IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched a beta version of AI-powered conversational search across its digital channels, introducing a new way for travelers to discover and book hotels through IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app.
The rollout begins in the United States and represents the latest step in IHG’s broader strategy to enhance the guest experience through artificial intelligence. The company said it plans to expand the functionality to additional markets while refining the experience based on user feedback and behavior.
The conversational search feature allows travelers to use natural language when searching for accommodations. Guests can describe destinations, trip purposes, preferred amenities and other travel needs to receive tailored hotel recommendations, along with interactive maps, real-time availability, pricing and detailed property information.
Users can search for stays using cash rates, loyalty points or a combination of points and cash. Recommendations are based on IHG’s verified property content and guest reviews, providing travelers with accurate information, imagery and amenity details. During the beta phase, guests will continue to have access to traditional search tools alongside the new AI-powered functionality.
“Launching conversational search in IHG’s digital channels transforms how guests interact with IHG and discover our incredible collection of hotels around the world,” IHG Hotels & Resorts CEO Elie Maalouf said in a statement. “It’s a milestone that builds on years of strategic investment in our digital foundations, including the unification of our data in the cloud and the continued evolution of our best-in-class technology platforms. With these capabilities in place, and more to follow, we are very well positioned to harness the power of AI at scale and deliver rich, inspiring and seamless travel experiences that delight our guests and deliver benefits to our hotel owners.”
According to IHG, the conversational search tool is designed to help guests move more quickly from trip inspiration to booking from its portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels worldwide. The company also believes the technology will help hotel owners improve property visibility within AI-powered search environments.
To support that effort, IHG plans to introduce a new AI-optimized hotel content platform in the coming months. The platform will allow hotels to upload richer content, including floor plans, videos and updated imagery, designed to improve discoverability across both IHG and third-party digital channels.
The company said the platform will help properties better showcase unique features and amenities, making it easier to match travelers with hotels that meet their specific preferences.
The launch follows IHG’s recent introduction of an app within ChatGPT and is part of a broader AI strategy focused on improving how travelers discover, evaluate and engage with the company’s brands.