This is the end of an era. I was grief-stricken when I found out that Timberline Steaks & Grille would no longer be accepting Priority Pass. I’ve had trouble articulating a eulogy worthy of the gratitude and praise I wanted to express—until Boyz II Men came on in the grocery store.
Timberline Was Typically The Best Denver Lounge Option
First time riding a bike. First time driving. First dance. I kinda remember these things.
Timberline joining the Priority Pass network in 2017? THAT, I remember. I had two Priority Pass memberships but nowhere to use them at my home airport. And then it happened. I was ecstatic.
All you had to do was hand the lounge attendant that sweet, shiny, plastic, number-embossed membership card and your pre-flight cocktails or meal were free.
Cue Boyz II Men:
I’ll Make Love To You
Close your eyes, make a wish
And blow out the candlelight
For tonight is just your night
We’re gonna celebrate,
All through the night…
I’ve heard the Timberline criticism that “it’s not a lounge.” No, but that’s why I loved it.
It was a place that was almost always packed. It was loud. There was a hustle and bustle atmosphere. Not to mention, charismatic bartenders. It was an amazing place to meet fellow travelers before a flight. Not only that, Timberline was typically the best option.
The Denver United Clubs are lame. I love the Denver Delta SkyClub but I would liken the atmosphere to Sunday church. And if that’s what you’re looking for (i.e., hungover me), there’s nothing wrong with that. I just really, really, wish this one-of-a-kind lounge would stay.
Sing it, Boyz…
On Bended Knee
Can somebody tell me how to get things back
The way they use to be?
Oh God give me a reason,
I’m down on bended knee.
Timberline Was the Only Airport Lounge Option in Denver for Most of Us
Denver has had four lounges that granted access with the right credit card: United Club, Delta SkyClub, American Airlines Admirals Club, and our fallen angel, Timberline. It was the first and only airport lounge in Denver accessible with Priority Pass.
The Timberline closure and departure from the Priority Pass network leaves Denver with few or non-accessible lounge options. Sigh.
Belting it out for the cheap seats in the back…
It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday
How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh, outweighed the bad.
I thought we’d get to see forever, but forever has blown away.
It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
What Now?
Anyone who had lounge access with the following credit cards becomes SOL on October 15, 2019:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi Prestige Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Platinum Card from American Express* **
The Business Platinum Card from American Express* **
[*Note: Amex Platinum cardholders can still access Delta SkyClub when flying Delta which is nice but Denver is a United/Southwest Airlines city.]
[**Note: Amex Platinum cardholders will have access to a Denver Centurion Lounge (!!!!), but the date is sketchy as the opening date keeps getting delayed.]
That stings, bad. And although Timberline never truly ran like a well-oiled machine, it was my machine. Thanks for the memories. I’ll let Boyz II Men take it from here . . .
End of the Road
Although we’ve come to the end of the road,
Still I can’t let go
It’s unnatural
You belong to me
I belong to you.
Priority Pass at Timberline Steaks & Grille 2017 – 2019
R.I.P.