. One of the most convenient New Delhi hotelsin Connaught Place, this Delhi hotel is located
within 20 minutes of several attractions, including Red Fort, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Purana
Quila and Safdarjungs Tomb. (Google Map)
For your accommodation in Delhi, The Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place features 90 guest rooms and
suites with pure silk upholstery and 200-thread-count linens. All rooms include wireless Internet, LCD TVs,
complimentary newspapers, electronic safes and individual thermostat controls. Our convenient Business Centre
complements our Club Lounge, the perfect place for business and social meetings.
This business hotel in Delhi features a range of exceptional services to meet the needs of discerning travellers in
Delhi. Hotel amenities include a full-service spa, well-equipped Fitness Centre, translation services and complimentary
transportation to Shivaji Stadium Metro Station.
This Delhi hotel features four on-site dining options for your convenience. For great dining in Delhi, enjoy Indian
cuisine at The Great Kebab Factory, cocktails at The Connaught, international dining at Fifty9 and 24-hour room
service.