FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Lisa Beers, VP, Public Relations
(860) 442-4559
lbeers@waterfordgroup.net

Waterford Hotel Group Names Norwich Hotel Executive as
2001 "General Manager of the Year"

WATERFORD, CT, January 30, 2002 - Michael Heaton, General Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott in Norwich has been named "Department Head of the Year" by Waterford Hotel Group. Mr. Heaton was selected for this honor from among General Managers at the 26 hotels that Waterford Hotel Group manages and operates in 10 states. More than 40 Waterford Hotel Group managers and senior sales directors gathered at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, CT from January 27 to January 29, 2002 for the company's 12th Annual Executive Conference. The conference concluded with the Awards Ceremony recognizing excellence throughout Waterford Hotel Group.
Mr. Heaton earned this distinction because of his property's financial performance, staff excellence, and low turnover. Other factors that led to the selection of Mr. Heaton as Waterford Hotel Group General Manager of the Year include his successful administration of loss prevention programs, his strong involvement in the local community, his ability to develop, communicate, and implement effective recruitment programs, and his budget management skills. In addition, Mr. Heaton's property recently won a Marriott Gold Award for franchise quality.
In announcing this award, Rob Winchester, President and Chief Operating Officer for Waterford Hotel Group said, "Mike is a great manager of budgets, systems, and people. His property exceeded its budgeted revenues, while at the same time keeping turnover to a minimum." Mr. Winchester added, "He is a terrific motivator of people, which is what allows his hotel to offer an excellent guest experience."

Waterford Hotel Group has experience operating virtually every type of hotel property, including limited services properties, all-suite hotels, conference centers, and large full service and resort properties. The company's approach to hotel development and operations is hands-on, and features frequent site visits and constant communication with customers and partners.
Additionally, Waterford Hotel Group offers centralized accounting, financial reporting, strategic marketing, human resources, and day-to-day operations management systems to increase market share and profitability at all properties.
Waterford Hotel Group, with offices located in Waterford, currently operates 26 properties in 10 states. Franchises managed include Marriott, Starwood, Six Continents, Choice, Cendant, and Radisson, as well as independents.