I'm going to attempt to use a $1,000 gift card to pay for incidentals on an award stay later this week. Should I announce my intention to use a gift card when I check in, or at some point during the stay? It seems like it can be hit or miss at checkout. What I think I will do is some point the second or third day, talk to the front desk and have them apply the gift card to whatever charges are on the bill at that point. It is a Ritz Carlton five night redemption so I think I will likely go over $1,000 in incidentals.