Don't go away, you keep this thread alive when we neglect it!
Sorry, I've just been taking the opportunity to share the updated versions of what I've heard for each rumor as you mention them. Nintendo hotel definitely was a rumor. Either it fell through, or was never true. Either way, that was my first time clarifying new details.
As far as speculation vs rumor. I think many, if not most, rumors start out as guesses, so there's not much difference. I try to find the source of rumors whenever possible, and clarify if I think they started as a guess is all.