Google Maps has enhanced its Ask Maps chat function by adding a hotel search tool powered by agentic artificial intelligence, allowing travelers to find accommodations tailored to detailed preferences through conversational queries. Users can specify criteria such as price range, amenities, ambiance, and proximity to facilities, and receive direct responses reflecting real-time pricing and availability.
This new feature builds on Google Maps’ existing location-based services, which include transit routes, nearby businesses, and travel logistics. Unlike standard price estimates, Ask Maps pulls data from actual listings, enabling more accurate and actionable recommendations. For instance, travelers can request a "mid-range hotel with an artistic vibe near fitness centers and restaurants," and the AI will respond with matching options within walking distance.
Google plans to deepen the integration by connecting hotel search results to users’ personal travel itineraries. This would let the AI tailor accommodation suggestions based not only on location and preferences but also on travelers’ schedules and planned activities, creating a more holistic trip planning experience within Maps.
This upgrade aligns with a broader industry movement toward conversational AI in travel, as companies explore how large language models can streamline booking and enhance decision-making. Currently, the hotel search feature is available only to select users, marking an initial rollout before wider release.