Uber brings hotel bookings to its app

The ride-sharing app rolled out a hotel booking feature for US users at its annual Go-Get event in New York yesterday.

The move represents the cab-hailing app’s strategic shift to becoming an all-in-one super app.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said “Uber is already the go-to platform for global travel,” and that it is the natural next step to offer trip-related services.

The company is partnering with Expedia Group to allow US users to book stays at more than 700,000 hotels directly through the app, with Vrbo home rentals expected later this year.

The rideshare app is relying on discounts to make the feature take off. Uber One users can get 10% back in credits and up to 20% off some hotels, though regular users can also score deals. 

The deal has long roots: Khosrowshahi had led Expedia before joining Uber.

That’s not all
The company is also integrating OpenAI-powered voice booking chatbots and AI tools for grocery delivery.

For travelers, Uber is debuting a room-service-like feature to deliver forgotten essentials.

Additionally, passengers in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, who book Uber Black or Black SUV rides, can now request that drivers pick up Uber Eats items, such as coffee, during their trip.

The app’s hotel booking expansion poses direct competition to major travel platforms like Airbnb and Booking Holdings.

Expedia will add Uber ride bookings to its app in June.