Using another persons cat 4 cert
 

I'm not sure if there is a way for me to use my dads cat 4 cert which is expiring soon. It says not transferable and I'm in another state.

Any ideas or will it just go to waste as he doesn't travel.

Thanks

Have him book a room and add your name to the reservation.

Using another persons cat 4 cert
 

If this is the Cert he receives yearly for his MRWD VISA cc, award code 34Z, it is non-tranferable and he would need to be the guest checking in.

With respect, but Vickie SoCal is much closer to the mark. :)

kacur54 is correct as far as the cert's T&Cs state. But as NJUPINTHEAIR and VickiSoCal mention, most hotels seem to not "enforce" that requirement as long as your dad's name is on the reservation with yours added as also staying on the rservation.

But it is worth noting that any particular hotel could decide to enforce the cert T&Cs and as such could say they won't take the cert until your Dad shows up. I'm not saying the hotel will do that, only that it is possible.

I don't think most pay any attention to rooms booked with e-cert vs points. In fact they will often say "I see you are staying on points."

Technically points are not transferable either- not without paying a fee and depositing them to the other person's account, but how many of us have bbooked rooms on points for someone else?

I, actually, have never done this -- never had to do so as I was able to use all my free nights -- but my knowledge of this stems entirely from this board and those who have reported that by adding a name to the reservation, the problem is solved.

Actually, Marriott will allow any two persons to combine points for an award with no fees involved with the transfer of points. Yes, the T&Cs state this is only for spouses, but even Marriott Concierge has mentioned that any two willing accounts can be used.

Also, while the points aren't transferable, Marriott will allow (i.e. perfectly allowable within the T&Cs) you to order an award for someone else. You will need to call MR and get them to order the award, but it can be for an award reservation completely in their name without yours anywhere on it.

I would guess that VickiSoCal's thoughts on how front desk persons process the check-in is correct.

I've used both my wife's and my CC e-certs for my wife's parents before and so far the hotel's haven't had any issues.

99.9999% of front desk people could care less if your dad is there or not. Make that 99.999999999999999999999999999999%.

Odds are you will be fine if he just adds your name to the reservation.

Shoot, I got checked into a Marriott the other night under a complete stranger's name. It was 1:00 AM so I was too tired and apparently he too. Lucky that stranger didn't show or it could have been a fiasco!

Points are not transferable but you can book a room in someone elses name, according to Marriot I can't be added as a person staying on th 34 cert

When I called to use the 34 cert they told me ( I said I was my dad) that nobody elses name could be on the reservation, let me try again

Don't call to use it, book it all online- you should be able to use the cert online as well. Have your dad call to add the name.

You should book online and then call to amend the reservation stating that you would like another person's name listed on the reservation as they (the individual in whose name the cert is not issued) will be staying with you and they may check in before you.

Most report this is the way it should be done. Moreover, in my personal experience, I often add my spouse's name to any of our reservations and vice-versa, as we have 2 different last names on our accounts, as she uses her maiden name as her professional name and this is a common occurrence nowadays.

As others have stated, I have done this with points before. A few years ago my mother booked me a room with her points, then called and added my name to the reservation. Was never an issue, even when I went to the front desk to add an additional night, they asked if I wanted to continue using points or pay cash for it!