Originally Posted by scubaccr

As oft reported

The correct way to book a points stay for A N Other (whether spouse or a friend) is to contact HH desk who will make the required award reservation in other persons name and deduct points from your account.
With this method your elite status (if any) is missing from such award booking, but the other persons HH number and thus elite status can be attached and seen by hotel.
Useful if non status person books an award for an HH Elite.

However most HH members, including HHD/HHG elites, follow the easier method of simply booking award direct online from own HH account and add A N Other as secondary guest name.
In these award bookings hotels mostly provide benefits to secondary guest as of the status benefits of award booking HH elite person.
In fact HH Elites booking award nights for others is more frequently done this incorrect online easier way and has become the norm.

Usually I'd expect your HHD benefits to cascade on your award booking to secondary guest whether they have HH elite status or not.