Speaking for Asia at the very least. Hotel's will charge rates that are very high in comparison to local standards and as a result will have more room for profit. A quick look at the Westin Beijing (Chaoyang) shows that the going room rate is abou 1500 RMB (which works out to about 219$, a comparable rate to a westin in the US).

In Asia, for example, it is possible to get English trained front desk staff for a fraction ( half to a quarter ) of what that person would cost in the US. Factor in the lower labor cost, as well as the premium price, the property has to provide something different to attract the business travelers (not just foreigners) who would pay such a rate.