Starwood Category Changes March 1, 2012


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Starwood is going through their annual review and will be changing the categories of several hotels starting March 1, 2012. You can take a look at the hotels changing categories here. Two things to keep in mind:

  1. If you already have a future reservation for a hotel that is going down in a category, make sure to call Starwood on March 1st to get the difference credited back to your account
  2. If you are looking to make a reservation for a hotel that is going up a category, make your reservation NOW to lock in the lower rate. Even if you are not 100% of your vacation, book your reservation and cancel later (just make sure to take a look at the cancellation policy).

Here’s my analysis and thoughts on the changes:

Pros:

  • Going to Thailand with Starwood just got really cheaper (Le Meridien Chiang Mai, Le Meridien Chiang Rai, and Aloft Bangkok will be category 1 hotels). The Westin Siray Bay and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers are also going down a category.
  • Both the Le Meridien Bora Bora and W Retreat Koh Samui are going down to a category 6 (20-25k points for a free night) – this will allow redeeming for a free night a MUCH more obtainable (and assuming another summer free night promotion, potentially be included).
  • Many hotels in the UAE went down a category.
  • Le Meridien Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia) is now a category 2 and a great value compared to the paid rate.

Cons

  • Many hotels in LA, San Francisco, and San Diego are going up a category. I am actually shocked by the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica as it is nothing to write home about.
  • Almost every New York City hotel is going up a category.
  • The St. Regis Aspen Resort and Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas are going up to a category 7. If you are looking at these hotel for Christmas vacation or next years ski season – book now!
  • The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico will be a category 7. I am not surprised about this as I’ve heard amazing reviews.
  • W South Beach is moving up to a category 7 – I think this is quite high.
  • The two Nusa Dua Bali hotels are going up a category (to a category 5). With this change you might need to re-evaluate using points at these hotels vs. paying the best available rate.

Unfortunately more hotels are going up a category than going down. Additionally, more category 7 hotels have been added to the list then taken away. Just remember, if a hotel is going up a category – BOOK NOW! You have until Wednesday February 29, 2012.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Jamison
12 years ago

def hitting thailand this year

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