Not really a rant, more advice on what I should do in future.
Arrived at CPT on a late BA flight so missed our connection with Ryanair back to Blighty.
No room on any flights that day so needed to stay the night.
Phoned Gold line explained the situation expecting to use some Avios to get a room. Was put onto sales who informed me that as it was less than 24 hours I couldn't use my stash to book. Bit pissed at this but hey ho.

So instead of forking out 20k Avios paid north of £300 to stay the night at the Hilton.
The cost wasn't the issue it was the inability to use what I thought was readily available BA currency to book.