SynXis Provides Internet - Base Hotel Reservation Management and Distribution to MeriStar Hotels & Resorts / Feb 2001

Hotel Online Special Report

SynXis Provides Internet - Base Hotel Reservation Management and Distribution to
MeriStar Hotels & Resorts

The Industry�s Largest Independent Hotel Management Company Levels the Online Reservations Playing Field for Its Independent Properties

McLean, VA - (February 13, 2001) - SynXis Corporation, a provider of Internet-based reservation management systems and distribution to the hospitality industry, announced today that MeriStar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:MMH) has contracted to use its SynXis Agent� reservation management and distribution system in its independent hotel properties. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., MeriStar is the U.S.�s largest independent hotel management company with 230+ hotel and leisure properties.

MeriStar will initially implement SynXis Agent Global Distribution System (GDS) Connectivity and Book-A-Rez® in 20 of its properties including the Latham Hotel in Georgetown and South Seas Resorts on the gulf coast of Florida. With the SynXis system, MeriStar will provide its independent properties with online access, expanded electronic distribution and on-property inventory control - capabilities which have traditionally only been available to chain hotels. MeriStar properties will have instant access to the 300,000+ travel agents and planners using the GDS to book hotel rooms. In addition, MeriStar hotels will be directly bookable online through the individual property Websites and through other major alternate distribution channels including AOL, Yahoo and PlacesToStay.com.

�We wanted to give our independent properties some of the same advantages as the larger chains,� said Pamela Streeter, Vice President of Electronic Distribution, MeriStar Hotels & Resorts. �In addition to expanded distribution and online access for our hotels, SynXis is also providing us with real-time inventory management that we control ourselves. Now our hotels have a competitive edge through greater customer exposure, more control, and even lower costs using SynXis.�

SynXis�s advanced technology provides MeriStar with the ability to make live rate and availability updates to the GDS. �MeriStar can implement changes quickly and accurately and then see those updates reflected throughout the GDS almost instantaneously,� said Bernard Ellis, Vice President of Product Strategy for SynXis. �We�ve taken the middleman out of the process so changes are made

Bernard Ellis, VP,
Product Strategy, SynXis
Hospitality Division

As Vice President, Product Strategy, Mr. Ellis is responsible for understanding customer needs, defining product functionality, and positioning SynXis hospitality products in the marketplace. He also oversees the quality assurance team.

Formerly a Senior Account Executive for the Major Account Group at Micros-Fidelio, he managed sales for Carlson Hospitality, Four Seasons, Delta, Bass Hotels, and others. Prior to his Account Management position, Bernard was the Hotel Technology Product Specialist for the development of the Micros 8500 product. Bernard also served as a Central Reservations Consultant for Divi Resorts, and held several positions at the hotel operations level. Bernard is a graduate of William and Mary, and holds an MPS degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.

faster and there is less chance for error.�

**What is Book-A-Rez�?**
Consumer Internet Booking Engine Accesses Real-Time Availability Link from Hotel or Chain's Web Site for Bookability Hotel Logo Flow -Through Unlimited Room Types and Rate Plans Upcoming Features Include: Negotiated Rate Access Travel Agent Access Group Rooming List Entry	Through the Book-A-Rez� Internet booking link, consumers can book hotel rooms directly from a property�s Web site in real time. The background and logos from the site are used in so that customers do not realize they are using a third party booking engine. While other web sites only allow users to make new reservations, Book-A-Rez� offers consumers the ability to modify and cancel existing reservations on-line, virtually eliminating the need for multiple calls and miscommunication with your agents. Because guests appreciate the ease and convenience of Book-A-Rez, you gain customer loyalty�and a competitive edge over other properties.

About SynXis Corporation

SynXis Corporation is an application service provider delivering reservation management systems and distribution to the hospitality industry worldwide. Its complete reservation management offering, SynXis Agent�, gives hotels, resorts, casinos and convention centers of any size greater control over inventory and at the same time helps reduce operating costs and increase bookings. Internet-based SynXis Agent consolidates hotel inventory status from all sources, provides money-saving direct access to all major GDSs and reservations - enables the hotel�s website. There are no capital costs for the start of service, and properties only pay a nominal transaction fee per reservation. In addition to its corporate offices in McLean, VA, SynXis has offices in Denver, CO; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Dublin, Ireland. For more information on SynXis and its products, please call 703-448-2530, email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, or visit the SynXis website.

Synxis Agent is trademark and Book-A-Rez is a registered trademark of SynXis Corporation. All other names are property of their respective owners.

About MeriStar Hotels & Resorts

MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, the nation�s largest independent management company, operates 233 hospitality and leisure properties with more than 48,000 rooms and 11 golf courses in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 and Europe. On December 11, 2000, MeriStar announced it would merge with American Skiing Company (NYSE: SKI), pending regulatory shareholder approvals. The new company will be renamed Doral International. For more information about MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, visit the company�s Web site.

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Contact:
Katrina Pruitt-Andrews
Director of Marketing
SynXis Corporation
7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1000
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-4903
[email protected]
http://www.synxis.com

Also See	Candlewood Suites Switches Reservation Service Providers to VIP International and the SynXis Agent / Jan 2001
	Ramesys Lodging Industry Customer Base Now Provided SynXis Agent�, a GDS Connectivity Solution / Jan 2001

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