Wildfan 88- I agree. I have several properties I've frequented & I'm always upgraded & gifted, and treated like a VIP. It's WONDERFUL to be recognized, and there are many properties where I've met the right people, but I was recognized mostly b/c I stayed so often that they remembered me, my likes, dislikes, etc. Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Times Square is one of the best hotels I've stayed in where I've been treated with upmost respect.

Another is W Lakeshore where I spent my 40th Birthday, one that I'll NEVER forget thanks to the staff of that hotel. In fact, now that I've lost my contacts at another hotel, I'd say that W Lakeshore wins, hands down. They had me in that short-lived W program years ago, and I felt at home at WL. I don't get there as often as I once did, but when I do, I'm still treated as if I'm truly a VIP. My birthday there was something I'll never forget, and I recall tearing up as the surprises kept coming.

To me, that is the ultimate meaning of a VIP. I might get the suite upgrade b/c I'm a Plat, but the honest smiles and kindness from the staff I get from choosing their property over others time and time again.

I lost one in Cancun (Le Meridien) and now I've lost my contact at Sheraton Park Lane in London, where I'm staying for over a week next month. I think that's the true test- losing the contacts as they move on to other jobs- and still getting a truly wonderful stay in the property.

I have NO idea what to expect for Park Lane in 2 weeks, but am hoping that the reservations person "taking over" for a woman who was my friend for years there, will make my stay as wonderful as it has been in the past. Considering I also brought new clients to their hotel when I could've stayed elsewhere makes me wonder if I made the right choice, as I haven't heard back on anything. I love the property, but then again, I always stayed in the same suite. I haven't heard from the new "contact" in quite some time and nothing had been decided or set in stone at that point. As the time nears for me to arrive, I have questions and comments and so wish my old friend were still there. Not that I doubt the new person, just that I'm unsure if I'm even considered important any longer, let alone a "VIP". This stay is already so much different than my past stays, I wonder if I've been forgotten.

It's a great, really fantastic feeling to be recognized as a VIP in life, but it sure feels as if you've lost something when the reasons behind being a VIP are taken away, changed, etc. I felt that way when Le Meridien Cancun sold to another hotel chain, and as much as I love Westin Lagunamar, I MISS the one-on-one treatment, the "How have you been? We've missed you!" type of conversation that makes your eyes light up.

It's special when you get that feeling, and I've kept detailed info from each hotel. I want them to KNOW I appreciate their kindnesses towards me, whether it comes in a thank-you card, a holiday card, or just an email to say thanks. Being a Plat is great. But being special somewhere, now THAT is a miraculous event these days! I miss it now at this particular property, but I know I was lucky to have had it for many years, and to still have those moments at other Starwood hotels.