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Uber is taking a big step toward becoming an all-in-one travel app by introducing hotel and vacation rental bookings directly through its platform. Announced Wednesday (April 29) at Uber’s annual GO–GET product event, the new feature lets users book from more than 700,000 hotels worldwide in partnership with Expedia Group, with vacation rentals from Expedia’s Vrbo brand set to join later this year.
According to Uber’s official announcement, anyone using the Uber app in the United States will soon be able to book hotel rooms. For Uber One members, there are added perks, including 10% back in Uber credits for all hotel bookings, and at least 20% off at more than 10,000 hotels worldwide. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, "Uber is becoming an app for everything—helping people go, get, and now travel all in one place."
The hotel booking option arrives as travel demand rises and people look for ways to simplify trip planning. Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, explained, "Our goal with these announcements is to bring everything into one app, to help them save time, and to also help them save money."
Uber is also rolling out several other travel-focused features. The new Travel Mode, available in both the Uber and Uber Eats apps, offers local recommendations for restaurants and attractions, OpenTable reservations, and even a way to order Uber Eats for “room service” delivered right to hotel doors. A “Shop for Me” feature lets users request items from any store, while another service enables Uber Black riders in select cities to have snacks or drinks waiting for them in the car.
The partnership goes both ways: starting in June, Expedia users will get reminders to book discounted Uber rides before hotel check-in dates, making it easier to coordinate transportation during trips.