Booking using my SPG account for parents [Melbourne]

[dajop]

Looking at booking and paying for a stay at Melbourne SPG property for my parents (same surname), and wondered if there would be any dramas if I didn't actually turn up? I've done this before at Hilton SW, to get them exec club benefits, and it wasn't a drama. But there is space for second guest to be added in Hilton bookings. This is breakfast inclusive rate, and I'm now only gold, so main benefit would be too get them late checkout. Main issue is with photo ID - if it is required, but thinking of just putting a comment in that I would be arriving later or something like that and putting in my mums name that she would be checking in initially.

Any experience with this?

 

[opusman]

SPG hotels do require photo ID so you would definitely have to contact the hotel and let them know your parents will be arriving "before you".

 

[JohnPhelan]

Unlikely they will ask for photo ID (I can't recall ever being asked for it at an SPG property in Australia) - but they will ask for a credit card. Surname is the same - would they realise that first name/initial is different?

 

[opusman]

Unlikely they will ask for photo ID (I can't recall ever being asked for it at an SPG property in Australia) - but they will ask for a credit card. Surname is the same - would they realise that first name/initial is different?

SPG hotels (at least Westins and Sheratons) have asked for photo ID for several years now. Dunno about 4 points tho

 

[mmchow]

Had not personally stayed in any SPG properties in Melbourne but they have always asked for my ID during check in - stayed in Brisbane Four Points on all my business trip there.

 

[ric_melb]

Checked into Sheraton Melbourne Sunday, they asked for ID. And have on every previous stay, if I recall correctly.

 

[dajop]

Ok thanks everyone for your replies. I will put a note in the booking or contact the hotel and explain my mother will be checking in earlier than I will be. I guess my father can be a guest or come up later, although from memory in AU they seem to only check one persons ID, not both guests (as they do in countries where they are required to by law).

 

[zzap]

Be safe and just mention somewhere on the booking that you will be checking in later, and put the name down of your mother or whomever will be checking in first.

YMMV, but I have previously booked rooms at Australian SPG properties under my name for 2 guests. My partner (different surname) has checked in on my behalf without any problems; I never went to check in or show ID. I think as long as your mother has the confirmation number, etc and it "appears legit", you won't experience any issues.

 

[boomy]

Ok thanks everyone for your replies. I will put a note in the booking or contact the hotel and explain my mother will be checking in earlier than I will be. I guess my father can be a guest or come up later, although from memory in AU they seem to only check one persons ID, not both guests (as they do in countries where they are required to by law).

Done it plenty of times with both HH and SPG. You simply book for two people, one of them is your mom or dad and after you kindly ask for a suite upgrade in the special requests area you mention that your "partner" will check in before you and provide their name with same surname.
It's easy, never had any issues with that.
It can become a bit tricky with properties that charge extra for 2 guests and you only book for one (usually when breakfast is included), but there are solutions for every problem.