[alistairsmith]

I have been trying for 2 months to book a Melia Hotel in Paris with my flying blue miles. The Flying Blue website makes it very clear all Melia Hotels are included and when I phoned to get my vouchers the Flying Blue rep stated the hotel I wished to book was definately included. But when I tried to book the Hotel with Melia they made it clear they do not honour Flying Blue awards for Paris Hotels.

I complained to Flying Blue and they agreed to credit my miles back and look into the issue as they admitted to having many people complain about booking Melia Paris Hotels. When I returned my vouchers I was told there was a no refund policy on vouchers issued. After complaining I was eventually credited my miles back.

Flying Blue then e-mailed, phoned and wrote to me saying they had looked into it and confirmed once again that Melia Paris hotels were definately included. So, again I have spent time trying to book a hotel in Paris and again Melia have told me no hotel in Paris is every available to book with Flying Blue miles.

It has been a truly frustrating experience and left me extremely angry at Flying Blue. They are falsely advertising how you can use their miles and even when pushed to explain why you can't use them like they claim they continue to lie about being able to book Melia Paris Hotels. Melia have made it clear to me that no hotel in Paris will ever be available for Flying Blue miles. To give you context I am trying to book 7 months in advance and from looking at Melia's own website it is clear every type of room is available to "normal" paying customers i.e. the rooms are there. Flying Blue are just lying to poeple about their miles.