Waterford Hotel Group Properties Win Four Marriott International Awards
Three Connecticut and Mississippi hotels recognized for guest satisfaction, operational performance, and associate excellence under Marriott's annual honors pro
Waterford Hotel Group announced that three of its Marriott-branded properties and one associate have received awards from Marriott International's annual recognition program, which honors hotels and individuals across categories including guest satisfaction, operational performance, innovation, and leadership.
The Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center in Flowood, Mississippi, earned two of the brand's highest honors. The property received Marriott's Chairman's Award, presented to one hotel within the Sheraton brand that demonstrates exceptional guest satisfaction, operational excellence, brand leadership, and commitment to Marriott's culture of service. The award factors in Intent to Recommend, a key guest satisfaction metric. The property was also named Hotel of the Year, recognizing hotels that deliver on the Sheraton brand promise while achieving outstanding balanced scorecard performance.
The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, received the Mustang Award, which recognizes hotels or individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, resilience, and operational excellence. The award follows completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed the lobby, meeting and event spaces, Executive Lounge, and fitness center. The renovation also introduced Marriott's new &More by Sheraton restaurant concept. As the only hotel directly connected to Bradley International Airport, the property positions itself as a standard-setter for airport hospitality in New England.
Jose Santiago, Engineer at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, Connecticut, was named Team Member of the Year, an honor recognizing exceptional associates who demonstrate outstanding guest service, leadership, ownership, and meaningful contributions to hotel performance. Santiago's recognition coincided with the hotel's extensive renovation, which modernized guestrooms, meeting space, public areas, and guest amenities.
Michael Heaton, President of Waterford Hotel Group, stated that the recognitions reflect "the passion, commitment, and hospitality our associates bring to every guest interaction." Founded in 1986, Waterford Hotel Group manages a diverse portfolio of premium branded and independent hotels across the United States from its headquarters in Waterford, Connecticut.
The awards signal sustained demand from Marriott International for demonstrable operational improvement and guest loyalty metrics among its managed properties, particularly as hotel owners continue large-scale renovation programs to maintain competitive positioning.