USA: IHG launches AI-powered hotel search across digital channels

International

Conversational search debuts in the US on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards app, allowing travelers to find hotels using everyday language

IHG Hotels & Resorts is introducing AI-powered conversational search across its own digital booking channels. The beta version has launched in the United States on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app, with additional markets expected to follow.

The technology is designed to shorten the path from travel inspiration to booking. Instead of selecting individual filters, travelers can describe where and why they want to travel and what they expect from a hotel. The system then searches IHG's portfolio of more than 7,000 properties and presents recommendations based on those requirements.

Natural-language prompts replace complex filters

Users can enter information about their destination, purpose of travel, preferred facilities and other requirements in everyday language. The AI search combines these requests with IHG's hotel data to generate tailored recommendations.

Results can include interactive maps, current availability, prices, photographs, amenities and detailed property information. Travelers can also search for stays paid with cash, IHG One Rewards points or a combination of points and cash.

IHG says the recommendations are based on verified property information and guest reviews. During the beta phase, conventional hotel search remains available alongside the new AI function.

“Launching conversational search in IHG’s digital channels transforms how guests interact with IHG and discover our incredible collection of hotels around the world,” said Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer of IHG Hotels & Resorts. He described the launch as the result of several years of investment in cloud-based data infrastructure and digital platforms.

Hotels prepare their content for AI searches

The technology also changes how individual hotels present themselves online. Over the coming months, IHG plans to introduce an AI-optimized hotel content platform that will allow properties to provide more detailed information.

Hotels will be able to add material such as floor plans, videos and updated imagery. The aim is to make specific characteristics and amenities easier for AI systems to identify and match with travelers' requests, both within IHG's channels and on third-party platforms.

For hotel owners, this could make the quality and structure of digital property information increasingly important as travelers move from traditional filter-based searches towards conversational queries.

Personalized and agentic booking planned

The conversational search follows the recent launch of an IHG app in ChatGPT and forms part of a wider AI strategy across the hotel group.

IHG is already working on further developments, including more personalized searches and agentic booking capabilities. These could eventually allow AI systems not only to identify suitable hotels but also to take a more active role in completing travel bookings.

The US beta will meanwhile provide IHG with data on user behavior and feedback before conversational search is expanded to additional markets.