Annual category changes with net upward movement

Effective March 24, 2016, Marriott moved 560 properties up one category and 237 down. Net effect was higher point costs for a substantial share of the portfolio, continuing the pattern of annual upward pressure on award pricing. Bookings made before the date locked prior rates.

What to do: Annual hotel category shifts are predictable; review the full list and book rising properties before the cutoff.