Marriott has announced its award category changes for 2019. The change will take effect on March 5th, 2019. Here’s the complete list of Marriott award category changes for 2019. We take a look at the list and pick the ones that are decreasing in points that create award booking opportunity at destinations around the world.
In 2019, Marriott will also introduce peak/standard/off-peak points for award booking as well. Underneath each property, we also include the points required for the off-peak, standard, and peak for your references. And remember, Marriott rewards program offers the 5th night free benefit that is automatically applied when you redeem Marriott points for minimum 5-night stays.
1. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, Thailand – Moving down to Category 2
Off Peak: 10,000 | Standard: 12,500 | Peak: 15,000
This Aloft property receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. No doubt, Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 area puts you close to almost everything you possibly want. One review sums it up well:
“Hotel, room, facilities, food/drink, location, pool, gym, EVERYTHING was perfect, and the staff are simply the best.”
2. Skopje Marriott Hotel, Republic of Macedonia (Europe) – Moving down to Category 2
Off Peak: 10,000 | Standard: 12,500 | Peak: 15,000
Okay, I never heard of Macedonia, let alone the town Skopje. It is a country in the Europe region. If hitting every European countries in your bucket list, Marriott hotel property there can help you achieve that with its central location and easy walking distance to tourist attractions such as the main square, old town and stone bridge.
3. Moxy Tbilisi, Georgia (Europe) – Moving down to Category 2
Off Peak: 10,000 | Standard: 12,500 | Peak: 15,000
Moxiy is a brand that targets millennial generations. The property is within walking distance to many restaurants, touristic old town and the flea market dry bridge.
4. Sheraton Batumi Hotel, Georgia (Europe) – Moving down to Category 3
Off Peak: 15,000 | Standard: 17,500 | Peak: 20,000
Another Georgia’s property that’s near the famous Black Sea Beach – within walking distance to historical center. Some rooms provide seaview.
Off Peak: 15,000 | Standard: 17,500 | Peak: 20,000
Istanbul is the most famous destination in Turkey, but if you ever make your way to check out Ankara in Turkey, this luxury collection hotel fits the bill. According to the hotel’s website: “It’s situated right in the heart of the city. Our picture-perfect location is in Kavaklidere where you are only steps away from exclusive shopping choices, business and social life of the city.”
6. Courtyard Lima Miraflores, Peru, South America – Moving down to Category 3
Off Peak: 15,000 | Standard: 17,500 | Peak: 20,000
Lima is not really a typical destination, but it is Peru’s main airport hub. If you are going to Machu Picchu, chances are you will be transiting through Lima. If you decide to make a stop there, Miraflores is the coastal area that visitors prefer to stay at. One review on TripAdvisor well said about this Courtyard property:
“The room was clean and spacious and the bed comfortable. The location in Miraflores is perfect! It is only a 5 minute walk to Park Kennedy and about 15 minutes to the coast and shopping. I never had to grab a cab while staying here, as everything was within walking distance.”
7. Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic Hotel, Russia – Moving down to Category 3
Off Peak: 15,000 | Standard: 17,500 | Peak: 20,000
This Russian hotel property receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Reviewers talk about its famous location next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and steps away from Mariinsky Theatre and the Hermitage Museum.
Our 2 Cents
Generally speaking, when a hotel property has a low category for points redemption, it corresponds with the lower room rates well. Therefore, do your comparison before using your points to maximize your hotel points value. But some may prefer to get free room while save the money to pay for food and entertainment when they get there. Lastly, remember that Marriott rewards program offers the 5th night free benefit that is automatically applied when you redeem Marriott points for minimum 5-night stays.
