This is a quick reminder that today is the last day to lock in the prices for many Starwood and Marriott hotels moving up a category, thus requiring more points for a free night award. Starting tomorrow March 7, 2017 (hotel local time), the annual category changes will take place where some hotels are going up or down a category or two. It is extremely important to book the hotels that are going up a category since you can always cancel down the line (just make sure it is a flexible cancelation policy). You can see all the hotels changing here: Starwood and Marriott.
Popular Hotels Going Up a Category
Starwood
- The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali (going from a category 4 to 5)
- Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran (going from a category 3 to 4)
- Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali (going from a category 3 to 5)
- Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui (going from a category 6 to 7)
- Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand (going from a category 2 to 3)
- The Library, Koh Samui, a Member of Design Hotels (going from a category 5 to 6)
- The Naka Phuket, a Member of Design Hotels (going from a category 5 to 6)
- Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas (going from a category 4 to 5)
- The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver (going from a category 4 to 5)
- The Westin Grand, Vancouver (going from a category 4 to 5)
- Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec (going from a category 4 to 5)
- Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica (going from a category 5 to 6)
Marriott
- Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club (going from a category 7 to 8)
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection (going from a category 8 to 9)
- The Castle, Autograph Collection, Orlando (going from a category 5 to 6)
- The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection (going from a category 7 to 8)
- The New York EDITION (going from a category 3 to 4)
- Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (going from a category 7 to 8)
- Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino (going from a category 5 to 6)
- CasaMagna(R) Marriott Cancun Resort (going from a category 7 to 8)
- JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa (going from a category 8 to 9)
Of course there are many more hotels moving up a category and the above is a sampling that I picked out from the entire list. I highly suggest making any speculative reservations now and canceling later. Any changes to reservations past March 7 will require you to pay the increased number of points.
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