Her case studies cover a number of web-based companies and are written up with even more breathless enthusiasm than those of Mr Taylor and Ms LaBarre.

ECONOMIST: Innovation and entrepreneurship

Still, the most important factor in hotel choice is the price of the room, said Gina LaBarre of Crowne Plaza, and hotels are taking a serious look at how much they charge so they can stay competitive.

CNN: For small companies, it can pay to stay with friends, strangers