Major hotel corporations downgrade their frequent-guest programs internationally

The Rewards Program will require more points at some of the properties for members looking to claim a free night's stay

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Several big airlines recently downgraded their frequent-flier programs, and now it appears some major hotels chains are following suit. 

BizJournals.com's Joe Brancatelli reports at least five major hotel corporations have devalued their frequent-guest programs. "And the cuts aren't trivial," he says. "The value of many of our hotel points stashes have taken a significant blow." 

Here's the breakdown as per a MSN report: 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts 

Starwood owns a lot of high-profile hotel brands, such as St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, the W hotels, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton and others. The Starwood Preferred Guest program, according the company's website, lets members "earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates." But starting in March, according to Brancatelli, the program will raise its award prices at about one-fifth of the 1,100 or so Starwood properties. 

Marriott International

With more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries, Marriott hotel brands run the economic gamut -- from the high-end Ritz-Carlton to the value-conscious Fairfield Inn & Suites. As of May, the Marriott Rewards Program will require more points at about a third of its properties for members looking to claim a free night's stay. 

InterContinental Hotels

InterContinental has 4,600 hotels in its universe. Brands include Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites and, of course, InterContinental. Brancatelli says the company has changed its Priority Club Rewards program to a "nine-tier award system that substantially increased the price of a free night at many of it properties worldwide." 

Wyndham Worldwide

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