It's hot and sticky and, judging by the amount of traffic we've seen headed to the beaches, everyone is on vacation this week. Still, we truck along to bring you this week's "Hotel News We Noted," featuring the latest and greatest from the hospitality world.

As always, send news, notes and general complaints or well wishes via email.

App Awesomeness: The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas
The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas have finally grown wise to the idea that navigating their 16 million square foot resort and casino complex can sometimes be, well, a bit complicated. We've gotten lost more than once on the way from Barney's to the blackjack table, and not just because we had a few complimentary drinks that fuzzed our non-existent sense of direction. A new VP Pocket Concierge app (available on Apple and Android both) mixes turn-by-turn directions inside the hotels with the ability to make reservations, enjoy Grazie rewards club perks and more. Useful – we wish more Vegas hotels offered this technology.

Fashionable Perk: Vivienne Tam Slippers from Hilton
Keep your feet looking fashion-forward when you visit Hilton Hotels this fall with a limited-edition slipper designed by Vivienne Tam for their Hilton Huanying program, offered at 70 of the brand's properties in more than 20 countries. Guests of the program will get the slippers free, but you can also buy them online at HiltontoHome.com (use VTHILTON to save 20% through 9/30) or try to win them in a Twitter giveaway through @HiltonHotels. The blue slippers, which feature dragons, are pretty snazzy. Will you be getting a pair, or would you prefer to hold out for the Loubs below?

Hotel Openings: Fairmont Jaipur
Travelers headed to India now have another hotel option thanks to yesterday's opening of the Fairmont Jaipur, the first of the brand's properties in India. The 255-room hotel was designed to reflect a traditional Mughal palace. In keeping with Fairmont's commitment to offer local experiences to guests, travelers to the hotel can enjoy elephant rides, village walks and more.

Fashion Love: Mandarin Oriental Washington DC Offers Brides Louboutin Shoes
Chances are, if you're paying to host your wedding at the Mandarin Oriental, you know at least a thing or two about style and luxury. The brand's DC property is sweetening the deal, however, by offering a $1,000 credit towards the purchase of famed designer Christian Louboutin's shoes for brides planning a wedding at the property. Not only do you get the iconic red soles, but you'll also get a personal shopping experience at Neiman Marcus, where a Mandarin rep waits on you hand and foot (literally) offering champagne, treats and more. The cost? A mere $50,000 or more for the wedding. A fun perk for sure, although we think we'd rather have a cheaper wedding and buy our own shoes!

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations