Ross Klein, Hilton's luxury guru, sees luxury as going through "identity crisis." Americas Lodging Industry Summit (ALIS), meeting in San Diego last week, is the first big industry conference since the industry really turned south in the last quarter of 2008. Interviews with attendees and attendance at panels revealed a consensus that rough times lie ahead but opportunities are there for the savviest. One of the savviest, Ross Klein, who heads up Hilton's luxury and lifestyle group - including Waldorf-Astoria, Waldorf-Astoria Collection, Conrad - and a brand to be announced in March - built the successful W Hotels brand. Following are highlights of our chat with Klein - then a quick look at other conference goings-on. Ross Klein On Luxury

Read the full article at luxurytravel360.com