According to Marcus, the SuiteStar business model was selected by Sunburst because it offers internet access free to the hotel and its guests, rather than have the guest incur additional daily or hourly charges.  Guests may also use their notebook computer for free internet access if they desire. SuiteStar supports the service with advertising revenues and follow-on marketing services based on the profile of its highly valued business and leisure traveler audience.

SuiteStar provides the guest with an in-room internet appliance which enables them to roam the net, check eMail, shop and make travel reservations at their convenience.  The appliance is always �on� and available.  Because it is wireless, the SuiteStar approach completely bypasses the hotel�s telephone PBX, so there are no costly and disruptive installation activities commonly associated with running additional wires or cables throughout the property.
 

According to Sunburst Vice President of Finance and Systems, Charles Warczak, Jr., the initial installations will be in properties in Richardson and Plano, TX; Annapolis and Rockville, MD; Arlington and Tyson Corners, VA; and Denver, CO.  �Whether its keeping in touch with the family, or maintaining vital business communications, we know our guests put a very high value on in-room internet access. The SuiteStar model provides our guests with free high-speed access either with their own laptop, or through the in-room internet appliance SuiteStar installs and supplies,� Warczak, said. �It will be a highly valued and appreciated

SuiteStar Provides Travelers with Free Internet Access - Internet appliances similar to the one pictured here will be installed in Sunburst Hospitality Corporation hotel rooms, providing their guests with free, high-speed wireless access to the web.

Warczak said that when the guest �logs on� they will first see information about the hotel�s amenities, including restaurants, services and other offerings as part of the welcoming �screen saver�, before the guest reaches the Internet.

SuiteStar, Sunburst, MobileStar Information
SuiteStar Corporation, Fairfax, VA, is unique in that it uses a sponsorship and advertising revenue model to enable it to offer travelers and hotels free high-speed internet access in every room.  The service is totally turnkey and is installed free of any investment from the hotel.  SuiteStar provides all internet appliances, hardware and communication components, installation, on-site training, toll-free help desk and equipment service and maintenance.  The hotel obtains a highly desirable guest amenity, and because the service is wireless, at little or no disruption to its facility or phone system.  Through the SuiteStar solution, the hotel gains competitive advantage and increases the loyalty of their guest community. 

Sunburst Hospitality Corporation, Silver Spring, MD (NYSE: SNB) is one of the country�s leading hotel owner and management companies operating 79 hotels in 26 states with a total of 10,747 rooms. Sunburst�s brands include Comfort and Quality Inns and Suites, Clarion Hotels and Inns, Sleep Inns and the newly launched extended-stay hotels, MainStay Suites.

MobileStar Network Corporation, Richardson, TX, has been selected by SuiteStar as the network infrastructure provider. The MobileStar Network is the leading provider of high-speed, wireless internet access for business travelers in airports, hotels, and convention centers in the United States.  With over 120 Public Access Locations (PALs) activated and over 300 planned by year-end, MobileStar provides the most broad wireless network coverage in the country.  Also, MobileStar has several roaming agreements in place with international wireless networks to allow the greatest coverage for MobileStar customers.  The network provides easy-to-use, reliable internet connectivity at speeds up to 50 times faster than typical dial-up connections and over 100 times faster than other wireless technologies.  

In the SuiteStar scenario, each system installed in a hotel room becomes a �subscriber� to the MobileStar network.  This provides SuiteStar with the high-speed access it requires to deliver large bandwidth to the user while providing MobileStar with the wide footprint and additional users required for its success.

As technology advances, enhancements such as video-conferencing are slated to be added to the in-room solution.  In addition, SuiteStar offers a complete solution to the hotelier including access to the internet in the common areas of the hotel (meeting rooms, conference centers, restaurants and lobby) through its relationship with MobileStar.