Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
There's still the issue of how eligible spend is defined. I think it's still the case that stuff like laundry and dry cleaning, most parking fees, most spa charges (unless the spa is actually operated by the hotel), some restaurant and bar bills (if the F&B outlet is just a tenant in the hotel), and alcohol in some states would be excluded. Also taxes, service charges, tips, and resort fees don't earn points, but of course mistakes sometimes happen.
It seems odd that there's no reference to eligible spend or excisions at
https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/earn/hotels.mi .
At the bottom of the page, between a bunch of other links in a small font, there's link to the Program Terms & Conditions. At the T&Cs, within "2.1 Earning Opportunities at Participating Properties," you'll find "2.1.c. Non-Qualifying Charges" and "2.1.f Non-Qualifying Rates."
Here's what says under "2.1.c. Non-Qualifying Charges":
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Charges which do not qualify for Points include any complimentary services, Points redemption Awards, promotional Awards or any other fees or charges including, without limitation: (A) charges for banquets, meetings or other functions, with the exception of Points earned in connection with a Qualifying Event Agreement as described in Section 5; (B) other fees paid including, without limitation, parking, business center, retail stores, and other third-party services; and (C) taxes, service charges, gratuities, fees (e.g. late cancellation fee or no-show fees for not checking in for guaranteed reservations even if the reservations were paid in full) , mandatory or automatic charges (e.g., resort charges) and other applicable charges.
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I find it particlulary obnoxious than mandatory hotel-imposed charges — such as the reviled "resort fee" and "destination fee" — do not earn points. That's another reason to avoid hotels and resorts with such fees entirely, if at all possible.