www.HartfordBusiness.com • September 25, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 3
Newsmakers
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College funding cuts
"Our students are not numbers
on a budget sheet."
Mark E. Ojakian , president of
the Connecticut State Colleges
& University (CSCU) system,
criticizing the GOP state budget
plan's $93 million in cuts to
state colleges over two years.
Grand gaming vision
"This project can help to turn the
economic tide of this state."
MGM Chairman and CEO
James Murren, referring to
his company's proposal to
build a $675 million casino in
Bridgeport.
Daniel Coggins
Regional Director of Operations, Greenwich Hospitality Group
By John Stearns
jstearns@HartfordBusiness.com
The new 114-room Delamar hotel in West Hartford's
Blue Back Square exudes luxury.
Touches include original artwork; stylish, interesting
furniture (one curved piece, part art/part bench, is made
from quarters); a Blüthner PH Grand piano that's eye-
catching for its unique, transparent design; finely appoint-
ed rooms; spa; Artisan restaurant with outdoor dining area
surrounding raised garden beds growing vegetables on the
menu; and an electric Tesla car for guest shuttling.
No expense appears to have been spared. Average room
rates: mid-$200s to $2,000 for the presidential suite.
Orchestrating the hotel masterpiece is Daniel Cog-
gins, regional director of operations for Greenwich
Hospitality Group's (CHG) three Connecticut Delamar
properties, including Greenwich and Southport. He
moved to West Hartford to help oversee Delamar's
construction and now its operations and roughly 120
employees as GM. He has been with CHG 10 years and
in the industry 20, from small boutique properties to
full-service luxury hotels.
The Delamar's luxury is defined not just by the qual-
ity of the property and services, "but most of all the at-
tentive hospitality provided by the team," Coggins said.
What is the hotel's anticipated business mix?
Midweek corporate travel will be strong in transient
and group bookings. The hotel's banquet facilities will
cater to small and large corporate meetings and provide
a unique space for social events such as weddings and
bar/bat mitzvahs.
Why did you build in Blue Back Square?
West Hartford is a prime location within Greater
Hartford, close to downtown and affluent areas sur-
rounding the city. Blue Back represents a vibrant food-
orientated community perfectly suited to showcasing
all Delamar has to offer.
What's the biggest challenge facing your company with
the new hotel?
In an increasingly competitive environment, it's im-
portant to push the boundaries of what a hotel, spa and
restaurant traditionally delivers. We strive to create a
unique experience unparalleled in this market.
What's the biggest opportunity facing your company
with the new hotel?
To make the hotel a regional focal point. We want
to be synonymous with fine living and fun times in a
relaxed environment.
Tell us something about you many people don't know.
I love to cook. With a background in the culinary arts,
I'm no happier than when I'm creating a new dish for
my family.
VERBATIM
Daniel Coggins stands next to a rare Blüthner PH Grand
piano, which sits in the recently opened Delamar hotel.
HBJ
PHOTO
|
JOHN
STEARNS
www.kelsercorp.com
43 Western Blvd, Suite 150
Glastonbury, CT 06033
860 610 2200
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but instead enabled your success?
At Kelser, we help our clients use technology to unlock
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