2021 Marriott Bonvoy Annual Hotel Category Changes, Effective March 3
Feb 5, 2021, 7:49 am
#31
Join Date: Sep 2008
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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.
Last edited by escapefromphl; Feb 5, 2021 at 8:09 am
Feb 5, 2021, 9:53 am
#32
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The JW Marriott Gold Coast (Australia) seems to have increased their category before March 3. I tried booking it and it's showing as category 6. The property website is showing as category 6 as well. However on Marriott's category change website, it shows the property as a cat 5 moving up to cat 6. Any ideas? 
Feb 5, 2021, 3:08 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2020
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Maybe they just don’t like the Langley!
Personally I’m amazed that the hotel has gone up two categories in the last 13 months or so, despite not being open to the public for the majority of that time. I’ve had so many stays cancelled over the last few months, and I suspect I won’t get a chance to stay here before both the cash and the points rates become a rip off. I don’t think it will be worth the higher points rates.
Personally I’m amazed that the hotel has gone up two categories in the last 13 months or so, despite not being open to the public for the majority of that time. I’ve had so many stays cancelled over the last few months, and I suspect I won’t get a chance to stay here before both the cash and the points rates become a rip off. I don’t think it will be worth the higher points rates.
Feb 6, 2021, 2:59 am
#37
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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.
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....
Feb 7, 2021, 4:16 am
#39
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Feb 7, 2021, 11:13 am
#40
Join Date: Sep 2009
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The Lytle Place Hotel in downtown Cincinnati is going up in category. This is disappointing because this was my go to hotel for a local stay using the 40K Visa certificate.
Feb 7, 2021, 12:06 pm
#41
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The "Sheraton Kauai" in Poipu has been a Cat 6, it's the "Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach" f.k.a. Courtyard Kauai in Kapa'a that's going up. It was a Cat 4 just 16 months ago. Cash prices are also jacked up to insane levels.
Feb 7, 2021, 12:27 pm
#42
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YAY! I can finally use my old 1-4 7 night cert in Moxy Copenhagen 
(thanks but no thanks - stayed there for 2 months and it's more than enough).
(thanks but no thanks - stayed there for 2 months and it's more than enough).
Feb 7, 2021, 12:30 pm
#43
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Feb 7, 2021, 2:39 pm
#44
Join Date: Feb 2006
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We are headed to Hawaii in a few weeks. Most of our times are in MVC villas, but two nights I am using Bonvoy points. Everything we like conveniently 36K+. Can't use my 35K certs.
Feb 7, 2021, 2:50 pm
#45
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The Langley rising from cat 6 to 7
The Langley’s launch category was conspicuously way below par - every other high-end property in the London area is 7 or 8 - so I’m not at all surprised that the Marriott has taken this opportunity to level it out.