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Danfords Hotel & Marina to Undergo Major Transformation

November 21, 2007

Work has begun on a multi-million dollar enhancement of Danfords Hotel & Marina, company officials have announced. Located along Long Island’s nationally recognized North Shore Heritage Trail, Danfords Hotel & Marina is a major economic resource to the area and an integral part of Port Jefferson Village.

Danfords Hotel & Marina, a luxurious waterfront resort, is comprised of a hotel, conference center, restaurant and marina. Because of its unique layout, spanning eight distinct buildings throughout the waterfront, hotel and restaurant operations will be uninterrupted during the planned $8 million enhancement. Each building will be shut down separately, renovated and reopened to ensure smooth operation and minimum visual intrusion.

This is no minor makeover. It’s a total redesign of the property’s 86 guest rooms and suites, including completely new hard- and soft-goods from floor to ceiling. The main ballroom that overlooks Port Jefferson Harbor underwent a dramatic restoration in October with the addition of new carpet, drapes, dance floor and upholstery. The second phase of the renovation plan will address the hotel restaurant and lobby area; the restaurant will be renamed and will re-open with a new menu concept. The third phase will include the grounds and exterior building finishes.

The rationale behind the enhancement plan is explained by Stewart Weiner, general manager of Danfords Hotel & Marina. "This is the first complete redesign and refurbishment of the room and suite product in the resort’s 21-year history," he said. "Our intention is to transform the property into a modern day, luxury resort. Danfords owners have scheduled and budgeted for this refurbishment project to ensure that the resort maintains its edge and position as a preferred property for years to come."

Care was taken in the enhancement program to retain the special charm of Danfords Hotel & Marina and to combine the best of the old with the best of the new. Much of the design work has been entrusted to Kenneth E. Hurd and Associates, Inc. The Boston architectural and interior design firm specializes in renovation and new construction for world-class projects including resort hotels and important residential properties. According to Mr. Hurd, "The new interior room design is luxuriously contemporary with nautical overtones, in keeping with the property’s storied history and prime location on the water."

Guest Rooms and Suites

All 86 guest rooms and suites will be completely renovated and feature décor infused with contemporary nautical elegance. Furnishings have been kept simple using rich mahogany detailed with rounded edges and curved fronts found in the built-in furniture of finer yachts. The overall color scheme draws upon the traditional marine blue and white that is associated with Danfords Hotel & Marina, but the introduction of beautifully textured fabrics in vibrant patterns and yellow colorations provide contrast and reinforce the casual aspect of doing business or vacationing near the water. Colorful accents in the artwork, which are dramatic photographic images of exuberant sails, complete the refreshing transformation to a contemporary retreat from the whirlwind of 21st century life - not to mention offering something completely unique from the ordinary Long Island hotel experience. Renovation of the guest rooms and suites will be completed by April 2008.

Just as important as the luxury enhancements is the grand scale construction work, a challenge made all the more daunting considering the property will remain in operation throughout the renovation process.

"Construction noise travels vertically, so renovating each building separately will help manage noise levels. Renovation of the rooms and suites will progress through several stages to ensure minimum visual and acoustic intrusion for our guests," explained Mr. Weiner. "With the stunning redesign of the ballroom completed in October, we are already booking weddings and other special events."

What has not changed at Danfords Hotel & Marina is a dedication to providing exemplary service. "The staff’s unwavering attention to detail will continue to create wonderful moments to make each and every stay or special event memorable," added Mr. Weiner.