I get that as cash rates rise due to inflation, points rates must necessarily follow. What I am very frustrated with is how difficult it's become to use FNCs anywhere. Hotels set their redemption rates at 51k or 66k or 101k and it's impossible to use a cert even when topping off, because they're just out of reach.

100% agreed on that point- it’s time for Marriott to increase the redemption rates on the various levels of FNCs.

With all the points inflation that’s happened over the past few years, the 35k certs should really be 40-45k now.

I think the 35k FNAs should be 40k FNAs and the Marriott Titanium Elite Choice should be 50k instead of 40k with all these stealth devaluations.

I would suggest that if you really wanted to “reward” your members, the “lowest” cert. should be 50K and the highest cert. should be 100K.

Anything less is an admission that your members will have to jump through hoops to get a “reward"

It's only going to change if spending slows down on the cards.

Or at least do away with the limits on top-up..

I've seen on View From The Wing that you've updated the post - looking at the data… oh well..

One hotel I am tracking - couple of weeks ago 52,000 for one night, this morning 58,000 points, and now (14:30 EST), 78,000 points.

As always, the lesson is to jump on the price you like and keep checking for price changes.

This devaluation is beyond awful. This CEO Anthony Capuano could care less about the guests and just gives more and more benefits to the owners. He even said that a few years ago he wants to look out for the owners more.

I used a 5 night stay at a Residence Inn in Maryland just a few weeks ago and it cost me 63,500 points. Now it's 16,000 points more and it doesn't matter what 5 day interval I choose.

I looked at other properties I stay at and the points have all gone up significantly. If I wasn't a Lifetime Titanium I would seriously start looking elsewhere. Capuano is the worst.

Are there a lot of businesses that never raise their prices? When was the last across-the-board increase in Bonvoy/Marriott/SPG redemption rates? We have to expect that these rates are going to rise occasionally.

I recall the last time FTers raised a major stink was the move from categories to dynamic pricing back in 2022. Same aspirational properties were affected first (eg Maldives) followed eventually by others.

yeah people don't seem to get it, when travel demand is strong this is what happens. there are still tons of leisure travelers who have so far been pretty insensitive to prices. every thread about hawaii you see people wanting more and more freebies and guess what, the properties ain't gonna do it because they have a billion non-elites who will pay whatever and not ask for anything. It's market conditions.

Dare I say it, because folks are dumb - they woud rather join the crwds in Hawaii than go to Asia for pretty much the same airfare but a far lower accoommodation and dining cost

difference is they gave us advanced warning. We all know this is going to happen, but at least give us a chance to use some points.

I'd give some ignorant, too, and there may be some that won't or can't travel to other countries, and there's also a time factor involved. There's also a familiarity factor. Some still talk about their great meal at Mama's Fish House from 1990 and can't wait to return (not thinking that they'll now need a second mortgage by the time the CC bill arrives).

Starwood was particularly good at this. On the other hand, Starwood treated us like valued customers and took its program standards seriously. It was a great ride.

Meanwhile, redeeming Marriott points is kind of like buying eggs this week. Maybe there are no eggs. And maybe if there are eggs, you're wallet is empty when you buy a few.