MCLEAN, Va. and PORTSMOUTH, Va., Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announces the appointment of Andrew G. Schiavone as General Manager for the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, VA. The Renaissance Portsmouth is an upscale 249 guest room hotel with more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space situated in Portsmouth's historic Olde Towne district, overlooking the Elizabeth River and Norfolk, VA.

Mr. Schiavone was formerly the general manager at the 522 guest room Radisson Barcelo Hotel in Orlando, also managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts. He is a hospitality industry professional with more than 20 years of management experience. Prior to joining Crestline Hotels & Resorts he held management positions with Marriott Hotels & Resorts as both a general manager and director of catering and convention services.

"Andy's combined understanding of operations and meeting services provide an excellent background for leading the team at this busy conference property," said Dave Durbin, President & CEO, Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. "In addition, Andy's passion for guest service coupled with his expertise in management, food and beverage, and IACC conference centers make him an excellent asset to this beautiful hotel," added Durbin.

Mr. Schiavone is a graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. He has been active in several professional organizations including the Central Florida Hospitality & Lodging Association, the Osceola Resort Area Council, the I-Drive Chamber, and is an active SKAL member. Mr. Schiavone can be reached at [email protected].

The Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center is situated in downtown Portsmouth's historic Olde Towne district. The hotel overlooks the busy Elizabeth River and the skyline of neighboring Norfolk.

The Renaissance Portsmouth offers 249 spacious and luxurious guest rooms, including five suites. The hotel's meeting facilities were constructed to meet IACC-certification standards and offer more than 24,355 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space. A unique amphitheater seats up to 70 people and every meeting room is equipped with high-speed Internet access. For dining, guests may choose the Foggy Point Bar and Grill with its relaxing atmosphere, breathtaking view of the River, and fine contemporary cuisine. During mild days, the hotel offers outdoor dining.

Guests arriving by automobile will find access convenient via I-264. Air travelers arriving from Norfolk International Airport are within 20 minutes of the hotel. For more information or reservations, please call 757.673.3000, or visit online at: /.

The hotel is owned by Highland Hospitality Corporation (NYSE:HIH) , a Virginia based, self-advised lodging real estate investment trust (REIT).

Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is one of the nation's largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the Company presently manages 41 hotels, resorts and conference and convention centers with nearly 9,700 rooms in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline Hotels & Resorts manages properties independently and under such well regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Renaissance, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Wyndham and Radisson. Additional information about the hotel management company is available at the company's web site:www.crestlinehotels.com/.

Note: Certain matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain, but not necessarily all, of such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "estimates" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology.

Gayle MacIntyre
+1-404-643-8222
Barcelo Crestline