Lisa Beers
Waterford Group, LLC
(860) 442-4559
lbeers@waterfordgroup.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOHN FRAHER NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF MARRIOTT HARTFORD DOWNTOWN

WATERFORD, CT (April 25, 2006) – Waterford Hotel Group has announced the appointment of John Fraher as General Manager of the new Marriott Hartford Downtown, a multi-million dollar luxury hotel featuring 409 guestrooms, and approximately 13,000 square feet of meeting space. Interconnected to the Connecticut Convention Center, the Marriott Hartford Downtown combines the scale and beauty of a traditional grand hotel with today's contemporary amenities, as well as VIVO a Seasonal Trattoria, Crush, a hip and sophisticated new lounge and GLO, a spa located on the 22nd floor overlooking the Connecticut River.

“We are excited to welcome John as General Manager to the Marriott Hartford Downtown family. His extensive background and successful track record in the hospitality industry will prove to be a tremendous asset in furthering the reputation of the Marriott Hartford Downtown as an outstanding property,” commented Terry Bickhardt, President and COO, Operations and Marketing of Waterford Hotel Group.

In his new role, Fraher will oversee all operational aspects of the facility, manage all full-time and part-time staff, and will be responsible for revenue and profitability, as well as customer, associate and owner satisfaction.

Fraher has an extensive background in hospitality. He comes to the Marriott Hartford Downtown from the Sheraton Nashua Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he served as the General Manager since 2001, managing a 336 room hotel and meeting space. His experience also includes Sheraton Hotel in Milford, Massachusetts, General Manager of Sheraton Inn located in Syracuse, New York, General Manager of Four Points Hotel in Leominster, Massachusetts where he a launched innovative sales initiative that generated six million dollars in annual revenue.

Fraher is a Certified Hotel Administrator and a Certified Six-Sigma Green Belt from the Starwood Six-Sigma Development Program. He is the President and Founder of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association and Visitors Center as well as the Founder and Director of the “Four Points Honors Scholars Program” which recognizes student achievements in ten school systems.

Fraher was recognized by State Senator Robert A. Antonioni, State Representative Mary J. Simmons and State Treasurer and Receiver General Joseph P. Malone for business development contributions and community service. He drove operations to achieve Sheraton/Starwood National Award as Hotel of the Year and personally ranked General Manager of the Year for 4 consecutive years, 1995-1998.

He currently resides in Leominster, MA with his wife, Susan. He has two children John and Stacy, and two grandchildren.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group is a national hotel management firm with 29 properties managed 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.