Graham Downes Architecture did the $10-million renovation of the former Hilton Suites Galleria. The new Le Meridien is owned by HEI Hotels and Resorts.

The 109-room Courtyard Owensboro in Owensboro, Ky., opened last week and is the first in the area to showcase Marriott's new "refreshing business" lobby makeover. The franchise is owned and managed by LinGate Hospitality Group.

The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide's refreshed brand name and logo are designed to emphasize its leisure portfolio.

Outdoor Traveler Destinations hopes to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing niches within the leisure travel market--travelers who enjoy the outdoors and the activities associated with outdoor lifestyles.

New parent company, Formosa International Hotels Corp., appointed founder Robert Burns as honorary chairman. The company will focus development on Asia and other global gateway cities.

The Glenn hotel is managed by Sage Hospitality and is the latest property to join the Autograph Collection, a group of independent hotels representing upscale and luxury properties with distinctive personalities.

Budget Host has updated its logo by removing the type from the lantern, switching to a fresh font, brightening the color and cleaning up the border.

Company restructures Ritz-Carlton, launches Autograph Collection to fill industry needs.

The 225-room hotel, the flagship of Graves Hospitality Corp., opened in Minneapolis in 2003.

Following an intense period of new launches, 2009 was a year for brands to look inward, and 2010 promises even more focus on brand clarification, building the right leadership teams and making brands as attractive as possible to potential franchisees and guests. BY EDITOR IN CHIEF STEPHANIE RICCA