Waterford Hotel Group Holds Conference for GMs and DOSs from 40 Properties / $38-million 285-room Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, CT, Under Construction / Sept 2000

Hotel Online Special Report

Waterford Hotel Group Holds Conference for GMs and DOSs
from 40 Properties
$38-million 285-room Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, CT, Under Construction

Waterford, CT � More than 40 hotel general managers and directors of sales recently gathered at the Holiday Inn of Cromwell, CT for an extensive three-day training conference. Participants came from 27 properties in 11 states, all of which are operated by Waterford Hotel Group. The national hotel management firm hosts the conference twice yearly to share ideas, learn common procedures and foster the team spirit that are all hallmarks of Waterford�s consistently high performing hotels. The theme of this year�s conference was �Ride the Wave of Success with Waterford Hotel Group�.

The water-themed conference commenced with a boat ride on the Mark Twain down the Connecticut River. Attendees participated in various events throughout the conference aimed to promote team building through creative exercises and discussing new trends. Representatives from three franchise companies, Marriott, Ramada and Bass Hotels, attended the conference to discuss their roles and provide tips to Waterford Hotel Group managers on how to successfully market their properties. Additionally, conference participants focused on the preparation of 2001 budgets and marketing plans, and the strategies that will ensure another successful year for each hotel.

Len Wolman, chairman and ceo of Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. provided a welcome speech to the participants. Wolman shared plans for exciting new construction projects currently underway, including the 285-room Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, CT, currently under construction and expected to open in early 2001.

Jim Miller, of New Hampshire-based Jim Miller and Associates, served as facilitator for the event. Jim Miller and Associates provides direct sales, marketing and training services to the hospitality industry. Miller encouraged participants to conquer their daily challenges with more heart, energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa to Feature
Red Door of Elizabeth Arden

When the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa opens next year in Groton, the coastal region of Connecticut centered in Mystic and New London will join the ranks of New York�s Fifth Avenue and other cosmopolitan centers of culture and business in catering to the very highest level of luxury lifestyles. One of the most distinguished and sophisticated names in health and beauty, Elizabeth Arden, will open its famous Red Door Spa at the hotel.

�In designing the Mystic Marriott, we have been determined to bring a new level of luxury and service to this region, for both leisure travelers, business guests and meeting attendees. The Red Door Spa has an unparalleled history and reputation among the world�s top health and beauty spas. Combined with our extensive, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, accommodations and fine dining, the Mystic Marriott will redefine what full service means in Connecticut,� said Brian Conyers, the hotel�s general manager.

Clients have experienced personal services and unique treatments since the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa was founded 90 years ago. At the Mystic Marriott, as at other Red Doors, guests will be able to luxuriate for an hour, an afternoon or a day, restoring their spirit, rejuvenating the body and pampering their individual sense of beauty. The signature lacquered red door will open on an innovative design that blends a rich heritage and glamour with the most modern spa facilities. The full service spa will feature eight facial/massage rooms, two hydrotherapy rooms, four hair stations, four manicure stations, two pedicure thrones, men�s and women�s relaxation rooms, private men�s and women�s locker rooms with steam rooms, an indoor pool with a whirlpool, fitness center and full-service juice bar.

In designing the Mystic Marriott�s service menu, Arden Spa management has taken every detail into consideration. The menu features one of the most extensive list of facial offerings available anywhere, including Elizabeth Arden�s signature advanced and specialty skincare services that are both therapeutic and pampering. From the exclusive Multi-Vitamin Anti-Oxidant facial or Oxygen Glow facial to the luxurious Arden Four Layer facial, there�s a skincare service to address any skin type or condition. Arden�s ultimate hand and foot pampering includes �facials for the feet,� a heated orange essence towel wrap and a signature pedicure bath sprinkled with fresh red rose petals and glass beads to stimulate the feet.

Brian Conyers Named GM of the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa
WATERFORD, CT --- Waterford Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Brian Keith Conyers, as general manager of the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, Connecticut.

Waterford Hotel Group will manage the property, which is being built by Wolman Construction of Waterford.

�As construction on the Mystic Marriott proceeds, an experienced and creative management team is also taking shape. Brian Conyers has proven himself in challenging management positions both in the United States and abroad and is eager to apply his talents and expertise to quickly establishing the Mystic Marriott as the undisputed leader in the southeastern Connecticut region,� said Robert Winchester, president and COO of Waterford Hotel Group.

Conyers joins the Mystic Marriott after more than 13 years with Radisson Hospitality Worldwide where he held a number of executive positions including resident manager, general manager and regional director of sales and marketing. During his tenure with Radisson, he worked with properties in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona and Chicago.

For the last two years, Conyers was general manager of the Radisson Hotel O�Hare Airport. His sales responsibilities with Radisson included the Southeastern U.S., the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Conyers began his career in the hospitality industry with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, working at properties throughout the United States, with responsibilities in virtually all aspects of hotel management and operations, including housekeeping, front and back office and hotel management. He studied Psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and has maintained a continuous program of company-sponsored professional development.

The spa will offer an extensive menu of body treatments, including wraps, polishes and mud masks. For added pampering, Red Door treatments can be paired with traditional or specialized massage services or customized hydrotherapy. The spa�s hydrotherapy tub has 47 air and water jets and custom-infused water with seaweed or aromatherapy to condition the skin, remineralize, moisturize and stimulate the senses.

�We are thrilled to embark on a partnership with Waterford Hotel Group. The Red Door will be a wonderful addition to the Mystic Marriott Hotel, and will complement the many luxuries that the property has to offer to its guests,� said David Stoup, CEO of Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc.

In addition to the Red Door Spa, the $38-million Mystic Marriott features six suites as well as deluxe rooms, more than 22,500 square feet of meeting space including two ballrooms, a restaurant, bar and lounge, and a branded coffee bar. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel management firm currently operating 27 properties in 11 states, will manage the property, which is being built by Wolman Construction of Waterford. Strategically located in the heart of one of New England�s fastest growing tourism destinations and the largest hotel in the region outside Foxwoods, the six-story Mystic Marriott, in the Mystic Executive Park at Exit 88 on Interstate 95, is expected to quickly become the hub for corporate, group, conference and leisure travel in the region.

The six-story hotel, with a concierge level on the top floor, features guest rooms equipped with work desks, cable TV, data ports and voice mail, coffee makers, in-room movies and irons and ironing boards. Twenty rooms will offer whirlpool tubs. The concierge level includes a lounge for breakfast and refreshments. There will be ten handicapped accessible rooms. In addition to 24-hour room service, guests will have the use of shuttles to nearby airports and two of the largest casinos in the United States, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. There will also be complimentary parking for more than 650 cars.

Since its founding in 1984, Waterford Hotel Group has been one of the most successful and fastest growing companies in the hospitality industry. From a single management contract, the Days Inn in Mystic, the company has expanded nationwide, with a major commitment and presence in Connecticut. One of the most successful management companies in the hospitality industry, Waterford Hotel Group�s properties nationwide consistently achieve exceptional market share and returns well above industry averages. The company�s outstanding track record is based on strategic growth, intimate knowledge of industry trends and providing value for customers and investors.

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Contact:
Lisa Beers,
Director, Public Relations
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
860/442-4559
http://www.whghotels.com

Also See	Waterford Hotel Group Selects Coyle Hospitality Group for the Next Millenium/ Frequent Diner Survey / Sept 1999
	The American Club, Owned by Kohler Co., Building an Onsite Spa Showcasing the Kohler Brand / Mar 2000

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