SPG announced on Flyertalk today their category adjustments for 2014 which will go into effect on March 4, 2014.
While 139 hotels are moving down in category, 111 are moving up including the W Los Angeles-Westwood, the Westin Riverfont Villas Beavercreek, and the Sheraton Waikiki to name a few.
From their announcement:
Our hotel Category adjustments for 2014 will soon be in effect, and we would like to provide you with an advance look at the preliminary list of changes. Please note that we are not adding new categories or changing category pricing.
Just over 20% of hotels are changing category, of these 56% are moving down and 44% are moving up. We want to make sure you’re able to maximize your Starpoints®, so please review the information to decide if it makes sense to redeem before or after the changes take place starting March 4, 2014. Please note that Category changes are always subject to change, and while we make every attempt to provide you the latest, most accurate information, there may be adjustments necessary before or after the March 4, 2014 date.
Click here to view the list of changes.
Click here to view existing hotel categories.
Bottom Line
While this change goes into place on March 4, 2014, you are able to book through then at the lower rates. So if you have any upcoming plans for this summer or even later in the year, you can book now and lock in the lower rates if the hotel will be increasing in category.
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Hey Wyndham – was that (advance notice) so hard?!!? 😀
Note that as far as their list goes, they are only including the Westin Riverfront Villas in Avon, not the Westin Riverfront Resort.
Looks like there are a lot more ups than downs for the US market which for me is a devaluation. Most of the downs are in China where the categories were way too high to begin with considered the lower rates in China.