Starwood properties changing categories as at 4 March 2014

[anat0l]

Found this on BoardingArea - likely pushed around the place widely already anyway...

Our hotel Category adjustments for 2014 will soon be in effect, and we would like to provide you with an advance look at the preliminary list of changes. Please note that we are not adding new categories or changing category pricing.

Just over 20% of hotels are changing category, of these 56% are moving down and 44% are moving up. We want to make sure you’re able to maximize your Starpoints®, so please review the information to decide if it makes sense to redeem before or after the changes take place starting March 4, 2014. Please note that Category changes are always subject to change, and while we make every attempt to provide you the latest, most accurate information, there may be adjustments necessary before or after the March 4, 2014 date.

A couple Australian properties in the moving down list, as well as a swathe of Asian ones, including in Japan.

https://lacek.hs.llnwd.net/e1/starwood/2014categorychange/2014CategoryChanges.pdf

 

[robd]

Does the Category adjustment only affect points redemptions or does it alter revenue pricing as well?

I have my eye on a property later in the year, which is on the "up" list

 

[anat0l]

Does the Category adjustment only affect points redemptions or does it alter revenue pricing as well?

It should only affect points redemptions (although of course points+cash redemptions will naturally change up or down accordingly as well, as per the awards chart).

Naturally, if you have your eyes on a property which is destined to go up in category, putting in a redemption now would be a good idea.