Marriott International (MAR/NYSE) has named Steve Dawe regional director of SpringHill Suites, the company`s newest lodging product launched in November 1998. Dawe will oversee operations for the brand, which is projected to grow to 125 properties throughout the United States over the next five years.

Dawe began his career with Marriott 17 years ago as the front office manager at the Hunt Valley Inn in Baltimore, Md. As one of Courtyard by Marriott`s general managers, he helped open the Windy Hill property in Atlanta, Ga., in 1983. Dawe also served as the director of rooms for Courtyard in the Southeast Region before becoming an area manager responsible for eight Courtyard Hotels. He most recently served as regional director for the Carolina region comprised of 70 Courtyard and Fairfield Inn properties.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott has eight properties open with another 15 due to convert in the next few months. Dawe`s region currently spreads throughout the entire country but he will be joined by other regional directors as the SpringHill Suites brand continues to grow.

Solidly positioned in the upper moderate tier, each SpringHill guest suite is 25 percent larger than a traditional hotel room and features separate working, sleeping and eating areas, including pantry area with personal size refrigerator and microwave. SpringHill Suites also offers complimentary continental breakfast, fax and copy services, same-day dry cleaning, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool spa and exercise room.

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