Uber has expanded its services once again, this time allowing users to book hotel rooms directly through its app. The new feature, launched Wednesday in partnership with Expedia Group during Uber's annual GO-GET product event, marks the company's latest move toward becoming an all-in-one platform.
How It Works
The hotel booking experience is designed to feel familiar to anyone who has used a travel website. Users can filter accommodations by price, ratings, and amenities, as well as browse options on an interactive map—all without leaving the Uber app. The company plans to grow its inventory to more than 700,000 properties worldwide.
Later this year, Uber intends to add VRBO vacation rentals to the platform, enabling users to book entire homes and apartments as well.
Perks for Uber One Members
Subscribers to Uber One, which costs $9.99 per month, can earn 10 percent back in Uber credits on hotel bookings. Additionally, they receive at least 20 percent off select stays at a rotating list of more than 10,000 hotels globally.
After booking, hotel reservations appear alongside users' Uber ride history. Travelers will also receive push notifications before check-in, offering discounted rides for the duration of their stay. This integration is part of Uber's vision to evolve into what executives call an “everything app.”
Executive Commentary
“Uber is becoming an app for everything—helping people go, get, and now travel all in one place,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a statement. “We’re all living through a moment of real cognitive overload: too many apps, too many decisions, too much noise. At the end of the day, our job is to help people reclaim their time, spending less of it managing the logistics of life and more of it actually living.”
Potential Savings
Early testing suggests the feature may offer cost savings. A Washington Post travel reporter found at least one instance where a room booked through Uber was slightly cheaper than the same listing on sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and even the hotel's own website.
One Catch
However, there is a notable drawback: booking through Uber typically means users will not earn loyalty points with hotel chains. This could be a significant downside for frequent travelers who rely on those rewards programs.
