HARTFORD, CT (April 11, 2011) – Christopher Steele has been named as Executive Chef by the 393-room Hilton Hartford hotel. In his new role, Chef Steele will be responsible for the daily culinary operations of the Hilton and the hotel’s M&M Coffee Shop. His responsibilities include menu creation, management of all food departments throughout the hotel and oversight of off-premise catering events.

Chef Steele had previously served as a Restaurant and Banquet Chef at the Hilton Hartford from 2005 to 2007, and re-joins the hotel with more than 13 years of culinary management experience. He most recently served as Head Chef for the Prospect Café in West Hartford, and previously held chef positions at Geronimo’s Bar and Grill in New Haven, the Compass Group in Windsor, and Jordan Caterers in New Britain as Executive Chef for the Whinstone Tavern. Chef Steele began his culinary career in 1997 as Head Chef at Angelo’s on Main Rockledge in West Hartford.

“We are pleased to welcome back Chef Steele to the Hilton Hartford,” commented Duane Schroder, General Manager of the hotel. “His experience and familiarly with the property and its day to day culinary operations make him a welcome addition to the Hilton’s food and beverage team,” added Schroder.

Chef Steele holds a Culinary Degree from the Center for Culinary Arts in Cromwell. He currently resides in Newington.

About Hilton Hartford
The Hilton Hartford is a state-of-the-art, luxury hotel with all the benefits and convenience of a downtown location that attracts business, convention and leisure travelers. Newly renovated in 2005, the transformed hotel features 393 guestrooms and 11 beautifully appointed suites, many of which overlook the renowned Connecticut State Capital building. The hotel boasts three executive level floors that have upgraded amenities and a private lounge serving a scrumptious complimentary continental breakfast, hors d'oeuvres and evening desserts. Every guestroom offers an array of personal amenities such as a coffee maker, iron/board, and all are equipped with dual-line telephones with private voice mail and high-speed internet access. When it is time to exercise, the Hilton Hartford hotel in Connecticut features an indoor pool, fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center with the latest in cardiovascular and weight training equipment, a whirlpool and a sauna.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, currently manages 27 properties in nine states, representing more than 3,600 rooms. 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.waterfordhotelgroup.com.