By Natasha Dragun: Russian hotels regularly top “world’s most expensive” lists, so it should come as no surprise that rooms across the country take luxury to new levels. Here are 10 of the most over-the-top experiences that money — lots of it — can buy.

By Thomas Grillo: After lagging other hotel revenue sources, hotel spas saw sales recover in 2011 and the trend is expected to continue as the economy rebounds, according to PKF Consulting USA.

By Kate Schneider: When in London brace yourself for a disappointing hotel room. The city has just been named home of the world's worst hotels, according to a study of aggregated hotel reviews across more than 140 accommodation booking websites.

By Anne Sweeney: Social media gurus are busy posting New Year's Resolutions with tips for making the most of the latest apps, new sites, and marketing opportunities in 2013. There is great advice out there and some dynamic new social media platforms to consider. They are perfect for hoteliers who have embraced Social Media, established their brand, gained qualified fans and followers, understand the basics and post useful and relevant content on a regular basis. Our resolutions are made for those who don't

By Alan Campbell: It pains me to say it, but too many of the general managers I have come across during my career prefer the desk to the guest. Guests ask questions, are emotional at times, interrupt routine, and want things. Desks, on the other hand, are solid, smooth, shiny, reliable, and commanding. Desks hear everything, but never talk back.

STR reports on hotel performances for Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Stephen Vaughan finds out more about the business plans behind the planning, development and operation of airport hotels.

By Robin Kawakami: Global jet-setting and hotel branding help to define office style at the Starwood Hotels Design Center, the creative headquarters for the Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Le Méridien and W Hotels.

By GuestCentric: 2013 is looking like yet another exciting year for the travel industry. Expedia and Priceline have been pushing to place themselves as pivotal for all travel-related decisions. So, the question is, what can hotels do to leverage this shifting market?

Hotel companies always have to keep a beady eye on developments that may reduce their yield from online distribution channels. Here EyeforTravel’s Ritesh Gupta talks to two senior hotel executives from Asia about what hotel companies need to be wary of when it comes to OTAs increasing their clout in the distribution mix.