Despite tough times in the hospitality industry, most owners, developers and operators are moving forward with at least a modicum of optimism. In fact, a recessionary environment is usually the best time to act: to buy a hotel (or portfolio), to renovate one, to affiliate with a brand or change flags or to hire new management. Those lodging companies that position themselves for success now will be the first to find it when the economy turns positive and travel again becomes a way of life.

The Lodging Hospitality editorial team has put together a handbook to help you accomplish your goals, no matter what they may be. This annual look at the Top of the Top profiles the biggest chains, the largest management companies, the top purchasing companies and the most prominent hotel ownership and development firms. We publish the lists in both our March 1 and December issues and then post them online at www.LHonline.com.

The Top Brands report lists the 50 largest (by number of rooms) brand-name companies operating in the U.S. Similarly, the Top Management Companies report ranks the 50 largest companies (also by room count) that operate hotel properties under names and brands other than their own. Other reports in the section cover Purchasing Giants and Owners & Developers.

CONTACT ED WATKINS Ed.Watkins@penton.com or (216) 931-9278 for information on future reports.