Originally Posted by
Horace
No. The new categories do not correspond directly to the current Rewards categories, SPG categories, or RC tiers.
The full answer is at the
Marriott Members FAQ.
The short answer is that you can use the Category 1-5 certificate before August under the current redemption rules and current points required (Marriott Rewards properties only), even if the reservation is for August or beyond.
Unused certificates in August will convert to their point value. I assume this means current Category 1-5 certificates will be good for a free night up to 25,000 points (Marriott and Starwood legacy), based on new point requirements.
I think the Cat 5 certs will be converted to 35,000 points certs (the standard points rate for cat 5 properties in the new rewards chart), and not to 25,000 points certs.
At least that's how I read "Starting in August, any outstanding Certificates will be updated from Category-based to points-based values in the new combined redemption chart".
Thoughts?