Mar 10, 2015, 4:40 pm
Last edit by: daiseee
When did the 2015 Starwood hotel category changes go into effect?
The changes took effect on March 10.
What's the breakdown of properties going up/down?Based on the initial list of changes--see below for more on this--22% of hotels are changing category. Of these, 10.49% are moving up and 11.78% are moving down.
Where can I find the list of changes?The initial list can be found here.
Note that the initial list is not final or authoritative, and that additional changes (or even reversal of changes proposed in the initial list) have been made & may continue to occur. To date, these include
I booked a property before the category went up, but a) now my online reservation prices my stay at the higher category and/or b) I'm getting followup emails showing the higher rate? Is this problem?Note that the initial list is not final or authoritative, and that additional changes (or even reversal of changes proposed in the initial list) have been made & may continue to occur. To date, these include
- The Royal Palm going up to 6
- Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa going up to 3
- W Bangkok remaining 4
- Le Méridien Taipei remaining 6
- Sheraton Mahwah remaining 4
- Heathrow Sheraton remaining 3
- Westin LAX remaining 4
- Le Westin Montreal remaining 5
- Aloft Buffalo Airport going down to 2
- Aloft Tampa Downtown going down to 3
- Sheraton Gran Canaria going up to 4
As explained in post #118,
there is often a system-generated change that makes it look like the price will go up when checking reservations online and on any reservation confirmation emails for existing bookings that are re-sent after the change takes place. You will be charged what you booked originally, however.
Announcing SPG’s 2015 Category Changes : effective March 10, 2015
Feb 23, 2015, 10:18 pm
#46
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Feb 23, 2015, 10:24 pm
#47
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It's interesting to see the new Sheraton Bloomington (Minnesota), the former Sofitel, go up a category just in the middle of a major renovation continuing into the summer, but they have a good staff and the same GM as the Westin Edina Galleria.
It's also interesting that the Westin Verasa Napa moved up a category, given their damage from the earthquake and resulting closure for months of rooms and facilities.
It's also interesting that the Westin Verasa Napa moved up a category, given their damage from the earthquake and resulting closure for months of rooms and facilities.
Feb 23, 2015, 10:43 pm
#48
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These changes work out well for me. At least there isn't a huge bumper crop of hotels moving up in category!
Feb 23, 2015, 10:58 pm
#49
Join Date: Jul 2001
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I count 125 moving up and 138 moving down. Nice to see more moving down than up.
Feb 24, 2015, 12:06 am
#50
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I like the changes, thanks.
Feb 24, 2015, 2:01 am
#51
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Announcing SPG’s 2015 Category Changes
This annual head's up is most appreciated and just another reason we are SPG fans.
The changes this year seem mostly logical with a few happy surprises. There are 2 hotels on the list that are going up a category that we planned for points stays in 2016 and we are thankful for the opportunity to book now at current redemption rates.
Thanks Lurkers
The changes this year seem mostly logical with a few happy surprises. There are 2 hotels on the list that are going up a category that we planned for points stays in 2016 and we are thankful for the opportunity to book now at current redemption rates.
Thanks Lurkers
Feb 24, 2015, 3:30 am
#52
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Congrats to SPG for the reasonable changes. A reason to stick with SPG!
Feb 24, 2015, 3:42 am
#53
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It amazes me how Le Meridien Jakarta moved from Cat 2 to Cat 3 two years ago, and now goes from Cat 3 to Cat 4. But the hotel remains as dumpy as ever.
Feb 24, 2015, 6:46 am
#54
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Announcing SPG’s 2015 Category Changes
Quite pleased here as well with the outcome, in particular reversing some of the excessive changes from last year in Europe (such as Fuschl back to cat 6). Quite possibly the weak EUR has helped.
Feb 24, 2015, 7:01 am
#55
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Since when Tunisia was part of Europe?
Feb 24, 2015, 7:04 am
#56
Join Date: Feb 2003
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Like many others, I think this is a pretty measured set of changes from SPG. Some travelers win & some lose out, but I see no overall chart inflation given the balance of movement up & down.
Finally, congrats to MSPeconomist on achieving FT Legend status.^
Feb 24, 2015, 8:04 am
#57
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Westin Bahrain going up to cat 6 hurts as that was a good points option. The le meridien is very comparable next store so that is where i'll be.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi is a great property and I wished it was still at cat 5, but moving up is not a surprise.
Aloft Cupertino goes up to cat 5? An Aloft can be a cat 5? I don't think so IMO. Maybe in NYC but outside of that.... no. Also the four points in Cupertino goes up to 5..... I have seen some very nice four points.. such as in Dubai but not in the US.
I really want to try out the Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort &
Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg and going down to a cat 6 makes it much more feasible.
Le Méridien Vienna is a very good value at cat 4. Been there and prime location and new amenities inside hotel. Great value for Vienna.
I like the Greek properties going down and with teh Euro tanking this summer is looking like my first trip to Greece.
I also like all the Colorado properties going down, these are some of the very best scenery in the USA so very exciting as I'll be there this summer.
Overall I'm pleased really.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi is a great property and I wished it was still at cat 5, but moving up is not a surprise.
Aloft Cupertino goes up to cat 5? An Aloft can be a cat 5? I don't think so IMO. Maybe in NYC but outside of that.... no. Also the four points in Cupertino goes up to 5..... I have seen some very nice four points.. such as in Dubai but not in the US.
I really want to try out the Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort &
Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg and going down to a cat 6 makes it much more feasible.
Le Méridien Vienna is a very good value at cat 4. Been there and prime location and new amenities inside hotel. Great value for Vienna.
I like the Greek properties going down and with teh Euro tanking this summer is looking like my first trip to Greece.
I also like all the Colorado properties going down, these are some of the very best scenery in the USA so very exciting as I'll be there this summer.
Overall I'm pleased really.
Feb 24, 2015, 9:30 am
#58
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The incredible price inflation in the West Coast has made some of it more expensive than New York - and you can see that in the category changes.
Feb 24, 2015, 1:18 pm
#59
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We absolutely loved SF. It's a lovely property and this inspires us to visit there again. The grounds are gorgeous and it was one of our favorite breakfast buffets in Europe. Hardly any Americans when we were there (late October)
Feb 24, 2015, 1:52 pm
#60
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An attempt at a quick analysis. Numbers are close to, though not exactly the same as, SPG's, so I may be off here and there.
Pretty close to a net wash across the board. It's good to see my ITC regulars in India, the properties in Maui, and the ski resorts in Beaver Creek and Steamboat, going down.
Pretty close to a net wash across the board. It's good to see my ITC regulars in India, the properties in Maui, and the ski resorts in Beaver Creek and Steamboat, going down.
Last edited by CPRich; Feb 24, 2015 at 1:57 pm