Originally Posted by
swag
But the category changes are done annually. If they lowered the category now, that lower rate would still be in place through February 2022. And since you can lock in a point cost by booking up to 11 months in advance, that means the lower points would be available for stays for all of 2022 and early 2023, well after (we hope) the pandemic has subsided, at least in first-world countries. SO I understand why they didn't.
i don't quite agree with that theory....i realise that changes are done annually but the program & all properties reserve the right to make changes mid year....some do as well....
also, i don't think 2021 is going to see travel return to anywhere near pre-covid levels....my guess is things are going to be slow till mid 2022....those booking 11 months in advance are going to be a very small percentage & they will also have to keep in mind that any changes they make to the reservations post march 2022 will be at the new increased rates....i would say the number of people who would stick to a reservation made 11 months out would be even smaller....
either way, it doesn't matter....for whatever reason, marriott felt decreasing category levels was not in their best interest....i'm expecting lots of off-peak & other point saver promos in 2021....maybe some of these will tempt me to use up some points....as of now i'm just sticking to revenue rates....