Category Changes for 2012

Up: LM Cancun, from 4 to 5. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18030917-post53.html.

Up and out - at least that makes some sense.

I wanted to add, while I can not speak for the BKK properties, LM Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both wonderful. Chiang Rai was stunning right on the river and peaceful when We were there last Dec. Very good value at Cat 2, amazed at them being only Cat 1.

Tried to add a room today to a reservation I have. I've got one award room and one paid. No dice on availability. But I wonder if that might change after 3/1 when the place goes from 6 to 7 . . .

Glad I booked my 3 nights at the St. Regis Florence and the Westin Europa & Regina (all on points) before these changes went into effect! It's funny, since most of my hotel stays are for work, I never really payed attention to the category fluctuations; I usually save my Starpoints for a big trip every other year, and usually have enough for what I want, even at the higher values. Honestly, I avoided using cash and points on short personal trips because I couldn't earn stays; now that that has changed, I probably will want to use C&P more, and will probably start to notice these category changes more!

Any chance to call and redeem at the new rates, or just wait a week to make the reservation?

And Munich!

Assuming you mean to book a higher category hotel at a lower category that goes into effect March 1st, no. You'd have to wait until the category actually changes.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

spgchampion@starwoodhotels.com

I'm going to guess that cash and points is going to be harder and harder to find now.

Also, a warning that the list in post #1 is not authoritative.

I'll repeat my request (from TOBB) that Starwood post the complete, final list of category changes.

FYI, I think that's what they decided to do. Looks like the changes to the original pdf have been made.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

spgchampion@starwoodhotels.com

I still see Sheraton Denver West Hotel on the final list; I confirmed with the Plat line via online chat that their category is staying put at 3. I would be happier if you were to tell me otherwise

They are remaining a Category 3 hotel. I'll alert SPG that it needs to be removed from the pdf.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

spgchampion@starwoodhotels.com

i booked some nights at the pre-March 1 rates with cash+points. since the change, my reservations are displaying the new rates but I have not been deducted the points difference. What's going to happen? will I pay the cash portion of the new rate and the points portion of the old rate? Or can I get this adjusted to the (lower) old rate?

Just ignore what it's showing. You booked at the old rate; have been charged the correct points total; and will pay the old rate cash co-pay.

I like that most of the Texas SPGs have gone down. Booking the Gunter House in San Antonio for only 3000 points a night is a steal!

I have read lots of reviews on the Sheraton Towers in Singapore being really old, tired and badly in need of a major renovation... Has the property been overhauled, since I see it is moving up to Category 5?

Would love to have an answer to your question too!