Annual Category Change Announcement 2014 [effective March 4, 2014]
Feb 20, 2014, 2:14 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, IHG Gold Ambassador, Marriott Gold
Posts: 519
Why in the world is W San Francisco going up to Cat. 6? St. Regis SF is also Cat. 6 and it charges $150+/day more (I've been planning a trip to SF; on my dates, St. Regis is $515/nt, W - $356 for Lowest Standard Rates; similar difference between AAA rates).
Anyway, one change that will affect me the most is Sheraton Houston Brookhollow going from Cat. 2 to Cat. 3
It's still a better value on points than Sheraton Galleria or Aloft and I suspected the good days wouldn't last forever as it's charging similar daily rates as those Cat. 4 hotels.
Anyway, one change that will affect me the most is Sheraton Houston Brookhollow going from Cat. 2 to Cat. 3
It's still a better value on points than Sheraton Galleria or Aloft and I suspected the good days wouldn't last forever as it's charging similar daily rates as those Cat. 4 hotels.
Feb 20, 2014, 2:18 pm
#77
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: New York
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Intercontinental Platinum, AA Gold
Posts: 229
timeshare???? you do not belong here, haha. biggest rip off ever.
The upgrade in category of the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Maui and Westin Maui is a crime. Seems like Starwood is taking advantage of the supply and demand situation in Hawaii; hotel rates there are off the charts. Glad we bought our timeshares at WKORV 13 years ago and I can now justify using the points to stay at the Royal Hawaiian and St. Regis Princeville.
Feb 20, 2014, 2:46 pm
#78
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
Thinking through the strategy here, I'd honestly be surprised if properties have much to do with it. Think of it this way. Properties are compensated one of two ways for award stays: marginal cost if not sold out, or at/near ADR if occupancy is 90-95%+.
So the hotel itself doesn't really care what its category is (or shouldn't at least). They're getting paid the same regardless. It's Starwood that cares, since they have to manage the number of points outstanding, the value of those points from a liability perspective, and how much their various partners pay to acquire the points.
So the hotel itself doesn't really care what its category is (or shouldn't at least). They're getting paid the same regardless. It's Starwood that cares, since they have to manage the number of points outstanding, the value of those points from a liability perspective, and how much their various partners pay to acquire the points.
Anyway SPG uses some unknown formula for predicted ADR which I'm sure the hotels have influence on.
Feb 20, 2014, 2:53 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 983
Wow, anyone notice the Sheraton PV and Westin PV change places, Sheraton goes up and Westin goes down 
Weird.
Also, the Grande Bretagne in Athens goes up? In that economy....more strangeness.
Weird.Also, the Grande Bretagne in Athens goes up? In that economy....more strangeness.
Feb 20, 2014, 2:55 pm
#80
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 983
From where I'm sitting, the Westin Puerto Vallarta now becomes the best award value in North America. At a CAT 2, it's a steal.
Oddly enough, the Sheraton Buganvilias just down the road a few miles soars back up to a CAT 4, which is just astounding. Given that this dated monstrosity was still selling rooms the week before Christmas for $65, something smells awfully fishy. Outside of the very few true peak timeframes, this Sheraton can be had for rates in the $90-$110 range with astounding consistency. Go to slower times, and you'll see it in the $60s. If I were *wood, I'd be looking very close at the accounting at this property.
Oddly enough, the Sheraton Buganvilias just down the road a few miles soars back up to a CAT 4, which is just astounding. Given that this dated monstrosity was still selling rooms the week before Christmas for $65, something smells awfully fishy. Outside of the very few true peak timeframes, this Sheraton can be had for rates in the $90-$110 range with astounding consistency. Go to slower times, and you'll see it in the $60s. If I were *wood, I'd be looking very close at the accounting at this property.
Feb 20, 2014, 3:13 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The City of Angels
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold
Posts: 406
It would seem that way, but there are currently many days this summer where the least expensive rate for the Grand Bretagne is well over US$400. I'm holding a cash and points reservation there for July and that now seems like a steal.
Feb 20, 2014, 3:16 pm
#82
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hilton Gold, RA, QF Gold, UA 1K
Posts: 308
Annual Category Change Announcement 2014 [effective March 4, 2014]
This is really not bad for Asia 
Westin Tokyo is going down which is great. However, Hawaii properties seem to all gone up now...
Westin Tokyo is going down which is great. However, Hawaii properties seem to all gone up now...
Feb 20, 2014, 3:22 pm
#83
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: KSA
Programs: Marriott AMB, Skywards Gold
Posts: 3,737
Feb 20, 2014, 3:24 pm
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,710
The upgrade in category of the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Maui and Westin Maui is a crime. Seems like Starwood is taking advantage of the supply and demand situation in Hawaii; hotel rates there are off the charts. Glad we bought our timeshares at WKORV 13 years ago and I can now justify using the points to stay at the Royal Hawaiian and St. Regis Princeville.
Time and place for everything, even timeshares at the right price. A bit harsh for a new poster, no?
Welcome SJChick. Heading to the Sheraton Maui later this year - guess we picked a good time to sneak one in under the wire. ^
Feb 20, 2014, 3:28 pm
#85
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
For many, the location of the Sheraton is its strongest asset. If one enjoys being in the old city (and let's face it, that's where the action is and virtually all of the best dining experiences), the Sheraton's location is excellent.
Feb 20, 2014, 3:33 pm
#86
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 1,297
Be careful about the "last minute changes" from SPG. Many hotels may suddenly decided to join the increased list or decided not to go down category list just like every other year.
Feb 20, 2014, 3:52 pm
#87
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 69
UGHHHHH....this is a BIG hit for me as I primarily use my SPG points for the Beaver Creek properties. No Bueno. Combine that with Hyatt Devaluing the PHBC and it looks like I'm now investing in Choice Hotels points! (seriously...the comfort inn might be where I'm having to stay now).
Feb 20, 2014, 4:25 pm
#88
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, AC Elite, Airmiles Gold, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Posts: 785
Feb 20, 2014, 4:26 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,644
It is nowhere near as "quite low" as in years' past. The place is frequently sold out, and on weeknights can top $200 if it is getting full. I haven't seen a weekend rate under $100 in ages.
Feb 20, 2014, 4:41 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ECP
Programs: DL Diamond
Posts: 1,658
I've had them do this before. They called it a "rack override." It seems like they book you at a rack rate and manually credit the points for payment.