WATERFORD, CT -- September 8, 2003 -- Waterford Hotel Group announced today that the former Holiday Inn in Cromwell has been officially re-flagged as a Courtyard by Marriott effective Monday, September 8. Located at 4 Sebethe Drive in Cromwell, CT, this property is owned by Connecticut-based IRNM Hotel Investors, LLC, and is professionally managed by Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.

Waterford Hotel Group recently completed a more than $3.5 Million renovation of the hotel’s lobby, public spaces, and exterior. Wolman Construction served as general contractor for the extensive renovation project. The new lobby and public spaces have been upgraded with the addition of functional enhancements and new décor and furnishings. Practical additions such as a 24/7 food market and business library, featuring individual workstations with free high-speed data ports and ergonomic chairs, combine with aesthetic elements including the use of curved surfaces, rich woods, designer fabrics, granite counters and superior lighting.

The enhancements were based on feedback from hotel guests and are part of Courtyard’s nationwide hotel reinvention designed to meet the needs of today’s traveler. “At Courtyard, we research and test our designs to provide for comfort and functionality,” said Courtyard Brand Vice President Mike Hutter. “We’ve become America’s leading select-service hotel brand by listening to our customers and giving them what they want at a rate below traditional full-service hotels.”

The three-story, 145-key hotel offers ten meeting rooms with 7,500 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and functions of up to 400 people. Other guest facilities and services include the Courtyard Café, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness room.

Waterford Hotel Group manages 29 hotels throughout the US, including 17 Marriott products, six of which are Courtyard branded. Waterford Hotel Group operates more than 3,300 hotel rooms nationwide. “We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Marriott International for many years,” said Rob Winchester, President and COO of Waterford Hotel Group. “We are enthusiastic about expanding our relationship in the Cromwell/Hartford region and look forward to providing superior accommodations and exceptional guest service to our hotel patrons.”

Wolman Construction’s many years of hotel construction experience includes the 285-room Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, CT, which boasts a four diamond designation from AAA, the Residence Inn by Marriott in Downtown Hartford, CT, the Residence Inn by Marriott in Southington, CT, and, the recently completed Courtyard by Marriott in Warwick, RI.

Courtyard by Marriott is the leading select-service hotel brand in the United States. Providing guests with a combination of casual comfort and time-saving services, Courtyard hotels feature large functional guest rooms and are conveniently situated where people travel. Courtyard guest rooms feature either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, a seating area with sofa bed or oversized chair, a large, well-lit work desk and two telephones equipped with data ports. Other amenities include in-room coffee maker, hair dryer, iron with ironing board, and cable television with a free premium movie channel. Designed by business travelers for business travelers, the Courtyard® provides all of the essential services and amenities for guests to stay productive while on the road.