Amid some recent profit-taking, Starwood's more bullish adherents say the stock has firepower to spare as the company continues to demonstrate solid leadership. It's one of the world's largest hotel companies and is well-positioned in the hot Chinese and Indian markets.
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.
Undercover Boss starts its second season with a glimpse under the sheets at Choice Hotels, one of the world's largest hospitality firms. President and CEO Stephen P. Joyce gets to experience tougher side of the hotel business, as he scrubs a pool, makes beds and straightens up a few of the company's estimated 490,000 rooms.
A year ago, the sector suffered from both recession and a stigma against frivolous spending. Now, the mood has reversed, bookings are up and the industry is hiring again.
After getting beaten down in early 2009, the lodging company's stock has rebounded smartly, thanks to a new focus on the resiliency of certain parts of its businesses. And several analysts think it still has plenty of upside.
