I've tried to get into the habit of using OpenTable when I travel alone for work. The $$ restaurants generally fit into my expense account parameters, and with a little cross-checking against TripAdvisor and Yelp I can find something acceptable.

I just logged into my account for the first time in probably 3-4 years and see my 200 points expired. So for anyone else who seldom eats out, points expire after 12 months of no activity.

As it turns out, their T&C say no such thing. At least they did not as of 9-2013 when they expired 5,800 points from my account, citing T&C. I complained, and a couple months later they put the points back. Suspect they have fixed the T&C by now, so YMMV.

I use it when it's available for regular non-special meals. It's easier than calling a restaurant and ask for availability in 15-minute increments. However, I found that some restaurants just do not answer their phones now because they use Open Table for reservations. Makes one wonder why they bother to have a phone at all.

When booking with Open Table and having someone in your party with food allergies or other special requirements, there is a nice section that you can put your request in. My peeve is that many restaurants either do not read that note or just can't be bothered to call you back and confirm. It's even more aggravating to call their number, have no one answer and not even know if they are able to accommodate your requirements. I also had the inverse happen where upon speaking to a real person on the other end of the phone and receive a verbal confirmation, to have it tossed out the window upon arrival at that restaurant because the person "forgot to enter it in the system".

FYI, OpenTable has been acquired, members received an email today from OpenTable:

Changes coming for Open Table
 

Got an email that tells me they're no longer issuing dining checks (as of Aug 25) but points will be able to be redeemed quicker using restaurant dining gift cards instead. While that sounds like a plus, it isn't because there are infinitely fewer restaurants where you can redeem them. It mentions that the points will be able to be redeemed on Amazon, as well, but there was no additional information on that part.

Bobette

Yep, time to cash out.

Agree. The dining checks have been great. New program is definitely a downgrade:td:

There currently aren't any options in Canada with the new scheme. Good thing I started burning these points. Might be able to get one last small cheque as a last hurrah before the 25 August.

Ooh, glad to see this, as I'd missed the e-mail. Just ordered a $50 check to clean out my points!

What is the expiration on dining checks?

6 months from issue date, IIRC.

Just cashed out for a $20 check. May try to swing 2x 1000 pt dines in the next few weeks. No sense messing around after 25 AUG with a program I don't really understand...

Questions about Open Table
 

We are finally approaching the magic 2000 points and I just spent about 15 minutes scanning through their website to figure out what I can do with the 2000 points.

I feel like a total idiot, since I could not figure out what I get for our 2000 points or how to redeem them.

So, could some knowledgeable person with better computer or reading skills than I seem to have give me a quick summary of how it works? Thanks.

Agreed.

When you 'cash out' your 2000 points, you'll get a $20 'credit' at any open table restaurant. That was the way in worked in the past. The way I understand the new program, you have to tell Open Table where you intend to spend that $20. :mad: :rolleyes: As O2K said Downgrade.

dh