Before Club Carlson replaced Radisson Goldpoints and then turned into Rdisson Rewards the chain had a unique feature in some regions “Our World, Your Lounge.” Elites were welcome at their hotels any time, with access to free internet and complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for two.

The idea was that if you’re a valuable customer, you’re a valued guest every time you walk through the door. That’s an idea that’s long gone by the wayside in the lodging industry (let alone with airlines where a ConciergeKey member at American spending $50,000 a year can’t get book an advance seat assignment on a basic economy fare).

Hotels want you to book direct and if you don’t there’s no points or elite recognition for you. And that’s when you’re staying on property. Radisson used to say if you walked through their doors you were welcome as an elite member, period.

There was one hotel that truly took elite recognition to the next level. The Sheraton Frankfurt would welcome Starwood Platinums to use their lounge any time — even when they weren’t a guest at the hotel. Forgot hot chocolate, this hotel offers a real spread.

Unfortunately that policy has reportedly ended too.

The SPG devaluation is real. Sheraton Frankfurt Airport no longer allows non-staying Platinum members into the lounge. Sad. #spglife #marriott @OneMileataTime @thepointsguy @garyleff @LiveandLetsFly pic.twitter.com/r8xOsASQiM

— The Flying Xplorer (@FlyingXplorer) April 13, 2018

They were more than generous, perhaps too generous, and out of step with much of the world. So this doesn’t surprise in the least. I just miss the idea that a valued customer is a valued customer each and every time and it seems a last little thread of that dies when this dies.