Changes to hotel/resort categories for 2012

[Alanslegal]

Again for those participating in the SPG program, a heads up by the Starwood Lurker over on FT advising of upcoming category changes for 2012

The list of category changes are here:-

https://lacek.hs.llnwd.net/e1/starwood/2012categorychange/SPG_CategoryChanges2012.pdf

This may affect some, so get your skates on and book, book, book if your hotel is going to move up.

 

[kpc]

Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney is going from 4 to 5:shock::shock::shock::shock:. It was a category 2 only 4-5 years back!

 

[Hawkeye]

Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney is going from 4 to 5:shock::shock::shock::shock:. It was a category 2 only 4-5 years back!

I'm also surprised by that. Prices for rooms remain quite modest, relative to other Cat 5 hotels. Not hard to pick up a Harbour view suite for under $300.

 

[drron]

Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney is going from 4 to 5:shock::shock::shock::shock:. It was a category 2 only 4-5 years back!

Basically a reflection ofoccupancy rates in Sydney rather than a reflection of quality.
There are times now though that the 4 points is not the cheapest SPG hotel in Sydney.Last year the Westin was cheaper and mid year SOTP is cheaper when I want to stay-easy decision.
Also since the sale of the hotel I have had the suite upgrade rate drop considerably.Do notice large groups of Chinese tourists when staying there.

 

[Alanslegal]

I just had a more detailed look; a few positives and a few negatives.

Positives:-

Le Meridien Bora Bora and W Koh Samui are dropping down to Cat6 which makes C&P worthwhile for me, rather than paying >$600 per night at those places. Both of those places are on my 12 month horizon so that works well.

LM Meridien Angkok Wat drops to Cat2, and aLoft Bangkok drops to a super low Cat1. These are bargain, super bargain rates, esp the aLoft,

Negatives:-

W South Beach goes up to a Cat 7. Its only a one night stay, so I will have to book there ASAP.

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani ... is now a Cat5 ? this is like one of the coughpiest starwood property in all of Hawaii. Rates can be less than $100 per night as well.

W Hong Kong jumps to a Cat 6. There's no way I'd pay Cat6 rates.

St Regis Bangkok jumps to a Cat 6. I find that excessive. It is definitely a Cat 5 property but a 6 .... I'll pass at those rates.

W Santiago jumps to a Cat 5 ..... no wonder why I can't find any award availability currently!

 

[burrco]

Not surprising, but also disappointing to see the W & Le Meridien Taipei go up to cat 5.

 

[k_sheep]

The Gold Coast Sheraton refurbishment must be pretty damn spectacular to make this cat1-2 looking property a cat 5!

 

[Keith009]

W Hong Kong jumps to a Cat 6. There's no way I'd pay Cat6 rates.

That was only a matter of time. I always thought Cat 5 was a bargain basement anomaly for that property cf the commercial rates it charges and what's perhaps one of the best city hotels anywhere in the world IMO. Thankfully I'm an early planner and booked our end of year stay whilst it's still Cat 5.