Just received this from MR:

"On May 16, 2013, Marriott Rewards® will be changing which hotels are in which categories as part of our regular review of all our hotels' categories. Additionally, there will be a new Category 9, requiring 45,000 points per night for a redemption stay.

Book now for the best value


•All redemption reservations booked on or before May 15 for stays after May 16 will be honored at the point price booked. If you have not ordered your certificate prior to May 15, call Guest Services to request the lower priced certificate before your stay

•As always, you may book redemption reservations up to 50 weeks in advance of your stay, even before having the required points in your account. For example, on May 1, 2013, you may book your redemption stay as far out as April 16, 2014

•You can also use Cash + Points, our newest booking tool, to book your redemption stay"

"Book NOW for Best Value???" Uh-huh. Oh well, I guess we know what is coming then, right? All the changes in categories will be moving hotels up in categories. Cynical? Maybe. I'd be interested in seeing how many, if any, move down in category.