Google is trying to make it easier for people to search for nearby hotels. It does so by bringing hotel results into its Google Travel app.
This new app works with Google Maps and allows users to filter hotel results by proximity to various landmarks. It also lets travelers book directly through Google.
Google Maps
Whether you’re looking to find a nearby hotel or planning a trip, Google Maps is a great resource. Its street maps, aerial photography, and real-time traffic conditions make it easy to navigate and explore anywhere.
It’s also a great way to plan your route, and its voice commands let you speak your destination. It can even show traffic, give you alternate routes, and tell you what to do next.
Another great feature is its ability to save locations for future use. You can save a place by pinning it to the map or adding it as a favorite.
You can also download Google Maps offline, which allows you to view it while you’re away from Wi-Fi. When you’re downloading a large area, the app will prompt you how much space it will take up and let you know when it’s complete. It will also warn you if it’s taking up too much memory on your device.
Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that lets you manage your local online presence. It allows you to add details such as your working hours and address, and it can also help you collect and respond to reviews.
If you want to increase your visibility on Google, it’s important to claim, verify and optimize your GMB listing. This will ensure that you appear in search results when people search for your hotel’s name or location, and it’ll give you a competitive edge over hotels that don’t have a GMB listing.
When setting up your GMB profile, choose a category that best describes your business. For example, if you run a nail salon, choose a specific category such as “Nail Salon” or “Paintless Nails.”
Make sure your Google My Business page has correct information including a complete address and a regular phone number. This helps customers find your business in the event that they need to call.
Google Travel
Google Travel is a one-stop travel shop that helps you plan flights, hotels, restaurants and activities for your trip. It also helps you store searches and other information about your trip in a central place, so you can find it easily when you need it.
You can search for nearby hotels by entering your destination, dates, and budget. Then, you can set up price alerts so you’ll get notified when the cost drops.
The site also offers a variety of filters to help you narrow your results, including guest ratings and amenities. This is useful if you’re looking for a hotel that has free Wi-Fi or if you’re concerned about pet-friendly accommodations.
Google has been taking a slow and steady approach to integrating travel into its products. Its latest iteration of Trips, launched in May, consolidates planning your itinerary and organizing your travel information in a single app and desktop version.
Hotel websites
A great hotel website should tell the story of your property, convey its unique value, and convert lookers into bookers. Well-written copy and big, beautiful images can do that in a way that appeals to customers’ emotions.
A website should also include a “Book Now” button that’s clearly visible on every page, so it’s easy for users to click and book directly from your site. This is critical to driving direct bookings and improving your hotel’s e-commerce revenue.
A good hotel website should also feature a hotel COVID-19 info page where travelers can learn more about health and safety standards, local restrictions, and other travel regulations that apply to your destination. It’s especially important for destinations that have recently become COVID-19-compliant.