How are points calculated?
 

I'm confused! It's 20 points per USD spent, so for my last stay...

1245NOK which is $213US (give or take a bit for exchange rates)

I received 3198 points, so that's $160US worth, so quite a bit out from my exchange rate.

Looking at a stay before that in Bristol, I can't see how it's been worked out either, except that it's massively in CCs favour.

Any ideas?

Its based on 20 points per US$ spend net of tax (VAT or whatever).

Thanks for the reply. Seems a bit mean though!

Maybe that can be added to the sticky to make it clearer too.

Not really - it's the standard practice for hotel programmes. You just need to learn ;)

The VAT on accommodation (in Norway) is only 8% so it still doesn't quite add up.

In my recent stay in Germany, I got 20 point per US$ spend including VAT. The quoted rate was VAT inclusive, though. For stays when the tax was extra, I got only points for the rate excluding tax.

To OP: did you pay for parking or other incidentals? CC usually do not give points for these categories. Spending on food earns points but it is a separate item in earnings.

The points came from the room bit on my statement:

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo | Room Earning 20 Points per USD 3,198

Rate shown when booked was inclusive, no breakdown of the tax.

That said, on my bill, most of the room charge seems to be at 8% VAT, and some at 25% VAT. It does seem to be based on the pre-tax amount.

Thanks for the help.

Breakfast (served food) have the standard 25% VAT (off topic: food sold to go have rate off 14%).

Unless its B2B, businesses are required to quote prices inc VAT.

Ah! That'll be the included buffet breakfast then! Thanks for that.

Points for food and beverages
 

Regarding points calculation I am also confused regarding the food and beverage expenses.

I had several stays at ineligible room rates: No earned points for the room - that's OK.
However I also spent money for food in the restaurant and room service, for which I did not receive any points. Is it normal?

I asked CC about extra charges (food etc) on OTA bookings, and was told you don't get points on extras on ineligble rates.

You're supposed to get other elite benefits.