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
Oct 3, 2013 | 8:24 pm
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, Breezy 2
Posts: 12,608
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.
Oct 26, 2013 | 5:25 pm
#107
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: MRY/SFO/SJC
Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Nada
Posts: 7,839
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.
Jan 22, 2014 | 8:31 am
#108
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tristram
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Priority Club, Emerald Club, Amtrak
Posts: 902
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.
Jan 27, 2014 | 10:57 am
#109
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: In a hotel somewhere trying to repack everything I brought (and bought) in to a carry-on smaller than my last one.
Programs: UA, Asia Miles, Southwest, IHG
Posts: 1,108
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".
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".
Jun 14, 2014 | 1:14 pm
#110
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 24,156
FYI, OpenTable has been acquired, members received an email today from OpenTable:
Hi Willie,
I want to share that today OpenTable announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by The Priceline Group.
I want to share that today OpenTable announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by The Priceline Group.
Jul 1, 2015 | 8:38 pm
#111
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 8,142
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
Bobette
Jul 1, 2015 | 9:01 pm
#112
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Atmos Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,989
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
Bobette
Jul 2, 2015 | 1:05 am
#114
In memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,267
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.
Jul 2, 2015 | 11:18 am
#115
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
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
Bobette
Jul 26, 2015 | 1:53 pm
#118
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Atmos Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,989
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
Bobette
Oct 3, 2015 | 12:52 pm
#119
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
Programs: AA, UA, WN, HH, Marriott
Posts: 7,293
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.
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.
Oct 3, 2015 | 3:52 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,428
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.
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.
As O2K said Downgrade. dh