Each year, Starwood publishes a list of their hotels that are changing hotel categories, when it comes to redeeming Starpoints for free night awards.  As a recap, these annual category changes will take effect on March 6, 2018 and you can view the entire list online here, with a total of 276 changing, either increasing or decreasing in category.

Leveraging SPG Category Changes for 2018

It’s important to take a look at the list as if a hotel is going up in category, you’ll want to book it before it increases to lock in the current rate. Contrary, if it’s going down you’ll want to wait for the decrease.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a way to rack up some extra Starpoints, be sure to check out the  bonuses on both the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express.

SPG Hotels To Book Before March 6th to lock in old rates:

W Guangzhou (Increasing from Category 4 to 5)

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler (Increasing from Category 5 to 6)

The Westin Dublin (Increasing from Category 5 to 6)

SPG Hotels To Book After March 6th for less points:

W Las Vegas (Decreasing from Category 5 to 4)

W New York (Decreasing from Category 6 to 5)

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (Decreasing from Category 4 to 3)

Sheraton Grand Panama (Decreasing from Category 3 to 2)