Leland “Lee” Pillsbury and his wife, Mary, have announced plans to donate $15 million to the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. The gift, will be used to support the Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship. Details

The largest hotel in Iowa, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, has launched Phase 1 of an extensive $13 mil. renovation. The 415 room hotel features 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Details

The 125-acre Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has completed the remodeling of the guest rooms and suites in two of its six wings. Details

The Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya has added an additional 5,000 sq. ft of meeting space bring the total to more than 90,000 sq. ft. for indoor and outdoor functions. The complex offers over 1,218 guest rooms on 7.5 acres of white sandy beaches. Details

The opening of the new Pan Pacific Seattle was celebrated this week by three generations of descendants of the Denny family, credited with founding Seattle. The 160-room hotel is a focal point of a development that honors the pioneering spirit of the city’s founders. Lori Main leads the team and Paul Sposare is the Director of Sales & Marketing.. Details

Ramada Resort Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand recently opened as the only family-themed 4 star resort in Phuket. With meeting space for 1502, the resort is situated the second largest of Phuket's principle tourist beaches and features a 1950’s style rock & roll diner and 14 rooms in three different adventure themes such as the Outer Space Room, the Underwater Room and the Castle Room. Details