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Starwood Category Changes! Everything You Need to Know

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    On March 6, 2018, Starwood is making lots of changes to their award chart!

    There are 277 hotels changing category.  Of those, 146 are going up in price.  Including some very popular hotels!

    If you want to plan an award stay at a Starwood hotel that’s increasing in price, book soon!  Because available rooms may go quickly.

    Award Nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview Will Soon Increase by 6,000 Points!

    Here’s more about these changes.

    Starwood Category Changes 2018

    Link:   Starwood Award Chart

    Link:   List of 2018 Starwood Category Changes

    Starwood usually makes changes to hotel categories each year.  This year, ~17% of its locations are being affected.

    Starwood hotel brands include:

    These changes go into effect March 6, 2018.  So if your desired hotel is moving to a higher category, book before then.  Many folks will be doing the same thing, there will likely be fewer available award rooms if you wait too long.

    But if the hotel you want is moving down a category, book after March 6, 2018, because it will be cheaper!

    The Four Points by Sheraton Kolasin Costs 10,000 Starwood Points per Night. But After March 6, 2018, It Will Cost Just 3,000 Points per Night!

    Here’s the full list of hotels changing their category.

    Hotels Moving to a Higher Category

    There are 146 hotels moving to a higher category.  Here are a few hotels that caught my eye and their new category (all hotels have moved 1 category up).  But this isn’t a comprehensive list!

    If You’ve Been Eyeing the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, Book Before March 6, 2018!

    If any of these hotels are on your radar, book before March 6, 2018, to pay the old rates.

    Hotels Moving to a Lower Category

    There are 131 hotels moving to a lower category.  And you can find several great deals!

    Check out these hotels that will cost fewer points after March 6, 2018 (again, not a comprehensive list):

    A Stay at the Opulent St. Regis Dubai Will Become More Attainable After the Category Changes

    Remember, you get the 5th night free on award bookings at Starwood Category 3 to Category 7 hotels.  So you could save a lot of Starwood points if you wait to book.

    Want More Starwood Points?

    Link:   Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

    Link:   Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express

    With the AMEX Starwood personal and small business cards, you’ll earn 25,000 Starwood points when you complete the minimum spending requirements.

    And don’t forget, you can transfer Starwood points to Marriott hotels at a ratio of 1:3 (1 Starwood point = 3 Marriott points).

    Starwood has some fantastic hotels around the world, but is a very small brand compared to Marriott, IHG, and Hilton.  That said, Starwood points are very valuable and versatile.  For example, you can transfer them to 30+ airline partners!

    Bottom Line

    Starwood is updating their award chart starting March 6, 2018.  From that date, 277 hotels will change category.  Of those, 146 will increase in price.

    This includes popular hotels like the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Westin Dublin.  But plenty of hotels are also decreasing in price!  Be sure to book soon if your desired hotel is raising in category.

    Do these category changes affect your upcoming travel plans?

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)