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
Dec 6, 2010, 11:30 am
#76
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I used Opentable.com back in May for Gibson's in Chicago and it worked out fine and I got the time I wanted.
When I wanted a reservation last Sunday and went on Opentable but they showed nothing available after 4 PM. Tried it again a day later and then the website informed me it wasn't working and to try later. I ended up calling Gibson's and getting a reservation for 5 PM like I'd wanted. I think I'll stick to calling places if I can.
When I wanted a reservation last Sunday and went on Opentable but they showed nothing available after 4 PM. Tried it again a day later and then the website informed me it wasn't working and to try later. I ended up calling Gibson's and getting a reservation for 5 PM like I'd wanted. I think I'll stick to calling places if I can.
Dec 6, 2010, 1:24 pm
#77
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Opentable usually works fine for me. I like the $20 dining cheque you get in their reward program.
Many restaurants don't allow Opentable to reserve all their tables, so if the site shows no availability it's worth a phone call.
I recently read a magazine article (can't remember where) talking about Opentable from the restaurant's perspective: apparently many restaurants don't like it because it's expensive and difficult to cancel the service once it's started.
Many restaurants don't allow Opentable to reserve all their tables, so if the site shows no availability it's worth a phone call.
I recently read a magazine article (can't remember where) talking about Opentable from the restaurant's perspective: apparently many restaurants don't like it because it's expensive and difficult to cancel the service once it's started.
Dec 6, 2010, 5:15 pm
#78
Join Date: Feb 2009
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Yeah I've read a few articles about it. Especially for low margin restaurants the fees that OpenTable charges make it a poor option. GroupOn has a similar wave of destruction, a few small businesses have gone bankrupt trying to join in but I'm not sure if this was due to their own naivety or more to do with GroupOn
Dec 6, 2010, 5:21 pm
#79
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I haven't received anything either. A glass of champagne would be nice! 
Dec 6, 2010, 8:43 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
I used Opentable.com back in May for Gibson's in Chicago and it worked out fine and I got the time I wanted.
When I wanted a reservation last Sunday and went on Opentable but they showed nothing available after 4 PM. Tried it again a day later and then the website informed me it wasn't working and to try later. I ended up calling Gibson's and getting a reservation for 5 PM like I'd wanted. I think I'll stick to calling places if I can.
When I wanted a reservation last Sunday and went on Opentable but they showed nothing available after 4 PM. Tried it again a day later and then the website informed me it wasn't working and to try later. I ended up calling Gibson's and getting a reservation for 5 PM like I'd wanted. I think I'll stick to calling places if I can.
Nov 1, 2011, 7:11 pm
#81
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 8,142
What's with availability on Open Table?
I always use Open Table if the restaurant is listed. Lately I've been having trouble getting reservations using my iPad but I find availability using my iPhone app. Anybody else having trouble?
Bobette
Bobette
Dec 9, 2012, 12:03 pm
#86
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SEA
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Posts: 1,946
As far as I know, the only difference is that "VIP" appears next to your reservation at the restaurant. What the restaurant does with that tid-bit is their call. I always qualify, but I can't put my finger on anything positive coming from it. I suppose the best you could hope for is that, given a busy night with an unanticipated wait, you may get seated earlier rather than later.
IDine, OTOH, gives VIPs bonus miles. ^
IDine, OTOH, gives VIPs bonus miles. ^
Dec 10, 2012, 7:26 pm
#87
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It's a bit old, but see post thirteen in this thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/dinin...table-com.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/dinin...table-com.html
Dec 10, 2012, 9:02 pm
#88
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 8,142
I love Open Table. It's fast, easy and I like the points, of course. I like when I can find a restaurant I like that offers 1000 points. Even though I have enough to cash in, I haven't done it yet. Make sure you're checked in though. The points usually post immediately so I check on my phone before I leave the restaurant to make sure they've posted.
Bobette
Bobette
Dec 10, 2012, 9:52 pm
#89
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Actually, if there are no OT reservations available, you can always call. Not every restaurant has last-table availability on OT, or leaves a bit of cushion for computer error, walk-ins, hotel concierge (and other special) favors, etc.