This thread has gone a little off topic methinks!!
I used the name of a top class hotel in my recent novel, getting their permission first. When it's published I'm going to send them a copy of the novel (or tell them it's out, haven't quite decided), and hope they'll treat me to a night or two! (Also hope they never read this!!)
Shallow? Unethical? Manipulative? <Sigh> Perhaps. But there has to be SOME perks to this job!