AT YOUR SERVICE Our

Need an expert opinion? Our concierge staff is here to help you find whatever you need to make that perfect memory.

MY HAPPY PLACE

For Concierge Darrel Smith, serving others is as ‘effortless as breathing’

If you find something you have a passion for, you are just lucky.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa guests are lucky, because no one is more delighted to do what they do than Darrel Smith, the lead concierge. “I enjoy getting people to smile — that puts me in a happy place.”

As a self-professed “globetrotter” and “foodie,” this 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry doesn’t make any suggestion lightly; he knows guests rely on him to make the best choices. “I don’t recommend a company I don’t know or a restaurant I have not visited,” he says.

And figuring out just what that experience is for each guest, is what this seasoned concierge lives for. “That’s what’s fun,” he says. “Getting into a conversation and finding out what they really want.”

One of Smith’s many talents, can’t be taught or learned in school. “Its about reading people well,” he says. “I really enjoy that part. You guide them in a way that gets the entire family excited about being here.”

Smith loves to arm guests with all that the hotel offers so they are able to fully enjoy their stay. “We truly do have something for every traveler, right here at the hotel,” he says, “what’s more, you can experience plenty without ever having to leave the property.”

DARREL’S 15 DEFINITE MUST DOS

Darrel Smith has a bounty of “insider” knowledge. For example, speaking with a concierge prior to your visit allows you to plan the details of your trip before you arrive. But if you forget to call, no worries, a member of the concierge team is always available on location, via telephone and email.

THE WORKMANS

◆ In case you were wondering, there are restrooms on the lobby level.

They’re conveniently located near the indoor swimming pool and pool deck access area. ◆ The Connectivity Center is the perfect place to stay connected.

Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, access to both PCs and Mac computers, plus an ATM. ◆ Staying on property on Saturdays is highly suggested, because there is likely heavy traffic around the area then. ◆ Seeking an exceptional dining experience? Our team is proud to suggest our onsite fine dining restaurant, Seagar’s Prime Steak &

Seafood. Some guest favorites include the Dover Sole and the Filet Mignon. ◆ Craving an al fresco dinner?

Consider Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill, which you can enjoy without leaving the pool deck. Barefoot’s is open seasonally — all restaurant hours of operation can be found by visiting hiltonsandestinbeach.com. ◆ If you don’t want to change out of your swimsuit, you might opt for a

“grab and go” option from Picnix

Poolside Market, located just off the pool deck. ◆ Traveling with little ones? The resort has 400 rooms equipped with bunk beds and offers complimentary “pack and play” set ups, cribs and will even arrange a recliner if mom needs one. ◆ Each guest room comes equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, so you can keep your favorite food and beverages chilled or easily warmed up. ◆ Inflate your kids’ floaties and pool toys for free at the Pool Hut. ◆ Feel like casting off? The surrounding resort has several stocked “catch-and-release” fishing holes, ponds and lakes. ◆ No need to throw in the towel. Grab a complimentary beach towel daily, available at the Pool Hut located just off the indoor pool area. ◆ Pontoon boats, jet skis and water bikes are available for rent at the Baytowne Marina. Take the complimentary resort tram over to the Baytowne area — picking up down by the Spa Tower entrance. ◆ Jolee Island welcomes play-“mates” to scale its wooden pirate ship.

Venture down the Gordon Davis

Nature Trail to discover a hidden fort-style wooden playground tucked under a canopy of trees.

OUR MEMORIES

• Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, I’ve worked for many different hotels. I can honestly say this has, by far, been the best experience of my career.

Visiting Hilton Sandestin Beach can only be described as coming home to family. The staff is committed to the property, to each other, and to giving our customers the best experience possible. More than anything as a customer, Hilton Sandestin Beach caters to your needs by anticipating them before you even arrive. They put a lot of time and effort into the upkeep and maintenance of the property while also ensuring customer feedback is taken into account to promise the best stay possible.

It’s unlike any other resort. It provides experiences of a lifetime to vacationers and groups alike. I think that is truly a testament to the commitment of everyone involved — to be the best full service resort that we can be!

Terri Marsh

Regional Sales Manager of Hilton Sandestin Beach