Hartford, CT (June 15, 2004) – Today the city of Hartford got a “sneak peek” at the Hilton Hartford as it officially unveiled its interior design plans at a special function that included Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez and Len Wolman, chairman & CEO of Waterford Group. Re-opening in early 2005 under new ownership and a multi-million dollar renovation, the newly refurbished Hilton Hartford will emerge as a state-of-the-art, high-tech, four-star quality hotel with all the benefits and convenience of a downtown location that will attract both business, convention and leisure travelers. The only hotel to offer a skywalk to the Hartford Civic Center, the Hilton Hartford will offer easy access to sporting events, concerts, and other special events, and will become a key player in Hartford’s revitalization and renaissance.

The Gettys Group, Inc., an award winning interior design and design architecture firm, was hired to create the aura and feel of the Hilton Hartford. “The goal was to offer a veritable ‘living room’ or social center for the revitalized city, similar to the repose and social center location that grand hotels of the past used to offer weary travelers and local residents,” said Ariane Steinbeck, senior vice president at The Gettys Group. Conceived as a host-hotel for the adjacent civic center and new apartment tower, this property will provide Hartford residents and out-of-town guests with an oasis in the city.

Public Areas (Lobby, Restaurant, Meeting Rooms, Etc.)
The revitalization of the hotel will improve the guest experience from arrival to departure, beginning with the hotel’s curbside appeal, which will be significantly enhanced by a new glass and steel canopy, signage, site furniture and planters. The building will furthermore be expanded to house a new feature restaurant.

Once through the new glass vestibule, guests will arrive into the lobby, featuring a grand stairway, fireplace, inviting bar and lounge. Bookshelves will frame the fireplace, creating a library/living room atmosphere. Yet, all these seemingly residential/traditional elements will be detailed in a contemporary fashion, executed through clean shapes contrasted with traditional fabrics in unexpected colors and rich textures.

Meeting rooms will receive a complete overhaul of all finishes and fixtures to complement the other improvements of the hotel. Approximately 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space will include state of the art audio-visual equipment.

A glass enclosed workout space will be created overlooking the new pool deck. Rejuvenated locker rooms and saunas will complete this area of the four-star facility.

Guestrooms and Presidential Suite
The guestrooms will receive a complete transformation and improvement of their architecture, interiors, and heating/cooling systems to enhance guest comfort. The new design scheme evokes a serene oasis with warm, cream tones of the carpet and wall covering providing an envelope for splashes of colorful bedding atop Hilton’s state- of-the-art, Suite Dreams™ bed sets. Ample desks and adjustable task lighting allow for a comfortable workspace across from a plush chair and ottoman for relaxing and TV viewing. A figured maple veneer armoire accommodates TVs, coffee service and ample drawer space.

In the bathroom, a new granite countertop and millwork apron, new faucets and fittings tub enclosure and sink underscore the feeling of luxury and comfort. New lighting adds essential function to the upgraded guestroom experience.

The Presidential Suite will provide a pristine space for retreat or entertainment. The totally transformed space will be equally luxurious in its parlor, bedroom and bathrooms. The private bathroom entered through the luxurious dressing area will feature double sinks, granite vanity, an oversized whirlpool tub and a separate frameless glass enclosed shower. Additionally, the living room offers several distinct sitting areas as well as a bar that can be used for entertaining on a grander scale.

About Hilton Hartford
The Hilton Hartford, ideally located within 100 miles of approximately 23 million people in the Northeast, features 392 guestrooms, approximately 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, a full service restaurant, deli and coffee bar, an indoor swimming pool, a modern fitness center and high-speed Internet access.

Wolman Construction, based in Waterford, is serving as Construction Manager for the extensive renovation project. Professionally managed by Waterford Hotel Group, the hotel is conveniently connected to the Hartford Civic Center via a skywalk system. Guests at the Hilton Hartford have easy access to I-91 and I-84.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group is a national hotel management firm with 28 properties in nine states under contract. With corporate offices in Waterford, CT, Waterford Hotel Group is one of the most successful management companies in the hospitality industry. The company’s nationwide roster of properties consistently achieves exceptional market share and returns well above industry averages. This outstanding track record is based on strategic growth, intimate knowledge of industry trends, and providing value for customers and investors. For further information, contact Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., 914 Hartford Turnpike, P.O. Box 715, Waterford, CT 06385; telephone 860-442-4559, fax 860-437-7752, or visit the company's website at http://www.waterfordgroup.net.