Yes, you can use your Fairmont dining certificates without a stay

Introduction

I had gotten the Fairmont card back in January (well not me, but that’s not the point.)  It came with 2 x $25 dining certificates that expired on 2/28.  I’m assuming these were the 2016 certs that expire at end of Feb, kinda like hotel loyalty status.  Anyways, I was able to call them up and ask nicely if they could extend them for me for a few weeks, which they did.

Afternoon Tea

My wife loves afternoon tea.  I don’t really care for them just because I’m not a fan of the food that comes with afternoon tea.  But I like making the wife happy, so that’s why we had afternoon tea at the Burj al Arab.  Anyway, I made reservations for afternoon tea at the Seattle Fairmont.  Had to book them a week in advance.

Paying the bill

I think in the past, Fairmont sent out paper certificates, but now it’s all electronic.  A reader had done this recently so I knew what to expect.  I told the waiter that I had 2 dining certs in my account and wrote my Fairmont number down on the bill.  He asked me if I was saying at the hotel, and I said NO.  I then saw him walk out of the restaurant and a little later, a lady walked back with him to the restaurant terminal station.  I’m assuming she works at the front desk and was showing him how to apply the certs.  A few minutes later, he came back with a revised bill that dropped from ~$90 to ~$40.  And there you have it.  Now go enjoy those scones!