I use my free certs for my mom all the time ... I call and make the reservation in my name with her name on the reservation as well, using my cc to hold the reservation and cover incidentals. I always call the hotel ahead of time to let them know that my mom will check in. My mom is able to check in / check out and enjoy her stay ... and she always pays for her incidentals, so I've never had the cc charged. Since the reservation is in my name, it is not a transfer. Done this over two dozen times.