MeriStar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: MMH), the nation`s largest independent hotel management company, today announced the addition of two key executives to its senior management team. Robert J. Morse will join the company as executive vice president of the hotel division, currently the company`s largest division, and Hoyt Bacon has been named executive vice president of sales & marketing, a newly created position.

``Bob Morse and Hoyt Bacon will add exceptional bench strength to our senior management ranks,`` said Paul Whetsell, chairman and chief executive officer. ``Bob is the former president of Homestead Village, Inc. (NYSE: HSD) and brings more than 23 years of hospitality and public company experience to this important position. Hoyt previously was principal of privately held United Direct Response (UDR), one of the leading marketing and direct fulfillment companies in the world, and has built a solid reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and creative marketer. In an era of continuing consolidation, these two executives better position us to be more responsive to growth opportunities.``

Robert Morse:

As executive vice president of the hotel division, Morse will be responsible for overseeing the company`s 100 full-service hotels and conference centers in the U.S. and Canada. He also will seek out new opportunities for growth and additional management contracts. Morse will report directly to the company`s president, David McCaslin.

``Bob`s experience in all aspects of our business will be invaluable as we pursue new opportunities for growth and expansion,`` said McCaslin. ``He understands large hotels and large hotel companies as a result of his years with Sheraton. His operating experience with the Flatley organization gave him a franchisee`s perspective. As former president of Homestead Village, he is very familiar with the requirements of a publicly held company. We also share similar views about the value of the people we work with and the guests we serve.``

As president of the Homestead Village mid-market, extended-stay brand, Morse had total responsibility for 125 operating units generating $220 million in revenue throughout the United States. Previously, he was president of the franchise division of ITT Sheraton Corp. and president of Four Points Hotels by Sheraton.

Morse received a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a trustee of the American Hotel and Motel Association Educational Institute, a board member of The Schenck School in Atlanta, Ga., and an advisory board member of the UMass Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration Department.

Hoyt Bacon:

In the newly created position of executive vice president of sales & marketing, Hoyt Bacon will be responsible for creating long-term strategies to maximize company revenues. Among other areas, Bacon will explore available opportunities for optimizing synergies between company divisions and new internet initiatives. Bacon also will report to David McCaslin.

``Hoyt`s background includes hands-on sales experience in a number of areas, from banquets to room sales, with Westin and Amfac hotels,`` said McCaslin. ``He also previously worked for MeriStar`s predecessor company. As owner of a very successful marketing firm, he brings an entrepreneurial skillset that matches up well with MeriStar`s philosophy. The international experience he gained at UDR will become even more valuable as we pursue global expansion opportunities.``

Bacon received a B.S. in Hotel Management Science from the University of Denver. He is a board member of the California Travel Industry Association, immediate past president of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and an invited member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants.

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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