WASHINGTON -- MeriStar Hospitality Corporation MHX, the nation's third largest hotel real estate investment trust (REIT), today announced that Jerome J. Kraisinger will join the company as its general counsel and corporate secretary in February.

Kraisinger currently is an assistant general counsel and an assistant secretary of Host Marriott Corporation. Host Marriott is a real estate investment trust and is one of the largest owners of lodging properties in the world. Before joining Host Marriott, Kraisinger was in private practice with the international law firm of Holland & Knight.

"Not only does Jerry bring extensive corporate legal experience to the company, he has substantial finance and real estate expertise," said Paul Whetsell, MeriStar chairman and chief executive officer. "His years of experience at one of the nation's top hotel REITs will be an invaluable asset to MeriStar both in the present challenging environment and as we transition to an industry-wide recovery."

Kraisinger earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Duquesne University and is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He has been admitted to practice in Maryland, Florida and the District of Columbia. Kraisinger is the recent past chairman of the Village of North Chevy Chase, where he was one of the authors of its municipal charter. He also served as a member of the board of directors of ProRiver, Inc., the owner of a regional restaurant chain, until its acquisition by Dave's of America, Inc.

Washington, D.C.-based MeriStar Hospitality Corporation owns 106 principally upscale, full-service hotels in major markets and resort locations with 27,432 rooms in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The company owns hotels under such internationally known brands as Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, Westin, Radisson and Doubletree. For more information about MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, visit the company's Web site: www.meristar.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements about MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, including those statements regarding future operating results and the timing and composition of revenues, among others. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially, including the following: the current slowdown of the national economy; economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically; the impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or actual or threatened future terrorist incidents; legislative/regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs; availability of capital; interest rates; competition; supply and demand for hotel rooms in our current and proposed market areas; and changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to REITs. Additional risks are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Bruce Riggins
202 295-2276
MeriStar