Hotel News We Noted: July 29, 2012

Greetings from Evian, France, land of the famed water, where I’ve been scouting hotels and spas all week. As usual, in Hotel News We Noted, you’ll find the best news, notes and trends from the hotel world this week.

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Hotel Promo: Social Media Day
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are getting into Social Media Day, June 30, with a special promotion. Restaurants and lounges across the Fairmont brand are offering a complimentary “app” from 3 p.m. through closing, tomorrow, June 30. You can find the social updates on the hotel’s Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare pages. If you choose to dine, you’ll also receive a one-time 25 percent discount through August 31, 2012. We champion Fairmont for “going social” and wonder why more hotels aren’t playing along!

All Eyes on London: Celeb Spottings
We, along with the rest of the world, have our eye on London this summer, thanks to that little thing called the Olympics beginning next month. But two London hotels are getting a bit of an early boost. The luxe Corinthia Hotel had a most distinguished guest earlier this week in the Prince of Wales, who toured the hotel. A-List guests also included Rihanna, who unfortunately was evacuated from the hotel yesterday after a small fire broke out. You win some; you lose some, Corinthia! Our favorite Spice Girls also announced a new musical at the St. Pancras Renaissance, where they shot their debut music video, Wannabe.

Amnesty for All: The Waldorf=Astoria New York
The Waldorf=Astoria is seeing to take back its history by calling on past guests to return hotel items that may have secretly checked out when they did. Past guests are encouraged to return all items predating 1960 with no questions asked during the amnesty period running now through Sept. 15. During the amnesty period, the hotel’s staff will evaluate returned items, selecting the best to be displayed on the hotel’s Facebook page; top returned items will then be showcased in the lobby museum. Start searching for those teacups, spoons and bathrobes, ladies and gents!

Happy Birthday: Raffles
The Singapore-based Raffles chain is celebrating its 125th birthday this year. Congratulations to the famed hotel group, which now has sister properties in Paris, Dubai, Cambodia, the Seychelles, Beijing and the Holy City of Makkah. Openings are happening in Manila, Istanbul, Jakarta and Hainan in China, over the next two years.