If you use GCs, my advice is to email the property ahead of time letting them know you intend to use them, asking if there is anything you need to do ahead of time. Print the return email. Show the return email at check-in and ask if there is anything that needs to be done.

I've not done this pre-stay work and had to stand and wait while the hotel clerk figured out what to do. Others have wound up not being able to use the cards. When I've reached out ahead time, there is an envelope waiting at the desk letting the clerk know what to do, and/or an employee called to the front who is ready to deal with the GC.

Since I started doing this, using GCs has been problem free.