I have booked a reward stay for friends online and then called to have the reservation put in their name. No problem. The only consideration is the credit card that guarantees the room. You can either trust that they will give the front desk their own credit card when they check in, or get a cc number from them to have placed on the reservation. I also think I've had them call and place their own cc number on file as the guarantee. I've never had a problem. They did not, however, receive my elite benefits....although for a special anniversary trip recently in Paris I requested a "nice" room for them and they were given a larger bed in a room with a courtyard view. They said it was lovely. The hotel also gave them some champagne. Way to go...above and beyond....but most appreciated.