I called up Marriott reservations to book a reward night for my friend. The reservation went fine until they told me they had to mail out a paper certificate to my friend. I didn't have his address handy so I said I'd call back. The CSR gave me a phone number to call. I called back a half hour later and it said they were closed and to call a different number. I called that and it said they were closed. So I waited till the next day and the same thing, both were closed. I called up reservations who then told me that the reservation was in my name and not my friend's and that they didn't need my friend's address. Then she had to transfer me to the rewards desk. They told me the exact opposite. So I provided my friend's address. I just hope everything is ok. He forwarded him a copy of the reservation and will provide a letter to him saying that he has my authorization to use my points.

1. One CSR I spoke to gave me quite damaging information in the sense my friend could have flown from Germany to NY and not have a place to stay. I live in California so couldn't provide on the spot assistance either.

2. the phone numbers provided to me were worthless. These were 800-450-4442 and 801-468-4000.

3. It's strange and disturbing that anyone with my marriott number can pretend to be me on the phone and book stays without my authorization. For comparison, if I do the same with UA, I have to go to the airport and sign a blue form (a bluey) authorizing the use of my miles.

I just this all works out.