Melia Gift Cards

[tjob81]

We used to see discounted gift cards on Amazon UK (& EU versions) but I haven’t seen any recently, anyone know why they stopped or if they’re coming back? Black Friday maybe?

Thanks all 💟

[Rob]

Not seen them on any EU Amazon site for ages.

[gtellez]

I miss them quite a lot. Last time I bought was during Black Friday 2020. I got incredible value with them many times.

[Niall]

They disappeared during summer 2021 and didn’t make a comeback for Black Friday 2021 on any of the EU or U.K. Amazon sites, so it’s expected they’re gone!

The big increase in rates / devaluation of points means they also wouldn’t give the same amazing value they offered before.

[tjob81]

I really do hope they return, I managed to get really good value from them at Innside New York!

[Niall]

Before rushing to buy gift cards (if they do come back), have a look at the points rate you had in your last redemption and compare it to the points rates offered now. If gift cards are a good price, it could offer a saving over cash rates, but the mega bargains of the past are gone 🙁

[Rob]

True. Melia has moved to a dynamic pricing model, so its not clear that selling gift cards of points even makes sense for them (or you) now.

[astra19]

I’m not sure I understand their pricing model. I’ve had a really good deal a few months ago on the Level White House in London but no idea how or why! Can’t seem to find any good deals for it any longer.

[Niall]

It’s actually the same system as they always had, but the with a few differences:
– There seem to be fewer rooms available for standard redemption rates.
– Standard redemption rates have gone significantly higher.
– There is more variation on what the standard rate is, with it now seeming to be based on the specific hotel. Previously for example all Gran Melia standard rates were the same, but not anymore.

When the standard rate for eg Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques is 61,538 points (€307.69/£267.58 if buying points today), there aren’t really any dates it seems worthwhile to use points when you realise you can’t use your 20% off on those points rates and that you earn points when you pay cash rates.

In 2020 Rob got points at £2.92 per 1000. Buying with Melia costs €5/£4.35 today. So that Palacio de los Duques room would cost £179.69 at the old gift card prices instead of the £267.58 today. So there could be value if they offer them again but the old standard rate for room only was 28,000 ie £81.76 in gift cards!

So maybe for some slightly worthwhile, but nowhere even close to what it was I’m afraid.

Edit: I should mention the new rates came in mostly in May with some hotels losing it slightly earlier and others weirdly having rooms at the old rates for a while after on random dates (Melia White House and Palacio de Isora in Tenerife are examples), so it makes sense if you got good value a few months ago.