Wyndham Rewards members looking to book award nights at locations in New York City recently received a shock when going to the website to redeem for the free nights–the award point levels had been adjusted up and without warning.

For example, the Wingate by Wyndham Manhattan Midtown hotel on 35th Street went up to 45,000 points per night from 16,000 points and it was not the only property to increase.

On FlyerTalk.com, a Wyndham representative replied to the thread of dismay from Wyndham Rewards members by stating, “There were changes made to the Free Night Tier level for locations in NYC. We wanted to let you know that we have adjusted the point level for the Wingate by Wyndham Midtown on 35th St. in NYC from 45,000 points to 35,000 points.” The Wyndham representative also said, “We take your feedback seriously and will do a better job at communicating changes in the future.” The other upward changes to the New York City awards will stay in place.

Bottom line: One customer who questioned the increase of the Wingate by Wyndham Manhattan Midtown property in a call to Wyndham was given enough points in his account to book the hotel stay at the former rate but we do not know if this will work for everyone. As always, it doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if you have been planning a vacation around the former rates. It’s good, however, to keep in mind that programs can change their redemption rates overnight.