CONTACT:
Michael J. LaCosta/
M. Silver Associates
(212) 754-6500
michael@msilver-pr.com

Lisa M. Beers
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
860/701-9621, 860/447-8554 (F)
lbeers@waterfordgroup.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORIGINAL LOCAL ARTWORK CHOSEN FOR THE
FULLY TRANSFORMED $33 MILLION HILTON HARTFORD

Hartford Fine Art and Framing Incorporates Historic Importance in Property Art

HARTFORD, CT - (March 1, 2005) - For the recently reopened Hilton Hartford, the city’s historic importance is one of great magnitude, so much so that it factored into the artwork chosen for the hotel. The artwork, first-time reproductions of original Connecticut based pieces, integrate local city themes that highlight many of Hartford’s renowned historic buildings and monuments. The guestroom artwork, in particular, incorporates two of these important monuments.

One guestroom piece is an original oil painting of Bushnell Park’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, which is dedicated to the 4,000 Connecticut veterans of the Civil War. Created by Hartford Impressionist-inspired artist John McCormack, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, the painting view is from the entrance to Bushnell Park, where McCormack captures a crisp New England day as a hint of sunlight emanates from the golden dome of the State Capitol Building in the background.

McCormack is fascinated with shape, color and how the changing of light transforms a landscape at various times of the day. He captures this perfectly in the second guestroom painting of Colt Manufacturing. This unique complex was home to the Samuel Colt Firearms factory and was an integral part of Hartford’s economy in the 1800’s.

Designated as a historical landmark, McCormack portrays an unusual perspective of the sprawling armory, while keeping the viewer focused on the trademark cobalt blue onion dome. Hartford’s skyline is seen in the distance, providing a contrast between both the historic and modern aspects of Connecticut’s capital city.

In keeping with the historic theme, guestroom bathrooms feature a collage of Hartford landmarks. Jane Zisk, a New Britain native and working artist, took photographs of the Old State House and the State Capitol Building to produce a piece that evokes old travel postcards. Zisk has been involved in the Hartford art scene for many years, and is the founder of the Connecticut Plein Air Painter’s Society.

All artwork found in the Hilton Hartford is supplied by Hartford Fine Art and Framing. The company was founded in 1900, and prides itself in providing the highest quality products and services in the art business. They take great delight in promoting the state and supporting the artistic community by developing creative partnerships with area companies and artists.

“We chose Hartford Fine Art and Framing because they are very connected to the local community, which aligns with Waterford Hotel Group’s similar commitment,” said Len Wolman, chairman and CEO of Waterford Group. “With guests visiting Hartford from all over the world, we wanted to showcase our city in the property artwork, giving visitors an even closer feel for the wonderful community.”

About Hilton Hartford
What formerly was a hotel described by some as outdated and stagnant is now a state-of-the-art, luxury hotel with all the benefits and convenience of a downtown location that will attract both business, convention and leisure travelers. The transformed hotel now features 392 guestrooms and suites, high-speed Internet access, movies and video games on demand, as well as a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and two-line phones with private voicemail.

The Hilton Hartford also features a remodeled living room-style lobby featuring a full fireplace; wireless Internet access in all public spaces; the Element 315 lounge and bar; a lobby coffee bar; indoor swimming pool; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and Morty & Ming’s, a unique full-service combination restaurant featuring a New York-style Jewish delicatessen restaurant and an old school Chinese restaurant.

For meeting planners, the property now boasts approximately 15,000 square feet of innovative, high-speed Internet equipped meeting and banquet space with simple meeting and catering planning services, as well as a concierge level offering hors d’oeuvres and continental breakfast Monday through Thursday.

For those visiting the city for events or engagements at the Hartford Civic Center, the Hilton Hartford is the only city hotel to offer a skywalk to the Civic Center, providing easy access to sporting events, concerts and other special events. Additionally, the hotel is located within walking distance of downtown Hartford restaurants, shopping, the Bushnell Theatre, the Mark Twain House, and other entertainment and historical sites.

The Hilton Hartford is also easily accessible by all major forms of transportation, as the hotel is ideally situated near I-91 and I-84, and is only 20 minutes from Bradley International Airport. Amtrak, Greyhound, Bonanza and PeterPan/Trailways all serve downtown Hartford, and eight major car rental companies have local offices.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group is a national hotel management firm currently operating 28 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.waterfordgroup.net.