MeriStar Hospitality Corporation: 90 Hotels, $2.4B Market Cap, 19 States

MeriStar Hospitality Corporation is a hotel REIT with 58 upscale and resort hotels and 17,003 rooms across 19 states and the District of Columbia. The company has strong brand relationships with Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Doubletree, and Radisson. MeriStar's market capitalization as of December 31, 2005, was $2,384 million, with 90 shares outstanding. The lodging industry is expected to outpace overall economic growth, with continued economic recovery at a more moderate pace and favorable supply/demand fundamentals.