travel and leisure

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.

There's no denying that times are tough for the travel industry right now. Everywhere you turn, a hotel or resort is offering a reduced price, a free night or some other incentive. Airlines are locked in price wars and issuing rock- bottom rates even as they charge for everything but the seat...