Google Price Insights Expand to Hotel Booking

The search engine is implementing OTA-like services to aid in trip planning

Google has been rapidly expanding its services into the travel-booking space. Earlier this year the search giant made additions to Google Flights in which machine-learning algorithms and historical price data are applied to flight-search results to help travelers pick the cheapest fares and best times to book. Then in July, Google introduced similar features for hotel searches, aiding travelers in finding competitive hotel deals.

After searching for a hotel and the desired booking dates on Google, users will see a map that reflects how room rates at that property stack up against those at nearby hotels with similar amenities, Google user rating, and class (two-star to five-star). Travelers can also opt to receive email alerts about price fluctuations. These functions are common features of online travel agents (OTAs) such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Kayak, and will put Google more directly in competition with OTAs in the travel space.

Image credit: Google