Guests using the high-speed service will log on, at no charge, to the Hotel Net Portal, www.HotelNet.com, created by Denver-based STS Hotel Net, which features hotel-specific information about local merchants, as well as customized information feeds (sports, weather, news), e-commerce opportunities (online shopping) and a variety of productivity applications (online expense reports).  Should guests choose to access other Internet sites outside the Hotel Net Portal, they will agree to a flat, daily service fee.  

"MeriStar's concept of a free information service for guests will improve the guest experience and increase Internet traffic from our guestrooms, meeting rooms, and common areas," said Paul W. Whetsell, MeriStar chairman and chief executive officer.  "The Hotel Net Portal, powered by Wayport's high-speed Internet connection, provides our guests with a total Internet solution." 

In addition, Wayport, through its Virtual Private Network, will provide secure connections between the hotels and MeriStar's corporate offices for administrative applications.  Wayport, in cooperation with STS Hotel Net, also will offer a unique high-speed dial access solution for users who are reliant on modems.
 

Wayport and STS Hotel Net will provide special training to the staff at each hotel to help them market the new service and troubleshoot potential connectivity issues.  Special, in-room collateral materials will explain the service and how it operates.

Founded in 1996, Austin, Tex.-based Wayport, Inc., provides Fast Net for people on the move in airports, hotels and conference centers. 

STS Hotel Net provides online media and Internet applications for the traveler and the hospitality industry.  In addition to MeriStar, STS Hotel Net customers include FelCor Lodging Trust, RFS Hotel Investors and Sage Hospitality Resources, aggregating approximately 110,000 guest rooms. 

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.  

This press release contains forward-looking statements about MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, Inc., including those statements regarding future operating results and the timing and composition of revenues, among others.