MeriStar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: MMH), the nation`s largest independent hotel management company, today announced that Christopher Eastman has joined the company in the new position of Chief Information Officer.
Eastman will be responsible for optimizing MeriStar`s information and data management systems, particularly in the areas of financial data systems, sales and service, and human resources. He also will spearhead the company`s expansion of its Internet systems and coordinate MeriStar`s intra-company electronic purchasing system.

``MeriStar has consistently used cutting-edge technology and a sophisticated electronic infrastructure to enhance our operating strategies and create additional growth,`` said Paul W. Whetsell, MeriStar chairman and chief executive officer. ``Our information and technology systems already utilize the Internet and e-commerce to provide our operating teams with the newest tools to generate revenues and minimize costs. Adding Christopher to lead our technology team provides more focus and expertise as we position ourselves to capture the benefits of emerging technologies.``

Eastman brings more than 12 years experience as an IT manager, project manager, software engineer and database administrator. Previously, he created and managed Virtualogic, Inc.`s Data Management Practice. There, he supported a number of major accounts, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield NCA, Bell Atlantic and Marriott International, where he and his team designed and implemented systems to support multiple business units.

Eastman received a B.S. in Management Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He is a member of The Data Warehousing Institute and served on the board of directors of DC Area Sybase Users Group.

MeriStar Hotels & Resorts leases or manages 217 hotels with 45,439 rooms in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information about MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, Inc., visit the company`s web site: www.meristar.com.

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