Marriott Bonvoy has just published its annual list of award category changes. The changes are coming into effect from March 4, 2020, which is just under one month away.
In the Marriott Bonvoy program, these categories are important in that they determine the number of points you will need for an award night.
Change Details
As usual, this list sees a large number of adjustments. In this round, over 2,000 properties will be changing categories. In total, there are 1,686 properties moving up, while 499 move down.
From an Australian perspective, there are six hotels in this country changing, four up and two down. Queensland sees four of its properties going up a notch,. On the other hand, Western Australia sees the Ritz Carlton and Westin each drop by one.
Strategies
Marriott Bonvoy has given a months notice on the changes. This gives you an opportunity to lock in any reservations for hotels that are going up a category.
On the other hand, if a hotel is going down the chart, you could hold off making a booking, if possible.
Be careful with Points Advance
One feature of the Marriott Bonvoy program is the ability to make a Points Advance reservation. This is a reservation that you are able to make, even though you don’t have the points immediately available.
While you may be tempted to book these, remember they no longer lock in the required number of points. As a result, a Points Advance booking is not going to save you from any category increase.
You can view the full list of Category changes on the Marriott website.
