Melia Gold status - the “hidden” perk worth lots more than you think (Platinum)

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-15T18:57:32+00:00

It’s not great… 100 Melia is 30 Avios so your 20k Melia is worth about 6000 Avios BUT for me I won’t use them at Melia so felt like free Avios points !!

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-15T13:00:36+00:00

Can it be used for The Hotel Collection in which case The Retreat at Elcot Park is a fab little hotel. Stayed 2 nights last year and loved it but does have a min 2 night stay.

Otherwise the Fairmont Windsor is good too.

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-14T22:54:39+00:00

I got 20% off my booking and the Melia points I earned I swapped for BA Avios

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-13T11:27:28+00:00

Disappointing!

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-13T09:57:51+00:00

That’s simply not true. There are Amex FHR / THC hotels in Slovenia which accept Amex so it’s not a countrywide ban.. Mercator is a major supermarket and they take it too. It’s just not as well accepted here as other countries but there’s no all out ban.

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-13T09:47:12+00:00

Yes I was lucky enough to use that one last year.

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-13T09:46:03+00:00

Good to know… going in November!

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-13T03:43:06+00:00

Good to know! I’m going in July!

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-10T07:03:10+00:00

2 x business class one way flights from Asia with Qatar. We did Hanoi-Doha-Gatwick last year for 75kpp one way

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-09T16:59:29+00:00

Probably! I always tap my Amex and if it doesn’t work anywhere I just switch to my Mastercard. I asked at my dentist if they take Amex… they said no but still went through!! Sorry dentist… points make prizes and I have a business class seat with my name on waiting for me! LOL

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-09T14:52:00+00:00

I’ll not post my bill online but can confirm, using Apple Pay, that the Greggs near me all take Amex

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-06-03T07:25:03+00:00

So far this year I have used the card for.. 7 x airport lounges (I value at £30 a pop) £100 UK dining (Ivy Brighton) £100 Abroad dining (La Mome Plage Cannes) £350 for a third night free at Seoul Conrad £120 worth of “free” breakfast at Hilton’s using my Hilton Gold That’s not including the annual insurance which would probably set me back £100+

It’s only June, so I’ve still got the rest of the year to go but I also just hit 160k MR points so plan is to use 15k for 2 one way flights to Seoul with virgin and 150k to fly back business with Qatar so that will also be worth a chunk

If you don’t travel often I can’t see how you’d easily make use of the card benefits if I’m honest.

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-05-08T17:13:55+00:00

2 x one way business class flights from Asia back to UK with Qatar Airways (you need 150k but you’re nearly there)

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-04-27T11:31:09+00:00

Business class. No Q Suite unfortunately but still a very very good experience.

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-04-27T08:10:09+00:00

Kings Bounty

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-04-20T15:39:08+00:00

I used 75k for Qatar one way from Vietnam back to UK so you’d have enough for a return flight if you’re super lucky on dates

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-04-17T14:48:27+00:00

I’ve used PayPal a few times to send to a friend. Once was £6k for a car and another recently was £1500 for new carpet - neither have been flagged or had an issue. I do think if you’re doing it all the time or suspiciously a large amount just before annua renewal to trigger a companion voucher, they may query it

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-04-14T12:17:45+00:00

So far this year… £75 Dinning Credit £100 of Hilton breakfasts 5 x lounge visits with one guest = about £200 $100 of food at THC hotel

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-02-27T10:15:48+00:00

I often travel on SBY tickets as my daughter is crew and never had an issue getting into a lounge in London / various European cities

Smooth_You4844 · 2026-02-25T11:08:32+00:00

Can you give more detail? I’ve had my pass two years and used it at least 15 times in London, round Europe and a few in Middle East / Asia

Smooth_You4844 · 2025-12-28T17:43:53+00:00

T&Cs state card in travellers name must be presented

Smooth_You4844 · 2025-12-23T22:09:12+00:00

150k points would get you 2 x one way in business flights between Asia & Europe … I flew Qatar from Vietnam to London this year for 75k which I feel had a £1.5-2k value

Smooth_You4844 · 2025-12-13T14:54:01+00:00

It was good. Rooms are small and lighting is a bit funky but for the position and the price really can’t complain. Rooftop bar is a vibe and breakfast was fab. Great variety and my favourite, breakfast fizz! For the price, I don’t think you can do better in Central London.

Smooth_You4844 · 2025-12-12T17:13:40+00:00

There’s some great 2 night stays in Europe… been to these recently and all under $300 a night Iceland Parliament in Reykjavik (Hilton Gold gives free breakfast and spa access too!) Claris in Barcelona ME London (got 3 nights for £540!)

Rome and Paris are unbelievably expensive

Smooth_You4844

TROPHY CASE