Dumb question... No idea how points are calculated - what are "base points"
 

I know for many this might be an easy one, but what are "base points".

is it the value of the room, minus taxes and resort fees?

What about restaurant visits charged to the room and/or mini-bar or movie purchases? Spa visits, etc.

Correct that base points are room rate itself, taxes and fees don't count. Incidental spending (food, etc.) is a tricky thing at hotels. Marriott almost​ always has included tax and tip on food/beverage for me; their software doesn't have filters, so the total charged to the room as "Restaurant" it is! Other spending as I understand often works, but is sometimes non-qualifying with the parking/excursion-booked-via-hotel, etc. deemed "third party" spending.

interesting and thank you. I'm wondering why my minibar purchases didnt show up LOL

They should have. I'd put in a claim for missing points as long as they appear as a line item on your folio.

In the Marriott world, I've always received credit for restaurant, bar, pool, and spa charges to the room.

You are supposed to receive points for bar, restaurant, spa and so on. There was a time pre Bonvoy when that did not apply to Ritz Carlton. Although those charges do now accrue points at Ritz Carlton, this past year I have had to contact Marriott to receive them. I have had poorly trained staff tell me that you don’t receive points for these charges at Ritz. Usually, not always, directing them to the Bonvoy web sight does it. Sometimes not........

Im not quite sure about spa charges.

When did the Ritz change go into effect? I've had several stays and have only received credit for the room rate.

Aug. 18, 2018

That is correct. But, I always have to make at least a couple phone calls to get the credits