Starwood sues Hilton in battle of 'lifestyle hotels'

On Thursday, Starwood Hotels and Resorts sued Hilton Hotels, including two former employees who now work for the massive chain. Starwood's claim is that Hilton has stolen confidential information that it intended to use in the launch of its new Denizen "lifestyle hotel" chain.

Traditionally, hotels have tried to offer a relatively generic experience. The basic hotel room, ideally, contains all the comforts of home with none of the personality. Clean sheets, boring furniture, inoffensive art and relatively soft towels give the weary traveler a blank slate that is neither challenging nor confusing, offering him or her a safe place to rest.