Went into my MR account yesterday afternoon and noticed with some surprise a reservation at one of the London hotels starting last night for 5 nights.

I have used that hotel before, but wasn't planning on being anywhere near London this week, so cancelled the reservation.

I went back into my account again this morning and was surprised to see the same reservation with the status "In Progress".

Getting slightly paranoid about being charged for something I hadn't booked, I called the hotel who confirmed that the reservation was real and that someone with exactly the same name as me was currently staying in the hotel, and paying with his own credit card (we compared the last 4 numbers).

So, getting back to the title of the thread, what chance do you think I will have of getting the points? At a rate of GBP200+ per nigt, there's several thousand at stake. I might even score some nights against the Visa promotion that's currently underway if I'm really lucky.

Also, I wonder if my doppelganger was offered the platinum arrival gift and given lounge access? I suppose I'll never find out.

Happened to me with SPG where someone with my name was staying at the Westin Las Vegas. After several calls and confirming it wasn't my credit card, the person stayed and the points/stay credit posted to my account They assumed someone at the hotel (which was where my particular reservation was made) was trying to be helpful and look up the SPG account number for this person.

Isn't this a similar situation to when a bank makes a mistake and credit's you some extra cash? Ultimately, it isn't yours, so you cannot spend it. I would assume the same here.

I'd be more concerned about how someone could seemingly be using your MR number to make reservations.

You've already notified the front desk so good job there however keep in mind the flip side to this is that if someone has the same name as you and a front desk clerk accidentally looks up your number instead that person can also extend his/her stay on stay anytime awards (since they are redeemable at the front desk now).

You probably will. Unless the guy adds his own number before checking out.

I have added my number to my wife's stays many times and got the points (and we dont have the same last name), the 30% plat bonus and the 500 bonus points as well (unless she selects a gift which is rare)

Follow up questions - If you do get the points, what are the chances you'll call and straighten it out?