Google Hotel Finder: Smooth Player in the Travel Game (Part IV)

I think Google Hotel Finder is one of the sexiest tools a traveler has these days.  It’s a complicated situation for hotels, though, with the OTAs getting privileged placement, but that’s all the more reason to really tune into this tool. You have some ability to control your image and need to once again be attentive to your reputation with traveler reviews alive and well in yet another area of Google.

I mean, look at this:

Hotel options on the left with pricing. Metasearch across OTAs. A mini website built into the middle that’s pulling from your Google+ Business Page, which is just one more reason to make sure you’re on top of your listing.

There’s the option to shortlist hotels, and I like the interface for this better than about any other shortlist option out there these days. And, of course, maps on the right-hand side. Also, users can narrow their results by price, stars, user ratings, amenities, and brand. It’s like an OTA, a hotel website, and Google local melted together—smooth as butter.