Originally Posted by
GoPhils
How did SPG previously determine award levels? It seems like this may be due to the MR method of award levels being based on the number of awards redeemed for that property. i.e., everyone redeems points at Disney hotels, so those cost a lot of points.
Agree, read on...
Originally Posted by
TravelinSperry
Bangkok did quite well. Except for the very popular Sheraton Grande all properties went down.
The Aloft went way up, almost by 50%.
The Aloft was by far the least expensive points redemption in BKK. It is also usually the least expensive Marriott option for cash. It is now a higher redemption, obviously because so many people did the cheap redemption and not because of the cash price. The CY is now a lower redemption despite usually being more expensive. In the past, there was not much of a points difference between the CY and the Marqis/FS/LM that most people would pay a little more in points for a nicer hotel. People do not redeem and the redemption rate falls. It is clear when looking at Bangkok that they are following the old Marriott model and not basing redemption on cash rates.
BTW, the awesome Soi 57 FS is now a bargain at level three redemption. Great rooms and bathrooms, fantastic staff, very good CL, near the BTS. It is as good as the Marquis, Ren, JW or LM but much lower points redemption!