Such is liquidity in this market that a cash-strapped hotel in the central city of Wuhan reportedly decided to use the coupons as part-payment for a decorating job.

ECONOMIST: One derivatives market still thrives

Plans to build flats, shops and a hotel on Central Promenade near the Midland Hotel were submitted to Lancaster City Council by developers Urban Splash.

BBC: Morecambe's Urban Splash redevelopment plans rejected

Tennis great Billie Jean King was inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame this morning in a hotel ballroom over Grand Central Station in New York City.

FORBES: Billie Jean King Inducted into Tennis Industry Hall of Fame

While the Mandarin Oriental is often the most talked-about hotel in the city, the Four Seasons is slightly more central.

BBC: Honeymoons for urbanites

The traditional Carioca (name of Rio locals) hotel already exists in the central part of Rio de Janeiro city.

FORBES: Brazil Billionaire's Rio Hotel Won't Be Ready For FIFA World Cup 2014

After bare-knuckled bargaining with the city, he won tax breaks to refurbish a rundown hotel near Grand Central Terminal.

FORBES: The Real Apprentices