Oklahoma City KEY - Concierge of the Month

Gary Burleson
General Manager
Clarion Meridian Hotel & Convention Center

Profile: Gary Burleson has served as General Manager of the Clarion since 1999, immediately after the May 3rd tornado demolished the Midwest City hotel where he was working. A 23 year veteran of the hospitality industry, Gary has worked in hotels since age 18. Gary has a true passion for sports, including auto racing and football. A Michigan-native, his favorite team is the Michigan Wolverines, but he’s also embraced Oklahoma’s rich sports tradition.

If you share Gary’s love of sports, then he suggests you visit Emerson Biggins Sports Bar & Grill. The sampler platter is outstanding, and many of the booths are equipped with their own personal television sets. Gary also recommends you visit Edsel’s Club, which he describes as a “Cheers” type atmosphere with a great staff. Gary enjoys Edsel’s pool tables, dart boards, and golf and bowling video games. Finally, if you’re looking to warm up from the cold, Gary suggests that you check out the potato soup at Charleston’s Restaurant.

Gary recommends out-of-towners attend one of the many events that take place at State Fair Park throughout the year. State Fair Park hosts a large number of horse competitions and arts and crafts shows. For the past six years, Gary has taken his staff to the State Fair in September, where they win a large stuffed animal for every child of the staff members’ family.

A concierge (pronounced kon-'syerzh) is the closest thing you can find to your own personal assistant in a fine hotel. The concierge in your hotel is there to make your stay in Oklahoma City more enjoyable and hassle-free. A Concierge can do more than call a cab. Through their contacts, locally, nationally, and internationally, a Concierge can:

Obtain dinner, events reservations and tickets when and where no one else can.
Set up itineraries for visiting business people.
Make suggestions for and help plan sightseeing by bus, car, driver, limousine, or on foot.
Provide access to secretarial and office services, including faxes, telexes and photocopies.
Arrange hair, barbering, nail and beauty appointments.
Call ahead to a store and have several outfits set aside if you guess wrong about the Oklahoma weather, then have your selections delivered.
Help families relocating to Oklahoma City obtain information on neighborhoods, schools, and homes.
Help with questions pertaining to other cities - you have a friend anywhere in the world where there is a Concierge.

The Concierge has grown to be a trusted resource in the finest hotels in the world. However, don't just take our word for it. Discover what a concierge can do by simply asking for assistance. You'll find that a concierge is capable of meeting the needs of every guest, no matter how discriminating. Concierges spread good will. Call a Concierge - they won't let you down! As the #1 visitor destination city in Oklahoma, Oklahoma City has lots to see and do and whether you visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Omniplex, National Bombing Memorial, our beautiful museums, or stroll along the River Walk in Bricktown, the concierge staff at your hotel is there to guide you.

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