Shhh! Google is keeping the noise level down while rolling out their new hotel booking platform.
Google Hotels could be about to challenge websites like Kayak, Trivago, Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com. Its new Google Hotels tool is a brilliant addition to the traveler’s planning kit. You’ll love the way hotel deals show up on your destination map. And if the tried and true Google Flights tool is anything to judge by, Google Hotels will surge in popularity in the coming months and years.
Google Hotels is powerful and easy to use
Google used to be similar to other meta-search engines. It simply provided accommodation listings and rates, displaying the results. Now they also offer a ‘Book On Google’ button. You never have to leave the Google platform to make a hotel reservation. You can book directly with hotels, bypassing online travel agencies.
The new system works a lot like Google Flights, with the same user experience. When the time comes to plan your next trip, you should give it a try at google.com/travel/hotels. Google wants to create a unique online travel experience, not only solving end user problems, but also with a different look and feel from existing tools.
Google is serving travel consumers with a new and improved hotel finder
It has similar functionality and tools, but its integration with Google Maps and Google search results bring users to a new level. Google Hotels shows you exactly where each property is located at your destination.
Hotel locations are marked by prices on a map, rather than by name. No more clicking and clicking to find the hotel map and see if your hotel is in the right neighborhood.
Finding the best deals with Google Hotels
Google Hotels also highlights the best deals, where you’ll find savings compared to what the property normally costs.
Right now, you can choose between a few filters. The most important is a price filter that allows you to set the maximum price for your search. This of course limits the number of properties displayed. You can also search by amenity types or star ratings.
While Google Hotels is a game changer both for Google and for Google users, other competing online booking sites are bound to be a little worried. With its uncomparable SEO advantage and powerful algorithms, Google Hotels may be the next disruptor in the travel industry.
Google tells us that six out 10 leisure travelers use a search engine when planning a trip. No wonder Google is strengthening its travel tools. Google wants an even bigger share of the action.
Google Flights, the online booking flight service, was lauched in 2011. In 2016 we were introduced to Google Trips, with Gmail integration. And now Google Hotels. What’s next?
