Nov 29, 2015, 9:49 am
Last edit by: crabbing
opentable wiki
the basics:
1. create an account at opentable.com. i believe you assign your default metro area when you make your account.
2. use the website to find restaurants in the neighborhood of your choice. you can pick a specific neighborhood if you know it. there is a hidden map feature, accessed through an upside-down raindrop.
3. pick the location, time, and number of people in your party. note that some places impose min/max party size.
4. you can also find 1000-point times for certain locations, which appear on the list of times with a "+."
using points:
tips and tricks:
the basics:
1. create an account at opentable.com. i believe you assign your default metro area when you make your account.
2. use the website to find restaurants in the neighborhood of your choice. you can pick a specific neighborhood if you know it. there is a hidden map feature, accessed through an upside-down raindrop.
3. pick the location, time, and number of people in your party. note that some places impose min/max party size.
4. you can also find 1000-point times for certain locations, which appear on the list of times with a "+."
using points:
- start here to access the list of restaurants that accept opentable gift cards.
- gift cards are sent via email.
- OT gift cards are either tied to a specific restaurant, or you can choose a generic card that can be redeemed later (if anyone has done this, please update the wiki as to whether you still have to choose the restaurant and redeem online)
- note: the number of restaurants that accept OT gift cards is significantly smaller than the number of restaurants that award OT points.
tips and tricks:
- if a location is not busy or the receptionist is forgetful, they might not remember to check you in, so it doesn't hurt to ask.
- you often can be early or late and still get points, but the flexibility depends on the specific restaurant.
- sometimes they can be flexible on the party size - this is particularly useful if it's just yourself (for places with a min of 2), or you have a large party.
- if a place doesn't credit, usually an email to OT will get it credited. you might need a receipt as proof.
- some places credit your points as soon as you check in with the restaurant, while some can wait until several hours later.
- some restaurants allow reservations but do not award points. some have point-earning times and non-point-earning times. and some really sneaky places give points made through OT, but not through the OT/reservations link on the restaurant's own website. worse, they may set a "session cookie" that ensures your reservation is flagged "no points," so your best bet is to close and reopen your browser to reset the session cookie before making the reservation (or canceling and rebooking).
- don't forget that OT has nothing to do with how you pay for a meal. so it "stacks" with chase first friday bonuses, rewards network, restaurant.com certificates, coupons, etc.
Consolidated "Open Table" thread
Jun 18, 2016 | 3:14 pm
#136
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Could someone please explain how to claim the Amazon credit using Open Table points?
I can't find clear instructions for this on the Open Table web site, and their user discussion area is even more disjointed and difficult to parse than FlyerTalk, which is why I'm posting my query here.
I can't find clear instructions for this on the Open Table web site, and their user discussion area is even more disjointed and difficult to parse than FlyerTalk, which is why I'm posting my query here.
Jun 23, 2016 | 3:20 pm
#137
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DCA - PDX - LAX
Programs: AA Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, AS 75k
Posts: 856
Could someone please explain how to claim the Amazon credit using Open Table points?
I can't find clear instructions for this on the Open Table web site, and their user discussion area is even more disjointed and difficult to parse than FlyerTalk, which is why I'm posting my query here.
I can't find clear instructions for this on the Open Table web site, and their user discussion area is even more disjointed and difficult to parse than FlyerTalk, which is why I'm posting my query here.
Jun 24, 2016 | 8:34 pm
#138
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Thanks for replying? How many points do I need to redeem for Amazon? I have 3,500 points and the only thing that comes up in "My profile" is a Dining Cheque reward. Where is the Amazon order option?
Jun 25, 2016 | 8:18 am
#139
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DCA - PDX - LAX
Programs: AA Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, AS 75k
Posts: 856
Here is more info: https://community.opentable.com/t5/D...oints/ta-p/109
I don't know why it is not showing up for you. Maybe try e-mailing them.
Jun 27, 2016 | 8:13 am
#140
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
2,000 pts is the minimum reward and is a 20 dollar dining credit or 10 dollar amazon card.
Here is more info: https://community.opentable.com/t5/D...oints/ta-p/109
I don't know why it is not showing up for you. Maybe try e-mailing them.
Here is more info: https://community.opentable.com/t5/D...oints/ta-p/109
I don't know why it is not showing up for you. Maybe try e-mailing them.
Jun 27, 2016 | 7:49 pm
#142
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
I've now received a reply from Opentable that the Amazon reward option is only available to users based in the U.S. Foreign users only get the option of the watered down dining rewards. Boo! 
Jun 27, 2016 | 8:22 pm
#143
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DCA - PDX - LAX
Programs: AA Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, AS 75k
Posts: 856
Honestly the Amazon rewards and even more watered down. Although have you considered getting a open table us account to use in Canada?
Aug 29, 2016 | 11:05 pm
#144
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
I had not noticed the instructions to present the gift to the server before dining. My fault, but that was not his gripe. He insisted the gift card had to be printed; he insisted every restaurant in the world would need it to be printed.
The restaurant did ultimately take the gift card. I still tipped 20%, forgiving the rudeness, because I was in Washington DC where I was unsure whether this server would be considered rude by the local standard.
Sep 3, 2016 | 9:05 am
#145
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAC, AA, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,523
Regards
Mar 4, 2017 | 10:14 am
#146
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 47,401
I don't use Open Table all that much and only redeemed once for $20 when you could redeem anywhere.
Apparently the program changed and there are very limited places to use the gift certificate.
I am assuming that I'm better off getting the general gift card that I can use anywhere rather than selecting a specific restaurant. Is there a downside to that?
Also, given that I live in NJ and OT only has the NY Tri-State area (apparently it doesn't think NJ is a state) is there a way to search by zip code?
Apparently the program changed and there are very limited places to use the gift certificate.
I am assuming that I'm better off getting the general gift card that I can use anywhere rather than selecting a specific restaurant. Is there a downside to that?
Also, given that I live in NJ and OT only has the NY Tri-State area (apparently it doesn't think NJ is a state) is there a way to search by zip code?
Jan 23, 2018 | 9:28 am
#147
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 8,685
I received an email from Open Table that includes the following:
Any ideas what changes are in store? I kind of assume that the changes won't be to give me more flexibility or more value for my open table points.
On March 31, 2018, we’ll be updating the OpenTable Rewards program to give you more ways to redeem your Dining Points. As a registered OpenTable member, you’re already eligible to collect Dining Points.
Any Dining Points you have before March 31, 2018 will roll over into our updated program.
Any Dining Points you have before March 31, 2018 will roll over into our updated program.
Last edited by drewguy; Jan 23, 2018 at 9:34 am
Jan 23, 2018 | 7:43 pm
#148
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: World of Hyatt Explorist; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 282
So I would agree, it appears they are further diluting the value of points.
Jan 28, 2018 | 11:47 am
#149
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 72,561
Is it just me, or are more and more places ditching OpenTable? I have several restaurants I had used OpenTable to book previously which now use alternate services (granted, most of them are high-demand or starred restaurants). Don't get me wrong; there are tons of places in the WAS area which still use OpenTable. But a quick scan of the Washingtonian Top 25 for 2018, and discounting those which don't do any reservations at all, only about a quarter of them use OpenTable. I know several of those used to as they show up in my dining history, too, FWIW.
Jan 28, 2018 | 11:56 am
#150
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 47,401
I actually only use it for its convenience, not the points. I have enough points now for the first level certificate, and I'm totally turned off by the requirement to use it in specific places. None of them are nearby.
But I will continue to use because of the convenience.
But I will continue to use because of the convenience.