Originally Posted by
sdsearch
I didn't realize this is why, but the one hotel where I've used an emailed gift card so far, I gave it to them at check-in, and they asked to hold onto it during my stay. I got it back upon request at checkout (since it was not all used up yet). Obviously they processed it sometime in between...
Absolutely recommended: give them the printout when you check in, and tell them to process it. Usually the night person can do that while they're bored. I've seen it take them 15-20 minutes to process the card, which is obviously an issue when you're trying to leave for an early-morning flight!
It is rather odd to see that this product is a) relatively unknown and b) not promoted at all by the hotels.