NORWICH HOTEL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF BUSINESS
WITH ASSOCIATE CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

Courtyard by Marriott Norwich Donates to Backus Foundation’s Purchase of New Beds

NORWICH, CT (July 3, 2007) --- The Courtyard by Marriott in Norwich today held an Associate Celebration Luncheon to mark its 10th year of business. The Norwich Courtyard opened its doors on July 9, 1997, and since that time, has served approximately 600,000 hotel guests and more than 200,000 meals. The Courtyard by Marriott Norwich is owned by Norwich Lodgings, LLC, a partnership of affiliates of Pennsylvania-based Hersha Hospitality, Connecticut-based Waterford Group, LLC, Michigan-based Slavik, Inc., and Connecticut developer Glenn Jette. The hotel is professionally managed by Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford.

During the luncheon, Waterford’s Chairman Len Wolman thanked the hotel team for their dedication and commitment to providing superior customer service, with special recognition given to six associates that have been with the hotel since opening day [Norwich-residents George Gavitt and Elsa Rivera; Bozrah- resident Betty Eccles; Jewitt City-resident Sherry Budz; Baltic-resident Gerri Luppert; and, Griswold-resident Christine Walker]. “Today marks an important milestone for the Courtyard Norwich, and it is a day for all of you to be proud for consistently ensuring a memorable stay for the many guests we serve each day,” commented Wolman.

In appreciation of the ongoing support of the local community, the Courtyard Norwich made a $1,000 donation to the Backus Foundation’s 2007 Annual Fund. Backus Hospital has invested in more than 150 beds designed to improve patient safety and comfort, with features that address fall prevention and reduce physical strain for caregivers. With their gift of $1,000, the Courtyard Norwich will be recognized with a special gift tag placed on the bed purchased by the hotel. On hand for the check presentation was Genevieve Schies, Director, Planned Giving for Backus Foundation.

About Courtyard by Marriott Norwich
With 120 guestrooms, the Courtyard by Marriott Norwich can accommodate all types of travelers. Spacious guestrooms offer amenities such as high speed Internet access, remote-controlled TV with cable and premium movie channels, air conditioning, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, in-room hair dyers, as well as bathrooms that feature bathtubs equipped with massaging spray jets. Other hotel features include a 24-hour market, business center, indoor pool, whirlpool spa, exercise room, and guest laundry facilities. Conveniently located off interstate 395, Courtyard by Marriott Norwich is mere minutes away from area casinos, Mystic Aquarium and Seaport, Ocean Beach Park and other area attractions.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, currently manages 26 properties in 8 states. 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. For more information, visit the company's website at www.waterfordgroup.net.

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