Pampering Lies Ahead

Marriott Hotel Plans To Offer Many Amenities

May 29, 2005
By GREG MORAGO, Courant Staff Writer

You've spent a long day at the Connecticut Convention Center pretending to be interested in PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, various panel speakers and keynote addresses. You're ready to blow off some steam; you can practically taste an icy-cold martini.

You're in luck: You won't have to venture too far from the convention center to get your kicks. In fact, the $81 million Marriott Hartford Downtown, attached at the hip to the center, will boast several venues for getting a workout, getting a good meal and getting that much-needed drink.

The Waterford Group, the owner and developer of the hotel, has some fun, relaxing public spaces planned for visitors to Hartford when the hotel opens in August. A quick walk through the connector between the center and the hotel will bring guests to the Marriott's Crush Lounge (a seductive bar), Vivo (an Italian trattoria) and Glo (a rooftop fitness center and spa).

Destinations within a destination, these venues were planned with both the conventiongoer and local residents in mind. Both Crush and Vivo will have their own entrances on Columbus Boulevard so that patrons won't have to go through the hotel lobby to enter. Both areas will be marked by soaring vaulted ceilings and windows that face the street.

The 1,500-square-foot Crush will sport a "residential" feel with oversized ottomans and sofas. The bar will feature specialty drinks and entertainment. Vivo will be a 180-seat Tuscan-style grand trattoria with a built-in Italian wine bar and Milano market expo kitchen. The menu will feature classic Italian dishes interpreted in a contemporary American style. Vivo's big: 4,800 square feet and includes two private dining rooms.

The Marriott's top floor will be home to a rooftop oasis called Glo. The fitness center and spa will feature massage therapy treatment rooms, men's and women's locker rooms, a 960-square-foot fitness area and an indoor heated pool. Best of all? Glo will offer spectacular, sweeping views of the city.

The hotel will also be home to a Starbuck's cafe. There will also be a full-service UPS store, just in case you really will be working at the convention center.