Hartford, CT (September 24, 2004) – Today, Governor M. Jodi Rell, Hartford Mayor Perez, Waterford Group executives, and invited guests celebrated the topping off of the Marriott Hartford Downtown. As a key component of the more than one billion dollar revitalization of Hartford, the Marriott Hartford Downtown topping off sets the stage for outer shell construction, interior work and completion of the $81 million upscale hotel, the first new, full service hotel built in Hartford in over 20 years. The Marriott Hartford Downtown, official anchor hotel of the under construction Connecticut Convention Center, is scheduled to open next summer.

“Today marks another major step in the completion of one of Connecticut’s most exciting and important business and tourism development,” says M. Jodi Rell, Governor of Connecticut, “one that I’m confident will help make the state even more competitive on a national scale, as well as one that helps make Hartford an even more vibrant and thriving business and leisure destination. I share everyone’s excitement in seeing this revitalization project continue moving forward toward opening next summer.”

Len Wolman, chairman & CEO of Waterford Group, adds, “We’re proud that, once completed and opened, the Hartford Marriott Downtown, along with the Connecticut Convention Center, will be a key component of the largest conference and exhibition complex between Boston and New York. Hartford’s revitalization is well underway and the Waterford Group is proud to be a key player in its rebirth.”

When the 22 story Marriott Hartford Downtown is completed, it will feature 409 spacious guestrooms, including eight luxury suites, 200 king rooms, 201 double/double rooms, 18 Concierge level rooms and 12 handicap accessible rooms. All guestrooms will be equipped as “The Room that Works” for business travelers, with dual-line telephones, message light, data ports, clock radio and voice mail, as well as high-speed Internet access, cable TV with in-room movies and video games on demand. In-room amenities will include coffee, safes, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, deluxe bedding and linens.

The hotel will also offer more than 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, divisible into 11 breakout rooms, including the Connecticut Ballroom, the largest hotel ballroom in Hartford, with more than 8,300 square feet of space. Additional meeting rooms include the 3,000 square foot Hartford ballroom and three self-contained conference rooms. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment will be available, as well as the services of trained meeting planning staff.

Additional amenities of the Marriott Hartford Downtown include a rooftop indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, day spa and fitness center that offer sweeping views of the Connecticut River and downtown Hartford, as well as a high-energy Feature bar and an Italian dining venue. Designed to enhance the guests’ and Hartford residents’ experience, the Tuscan-style Italian restaurant will be open for dining all day, while the Feature bar, carrying through the restaurant décor, will offer guests an upscale and friendly lounge environment.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group is a national hotel management firm currently operating 27 properties in nine states. 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 www.waterfordhotelgroup.com