Update #2: Unfortunately, it looks like it may already be too late. Upon trying to log in to the site as of 10:48pm Eastern time on 4/2/19, we’re seeing this message:
Update: Reposting as a reminder that these changes take effect tomorrow, 4/3/19. Not much time left for 15K redemptions at places going up to 30K. As a reminder, we don’t know which places will go up, but it’s safe to assume that the best ones will.
Wyndham Rewards has announced some upcoming changes to their reward scheme which fundamentally changes their value proposition. If the plan for your points was to use them at their nicer properties in premium locations, you have about 6 weeks to make your reservations before the price will likely go up as these changes will take effect from April 3, 2019.
You can find their announcement here, but here’s a summary of the changes.
Category Changes – 7,500, 15,000 & 30,000 Points
Back in 2015, Wyndham Rewards went from having several category levels for award nights to one flat rate of 15,000 points at every property. From April 3, 2019, they’ll take a step back towards the old structure by implementing three category levels – 7,500, 15,000 and 30,000 points.
Close to 2/3 of their properties will remain at 15,000 points, about 1/3 will drop to 7,500 points, while about 200 of their hotels will increase to 30,000 points.
Go Fast rewards (the Wyndham Rewards version of Points + Cash) will in turn be available for 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 points per bedroom plus cash.
Elite Earning
At the moment, Platinum members earn 3,000 points per year and Diamond members earn 6,000 points. Those bonuses will be removed and in their place new earning bonuses will be introduced:
- Gold – 10%
- Platinum – 15%
- Diamond – 20%
New Earning & Redemption Options
Wyndham Rewards will also be introducing several different methods for earning and redeeming points. Partners will include Marathon gas stations, DoorDash orders, activities booked through Viator and a new Wyndham Rewards shopping portal.
La Quinta Transfers
Wyndham bought the La Quinta chain a year or two ago and have allowed points transfers between the two for some time on a 1:1 basis. You can continue transferring La Quinta points to Wyndham on a 1:1 basis up until April 3, 2019. After that date, Wyndham will automatically transfer any remaining La Quinta points but on a 2:1 basis, halving their current value if you neglect to initiate the transfer yourself beforehand.
Check out this post where we go more in-depth looking at what these changes mean and suggestions for how to maximize your points before the changes go into effect on April 3.