US: Ride-hailing service Uber has added hotel bookings to its app via a partnership with Expedia Group.
US-based users can now use the Uber app to search and book from more than 700,000 hotels across the globe.
Hotel bookings will function similar to Uber ride transactions, using the payment method stored in the user’s Uber Wallet. After booking, the app will remind users to schedule rides through Uber Reserve while travelling.
The company is offering rewards to encourage its nearly 50 million loyalty members to book hotel accommodation through its app. Uber One members will receive discounts of at least 20 per cent on a rolling list of 10,000 hotels. They will earn 10 per cent back in Uber Credits on each booking, and this value will be shown upfront during the booking process. All credits will be deposited into Uber One members’ accounts within 24 hours of checking in for a hotel reservation.
Uber is also adding AI-powered voice booking and travel recommendations to its platform.
“The predominant use today is in apps, so we wanted to start with that so we can offer that service and convenience to users right away,” said Sachin Kansal, chief product officer at Uber. “But I expect this to be a multi-year road map for us. There’s so much to do in travel, so much to do in hotel booking.”
Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, added: “Life feels busier than ever – too many apps, too many steps, too many decisions and no signs of it slowing down. At Uber, our mission is to reimagine the way the world moves, so you can spend less time managing life and more time living it.”
Uber’s hotel inventory comes through a partnership with Expedia Group, where Khosrowshahi formerly served as CEO. Uber is not yet offering hotel booking via its website, but it may consider doing so in the future.
Later this year, Uber intends to add vacation rentals via Expedia Group-owned Vrbo.
Highlights:
- Uber has integrated hotel reservations via Expedia Group, giving US-based users access to over 700,000 hotels worldwide directly in-app.
- Users can book hotels, pay via Uber Wallet, and schedule rides.
- Uber One members (over 46 million) will receive at least 20 per cent hotel discounts and 10 per cent back in Uber Credits, incentivising in-app bookings.
- Uber is also adding AI-driven recommendations and voice-enabled booking.
