11.   Because those business travelers need a place to stay, hotel companies are suddenly very interested in China as well.

12.   A big reason for the recent spinoffs and divestments among hotel companies is that the industry has turned around in recent years.

13.   A strong economy spurs travel, giving hotel companies a quick boost because they can change their rates nightly as rooms fill up.

14.   A strong economy typically spurs travel, helping hotel companies quickly because they can change their rates nightly in response to increased demand.

15.   Both Hilton and Starwood want ITT for its Sheraton hotels and Caesars World casinos, with the winner becoming the largest hotel company.

16.   But until recently, many hotel companies were not enthusiastic about setting up stalls in the raucous online bazaar.

17.   But what will Stephen Bollenbach do for the solid, if less than dazzling, hotel company?

18.   CUC also purchased several European service companies, as well as signing comarketing deals with Hospitality Franchise Systems Inc., a hotel services company.

19.   Earlier this month, Bass signed a deal with a major Mexican hotel company to triple the number of Crowne Plaza hotels in that country over the next decade.

20.   Earnings of hotel companies with midprice rooms also will climb.