Book using points for someone else (General Discussion Thread)
 

Hi all, if I want to book a room using points / cash + points for my wife without me travelling as well, is that possible? Can I book that through the website or do I need to call them or something?

You need to call to book for someone else. Can't be done on the website.

You can also just transfer the points to the actual guest, so they book it themselves under their own account.

I believe you also need to call in order to transfer points to another member. And there is a limit of 100k per year limit. Given today’s value of points that wouldn’t even work for a couple of nights at some hotels.

correct

Presumably if I book a stay for my girlfriend under my account, using my points, she will not receive my elite benefits? I am Ambassador and she is Gold.

Where are you looking to book? If it's in the US, book under your name & account and put her name on the reservation as a second guest so she can check in if you will be arriving after her. If you won't be arriving after her, are you sure you won't be "arriving after her"?

I was looking at booking a hotel in Doha, so I’m not sure that will work!

Ah, got it. Yes, I have less experience doing this internationally; hopefully others can weigh in. I'd suspect that it would still work, but unless others can confirm, I'd personally be wary of booking something that she potentially couldn't check into.

Almost all international properties require passports at check in. I would not risk a situation your GF would be denied the reservation for trying to gain the elite benefit. Not worth it.

Or you could, ya know, NOT violate the Terms & Conditions. Probably a low risk of being caught, but do you really want to chance it? I certainly wouldn't make a habit of doing this regularly.

I have never actually seen a confirmed report of someone getting into trouble for this have you?

Can't say that I have, but I still don't think that deliberately violating the T&Cs is a good idea

Once I have a point reservation at a JW for me and my friend, my friend arrive early in the afternoon and the front desk told him he will have to pay for the room upgrade, lounge access and etc if I don't show up and register at the front desk that night.

cool, you do you.