Hilton Hotels Corporation · McLean, VA United States

If you need a bed for the night, Hilton Hotels has a few hundred thousand of them. One of the largest hoteliers in the world, the company's lodging empire includes about 3,200 hotels and resorts in nearly 80 countries operating under such names as Doubletree, Embassy Suites, and Hampton, as well as its flagship Hilton brand. Many of its hotels serve the mid-market segment, though its Hilton and Conrad hotels offer full-service, upscale lodging. In addition, its Homewood Suites chain offers extended-stay services. The company franchises many of its hotels; it owns the Waldorf-Astoria and the New York Hilton. Private equity firm The Blackstone Group bought Hilton in 2007 for about $20 billion plus debt. To read the full description, subscribe now.