In the newly created position, Garavuso will be responsible for the operations and tactical direction of the company�s information technology for all of MeriStar�s 224 managed hotels and resorts, as well as their Doral division�s 12 managed golf courses and vacation ownership operations.  Garavuso will report to Christopher Eastman, chief information officer, who is responsible for corporate I.T. strategies.

Garavuso joined the company in 1998 following MeriStar Hotels & Resorts� acquisition of South Seas Resorts, west Florida�s largest beachfront resort owner and operator, where he served as vice president of technology, responsible for the development of technology capabilities.

�Information technology and e-commerce are important components of our growth strategy in the hospitality management industry,� said David McCaslin, president.  �Brian will provide the tactical leadership we need to install, operate and stay on the cutting edge of technology.  His expertise will allow us to accelerate our use of technology to enhance guest satisfaction, operations and profitability.�

Garavuso is a certified hospitality technology professional (CHTP) from the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association.  He also serves on the HITEC Planning Committee.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., and a long-time resident of Fort Myers, Fla., Garavuso graduated from the University of South Florida with a BS in Business Administration/ Accounting.

MeriStar Hotels & Resorts operates 224 hotels, resorts, and conference centers with more than 48,000 rooms in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  MeriStar develops and operates timeshare resorts and condominiums through its Doral Vacation Ownership division.  Through its Doral Golf brand, MeriStar manages 12 golf courses.  BridgeStreet Accommodations, a MeriStar subsidiary, is one of the world�s largest corporate housing providers, offering upscale, fully furnished corporate housing throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and 28 additional destinations worldwide.