Oklahoma City KEY - Concierge of the Month

Ray Simpson
Waterford Marriott
Oklahoma City

PROFILE: Ray has been the Bell Captain at the Waterford Marriott for 18 years, and has enjoyed working at Oklahoma City's only 4-star hotel. Ray enjoys the benefits, as well as the privileges as he assesses the needs of the "rich and famous," the business traveler or the family just getting away. When he's not working, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. His hobbies include singing Gospel music, playing softball and going to the Redhawks games. As Ray puts it, "OKC is a great place to live, and working in a job that serves others makes it that much better."

FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR: "April! Spring is in bloom and the Waterford Hotel is the host for the start of the Redbud Classic which draws thousands of people. Two years ago, it was especially crazy as we had the Rolling Stones and N'Sync as guests in the hotel while being the official start for the race. This year the Redbud Classic is April 4 and 5 and benefits homeless children through their chosen charity, Positive Tomorrow. For more information, call the Redbud Classic, 842-8295."

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: "One part of the job I love is recommending restaurants to our guests. Very near our hotel, Ranch Steakhouse offers an elegant ranch-house setting with an intimate atmosphere. Just pick a steak at Ranch, they’re all excellent-and save room for dessert-they are fabulous! The Ranch is located on Britton Road near Lake Hefner. Downtown/Bricktown, Mickey Mantle's is the choice. After you get through checking out the memorabilia of Oklahoma Legend Mickey Mantle, sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, and my personal favorite, Roquefort Steak. Mickey Mantle's is located on the Bricktown Canal just across from the ballpark. My final suggestion-call ahead for reservations-both restaurants are very popular!"

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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