Check-In Any Time: Gowalla and Four Seasons Partner

The venerable Four Seasons luxury hotel brand is going geo-social. A "Best of California" partnership with location-based mobile/web service Gowalla offers guests concierge recommendations while traveling, and allows them to earn hotel credits.

Gowalla "Passport" users will be eligible for up to $100 credit (amount varies slightly per location) for check-in at three recommended local spots. Concierge choices show up in a "Trip" tab on Gowalla; users check-in and receive a PIN number that's redeemable at Four Seasons spas or restaurants through Nov. 19.

Elizabeth Pizzinato, VP of brand communications for the Four Seasons group, commented that the hotel's "are [increasingly] participating in using social media tools. It's not just a younger demographic or somebody who is tech-savvy. People across all demographics and segments are using social media in various ways and very frequently."

The danger: social media-savvy consumers are getting geo-jaded.Continue reading...