Marriott have announced their category changes for 2016, a total of 797 properties are changing categories (18% of all properties are changing award levels), 30% of those changing are decreasing by one category and 70% are increasing. The new rates will go into effect on March 25, 2016. If you book before that date, you’ll be locked into the previous rate regardless of when your actual stay is (you can book up to 50 weeks in advance).
March 24th is also the first day that cash + point stays will be able to be booked (more information on cash + points stays can be found here). What’s somewhat interesting is that stays booked on or before March 24th will be eligible for the current point rate, so there might be a one day window where you can book properties under the current rates and also use the cash + points option.
The majority of the properties going up in price are located in the United States (94%), while a much higher portion of those going down a category are for properties outside the United States (36%) [Stats via View From The Wing]. Marriott hasn’t introduced any new award tiers, with category 9 still being the most expensive at 45,000 points per night.
For some people the most interesting change will be for properties that were category 5 or will become category 5, as the Chase Marriott card comes with a free annual night at any category 1-5 property. Unfortunately Marriott’s announcement is a pain in the butt to sort through, so you’ll need to go through those changes yourself.
You can find some more discussion of these Marriott changes in this Flyertalk thread. SPG also announced their changes for 2016 earlier today as well.
Hat tip to View From The Wing
