Marriott Bonvoy has announced their annual 2021 Category changes, which can be viewed here. With this change, only 3% of their hotels are changing categories with 25% increasing categories, and 75% are decreasing in category, however despite the larger number of hotels decreasing they’re mostly select-service properties in remote areas.

These changes go into effect Wednesday, March 3, 2021, however you can book before then to lock in the lower rates if the hotels you’re considering are going to moving up in category.

Here’s a look at the 2021 Marriott Bonvoy Categories including off-peak, standard, and peak pricing:

Here’s a look at some of the hotels that will be increasing as of March 3, 2021:

• Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City will be increasing from a Category 6 (50,000 points) to a Category 7 (60,000 points)
• Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa will be increasing from a Category 5 (35,000 points) to a Category 6 (50,000 points)
• The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire will be increasing from a Category 6 (50,000 points) to a Category 7 (60,000 points)
• The Westin Tampa Waterside will be increasing from a Category 4 (25,000 points) to a Category 5 (35,000 points)
• W Aspen will be increasing from a Category 7 (60,000 points) to a Category 8 (85,000 points)
• JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa will be increasing from a Category 5 (35,000 points) to a Category 6 (50,000 points)

Here’s a look at some of the hotels that will be decreasing as of March 3, 2021:

• The Glenmark, Glendale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel will be decreasing from a Category 6 (50,000 points) to a Category 5 (35,000 points)
• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort will be decreasing from a Category 6 (50,000 points) to a Category 5 (35,000 points)
• Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection will be decreasing from a Category 7 (60,000 points) to a Category 6 (50,000 points)
• Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection will be decreasing from a Category 5 (35,000 points) to a Category 4 (25,000 points)
• Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre will be decreasing from a Category 6 (50,000 points) to a Category 5 (35,000 points)

There are several hotels that will be changing categories as of March 3, 2021. If a hotel that you’r interested in staying is will be going up in category, you’ll want to book before the change to lock in the lower rate.

Despite the pandemic, and rates and occupancy dropping drastically across the board, the 2021 category changes do not reflect this at all. I would of liked to have seen most hotels decrease a category, but alas only 3% of hotels are shifting categories.

For instance New York City has been hit extremely hard by the pandemic yet not a single Marriott hotel is going down a category in this market.

If you’re looking for more Marriott points, Marriott is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, and SPG is 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below about the upcoming Marriott category changes.