Question on using Certificates
 

Hi -

It seems as though I cannot share my certificates (Cat 1-5) with a family member by booking them a hotel room somewhere, but could I book using a certificate in my name, add their name to the reservation and have them check in "first" to get into the room?

I've done this in the past for a normal reservation, but wasn't sure if there was anything unique about certificate bookings and the front desk process, first time redeeming.

(asking for a friend of course....)

Thanks,

T.

I'm assuming the Cat. 1-5 certs you are referring to are probably certs from a CC or similar. Technically, those certs can only be used by the person who they were awarded to. That means even in the scenario you mention where you add their name to the reservation, the hotel could "technically" not let them check in until you show up. Or they could charge the other person's credit card (probably required before they will give them a room), for the night and then charge you with a no show.

I'm not saying that actually happens very often, but the hotel would technically be within the rules to do that. Note that normal "award" certs ordered by you from your points can be assigned to anyone you choose. The problem with CC and Megabonus type certs are they were "ordered" in your name and thus only you are supposed to be using them. Since you didn't "order" them, you can't "re-order" them in someone else's name.

I have used these in the past for family member stays (same last name) and they haven't had any issues.

Thanks for the feedback, sounds as consistent as I expected it to be!

YES!!!! (bolding my emphasis)

I went to make a points booking a few days ago and was unable to find the spot to add my daughter as a 2nd guest. Had to do in the 45 character comment box. Anyone else see this lately or just pilot error?

I usually call up to do this.

Calling is the only way-- but they may still ask you to present ID "when you arrive."

Thanks. I know this wasn't the case in the past, I used to do it all the time!

It has always been the case, but at least for NA Marriotts, my experience has been they will very rarely ask for your ID. But it is and has always been a possibility. Now EU and Asia Marriotts might be a whole different experience. I'm almost always asked for my passport and they check it against the reservation.

Most countries other than the us have laws requiring records of guests like passports.

Well, there is always a risk. So be prepared - either have enough points or $ in case the hotel challenges you.

I use Mr.'s once in a while - mostly when I'm taking the kids to US alone. What I do is that I always put his cert on the first night, then either use my cert on the second night/paid night. This way it's more "normal" to add my name as the second guest because I'm going to be there on the second night.

They never question his whereabouts when I check in, and it's in NoVA.

In Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand they need a copy of our passports, so there is a chance that they might want the cert holder to be presence.

Just to close the loop, in-laws successfully checked in and stayed at 2 Cat 5 properties this week on my certificates with no issue - even while I was otherwise checked in at a RC across the country. No issues or mention of the certificates at all. Glad I could use them.

Of course, YMMV.