Every year, Starwood Preferred Guest has their annual SPG Category Changes, where their hotels get re-evaluated to determine whether they are in the correct category for the year, based on the average rate for the previous year. However, even though this change happens once a year, we’ll occasionally see hotels change mid-year as well.

The SLS Las Vegas, a Tribute Portfolio Resort has now dropped from a Category 5 SPG property to a Category 4 property, meaning free nights are now available for either 10,000 SPG points or 5,000 SPG points plus $75 for cash and points.

Check out our reviews of the following SPG Vegas properties:

• Hotel Review: SLS Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
• Hotel Review: W Las Vegas

When it comes to the other SPG hotels in the Las Vegas. The W Las Vegas, which is adjoining the SLS, is a Category 5 property requiring 12,000-16,000 points per night. The Westin Las Vegas, which is a few blocks from the strip is also a Category 5, though the rooms here are in need of a refresh.

Cheaper SPG hotels in the area, include the Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East Flamingo, Element Las Vegas, and the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, all of which are Category 3 properties, starting at 7,000 SPG points.

It’s nice to see the SLS Las Vegas come down to a Category 4 property, however generally room rates here are fairly inexpensive, so be sure to always compare rates before redeeming your points, as you’ll get a better value for redeeming your SPG points at other properties.

If you’re looking for a way to earn more Starpoints, consider both the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express.

Feel free to share your thoughts below about the SLS Las Vegas dropping to a Category 4 property.