Overnight, Marriott Rewards announced award category changes for 2016. This change will come in effect from March 24, 2016 and while this change affects over 650 properties across the US, in India there are only 2 Marriott hotels changing in category chart.
Global Impact
The rejig for Marriott means that 524 properties in the USA are going up at least one category. Most of these are not premium properties however, except for the Ritz Carlton in Denver. Further, however, 152 properties are also going down one category or more. Other markets don’t see much impact, apart from the UK market which has 7 hotels going up in category and Spain which has 5. Canada is seeing a vast number of properties going down in categories, 19 to be precise, while Russia is seeing 11 properties go down in categories.
As per Marriott’s webpage publicizing the changes,
82% of the properties remain unchanged.
62% of the properties will remain in Categories 1-4.
18% of the hotels are changing. Of those changing, 30% are decreasing by one category and 70% are increasing by one category.
Indian Impact
One of my favorite resort properties in India, the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove & Spa Resort, is moving up from Cat4 to 5; which means that award nights will now cost 25,000 points against the 20,000 up till now. Sadly, there are no properties in India that are moving down the ladder.
You can check the entire list of hotels changing here. As a quick recap, below is the chart to help you determine the number of Marriott Reward points required for redemption at various Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels. Remember, when you redeem 4 nights, your 5th night is free.
Pro Tip
You can book all redemption reservations up to 50 weeks in advance of you stay, even before having the required points in your account. If you can are planning to redeem your points for a summer vacation in Mussoorie or planning a holiday to France or Spain this year it may be a good idea to book before March 24, 2016.
Bottomline
This is a usual adjustment, but I am not happy that while other programs are downgrading Indian hotels in terms of categories, Marriott made some upward changes. However, I am happy that the change communication is out a month in advance and I can plan a redemption stay until the end of 2016 already.
Which are your favourite Marriott hotels and what do you think about the changes this year?
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Hi Ajay,
I made a booking for 3 nights and 2 rooms for the month of October before March 24 th. I did not issue the e-certificate which redeems the points, since we can do that 7 days in advance. The total points required was 120,000. However, post March 24 because of the category change it showed by 150,000 points despite me booking early. I had to call customer care and they mentioned the e-certificate has to be issued before March 24. So yeah i just got lucky. Thanks for you post. It helps me in planning accumulation of points for hotels as well frequent flier programs.
Cheers,
Sai
Hi AJ,
A little help.
I have a few points in my account and a few points in my wife’s.
Clubbing the two we can get One night free at Mussorie.
Is it allowed to use points from spouse’s account for a redemption?
Thanks
@amit not to my knowledge.
HI AJ,
A little clarification on your Pro tip.
I can book till March 24 for my travel till 50 week on the existing rates in Mussorie?
Thanks in advance 🙂
@Ankit- You can book a redemption stay 50 weeks in advance, at JW Mussoorie for 20,000 points per night before March 24,2016. So essentially,on March 1, 2016, you can book your redemption stay as far out as February 15, 2017
Thanks for this.