Aug 01 2011
Google Launches Experimental Hotel Finder
It seems that Google is re-committing to travel search features. The search giant released an experimental hotel finder that gives advanced hotel search options for U.S. cities.
Details of the Hotel Finder
The Google Hotel Finder differentiates itself from competing tools with four key features:
- A visual map of the area that highlights the most popular tourist locations and allows you to specify which areas you plan on visiting. Hotels are then found based on proximity to your exact destination.
- A comparison tool that lets you compare the rates you’re getting to the historical average for the area.
- The comparison tool compiles rich, detailed information from Google Places, including reviews, images, and key information on the hotel. The tool is also designed to allow you to quickly “flip through” different hotel results.
- Google Hotel Finder has a “shortlist” feature that lets you save the results you like for easy organization and comparison in the future.
This tool is in many ways comparable to other travel search features, both from competing search engines (especially Bing, who has largely monopolized travel search features until recently) and more niche travel sites. The essentially unique feature to be aware of is the visual map.
Using the Hotel Finder for Local Advertising
If you’re trying to promote a hotel, then it should be obvious that this tool is good for you – but how can you take advantage of it? The simple answer is that optimizing for this experimental tool entails the same key components as optimizing for Google Places. By loading the hotel’s Places page with attractive images, soliciting reviews, and providing a full-fledged description on your Places page, you’ve already done much of the necessary work.
It’s also wise to explore the tool itself and see how the venue you’re pitching stacks up, especially when it comes to the “compared to typical” pricing tool. It’s also a great way to “R&R” (research and rip off) the tactics of competing hotels who have already optimized for Places.
[Sources include: the Inside Search blog & Google Hotel Finder]
Written By:
Rob D Young | @RobDYoungWrites
Rob has been insatiably obsessed with Google, search engine technology, and the trends of the web-based world since he began life as a webmaster in 2002. His move into SEO work in 2006, and subsequently to writing for technology and internet-focused publications, has done nothing but fuel this passion.
More Posts By Rob Young
This is an interesting play for Google, I would like to see how this plays out for them
Thank Admin For Google Launches Experimental Hotel Finder Article
Nice interface of Hotel finder. Actually after Google hotpot, it is the best tool specially for accommodation. As per the google news they are planning for flight search tool with the accommodation search facilities. So they have started with the first step. Though it is limited for US yet but still I must say “Amazing concept”
North Salem NY Real Estate | Google Launches Experimental Hotel Finder
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