This is the second time I've stayed at the Marriott in downtown Hartford, the first was for a concert.
The hotel is very nice. It's clean, the rooms are decent size and also clean. There are some dining options on the property itself (I have not used any of these though) and there is onsite parking.
Each time I stayed the check in process was great. The staff has been very friendly and helpful.
It is right next door to the Convention Center. There are several dining options across the street and the UCONN Hartford branch is also across the street.
Depending on how far you like to walk it is a bit of a hike to get to the actual downtown of Hartford. If you are attending a show at Hartford Stage Company, Theater Works or a sporting event at the XL Center, it's just enough out of the way that you could take a car. But if you want to walk, you'll get get a little exercise.