WyndhamWorldwide

A surprising pickup in business and vacation travel in recent months has energized the otherwise languid hotel business. Analysts now expect the uptick to continue. Here are four lodging companies that offer investors the best chance of riding the industry's wave.

As the recessed (depressed? repressed?) economy doesn't seem likely to bounce back any time soon and the cost of oil remains high, vacation is the last thing on most people's minds. With the summer nearing its end, hotels and resorts are starting to get a little desperate, offering customers...