AIRLINE ALLIANCES
Star Alliance was named "Best Airline Allianc" in this year's reader survey. Calling itself "the airline network for Earth," the alliance recently launched an online version of its Round the World Mileage Calculator which includes realtime schedule information.

The Star Alliance network, established in 1997, includes Air Canada,Air New Zealand, ANA,Asiana Airlines,Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS,TAP Portugal, THAI,United, US Airways and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network.Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 16,000 daily flights to 841 destinations in 157 countries.

AIRPORTS
Where you land often makes a difference in the success of a business trip.Readers tapped Changi International Airport (Singapore) as the "Best Airport in the World."Domestic honors went to Denver International Airport as "Best Airport in North America. "The services available here make a layover seem almost enticing. If you've got five hours, you can sign up for one of three different free sightseeing tours of Singapore. Less than that? How about strolling through the Sunflower Garden at Terminal 2 or swimming a few laps in the Balinese-themed pool? Free Internet access is offered in both Terminals 1 and 2, or, if you'd prefer just to chill out, there are choices of day rooms and napping areas. Domestic honors went to Denver International Airport as "Best Airport in North America. "One of its distinctive features is its Public Art Program including 26 site-specific works created by 39 artists.Among the temporary exhibitions is "Best of Colorado, "featuring works by 11 of the state 's contemporary visual artists through January in Jeppesen Terminal.

WEB SITES
For non-airline-specific selections, our readers tapped Travelocity.com as the "Best Web Site for Booking Travel." Its whimsical wayfaring spirit, embodied in the emblematic gnome, gets raves for such innovations as its Customer Bill of Rights, including this key provision: "You have the right to be inspired by your travel company."

HOTELS
Logging an average 67 nights yearly on the road, Business Traveler readers know the hotels that best meet the needs of the globetrotting exec. If they have the choice of just one domestic hotel, it's the Peninsula Chicago, which won "Best Individual Hotel in North America for Business Travel." The business traveler's needs are anticipated—from the complimentary wireless Internet in all guestrooms and public areas, to a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts won top honors for "Best Luxury Hotel Chain for Business Travel." Known for its wide range of leisure activities and sumptuous guestrooms, Four Seasons also offers business services, including high-speed Internet access in guestrooms. Its meeting suites and private dining rooms are perfect for confidential gatherings. Our readers selected Marriott as the "Best Hotel Chain in the World," and "Best Hotel Chain in North America for Business Travel." If that wasn't enough, the Business Traveler survey says Marriott has the "Best Hotel Web Site" and "Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World." The hospitality company, based in Washington, D.C., has almost 2,800 operating units in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Some familiar brands are JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton,Courtyard by Marriott and Renaissance Hotels.

Sofitel Hotels and Resorts claims "Best Hotel Chain in Europe" honors for 2007. The luxury brand of Accor Hotels, Sofitel has about 200 properties tagged to "bring a unique French art de vivre to prime locations around the world."
Sofitel re-opened the renovated Sofitel Budapest in November 2005, debuted the Sofitel Brussels Europe this fall and completed its more than $40 million renovation of the Sofitel Los Angeles this summer. Business travelers will also be pleased to discover Sofitel's growing presence in Asia. With 11 Accor-managed Sofitels around China, and at least 12 more scheduled to open before the end of 2007, China will have the largest number of Sofitels outside of France. Sheraton Hotels Latin America, selected by Business Traveler readers as the "Best Hotel Chain in Latin America," has 13 properties in Argentina,Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.Two of the business hotels include new conference centers seating up to 2,000: Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Towers and the Sheraton Maria Isabel in Mexico City. Jumeirah was selected "Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East." Based in Dubai, Jumeirah has properties in the United States, Europe and Asia as well as its home region. It will manage the luxury hotel at Jumeirah Dubai Towers, Doha, Qatar, a five-star property that will feature 146 luxurious rooms and suites, and the luxury hotels and theme park within the Saraya Aqaba development in Aqaba, Jordan. Hilton Hotels won "Best Hotel Chain in Eastern Europe" accolades. Opening in mid- 2007 is the company's first hotel in Russia, the 275-room Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya. A landmark, it's one of seven virtually identical "Stalin Towers"that have defined the city's skyline since 1954.Currently closed for refurbishment, the renovations will preserve the building's historic features.