Uber adds hotel booking in bid to become ‘everything app’

Uber has introduced a new feature that allows users to book hotel rooms directly through its app, marking a major step in its ambition to evolve into an all-in-one platform for everyday services.The ride-hailing company announced that the feature is being launched in partnership with travel platform Expedia, giving users access to more than 700,000 properties worldwide. The collaboration is also expected to expand in the future to include short-term rentals from Vrbo.The hotel booking tool mirrors the functionality of traditional travel sites, offering search options, maps, and filters based on price, amenities, and guest ratings. Users can complete bookings using payment details already stored in the app.Were no longer just an app for rides, or even two apps, or family of apps for both rides and eats. Uber is now an app for everything, chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said during a presentation in New York. Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin added: Together, we can reduce the number of steps, we can save people time and money.The move builds on Ubers broader expansion strategy, which began with the launch of Uber Eats in 2014. Initially focused on food delivery, the service has since expanded into retail, including items such as cosmetics and electronics.Ubers latest development reflects a growing global trend toward super apps, platforms that integrate multiple services into a single ecosystem. This model is already well established in China, where apps like WeChat and Alipay combine messaging, payments, bookings, and more.Competitors are also moving in a similar direction. Airbnb, for example, has expanded beyond accommodation to offer bookable local experiences and on-demand services such as haircuts and massages, alongside its own ride-hailing option.Looking ahead, Uber is also investing in artificial intelligence features. The company said users will soon be able to ask the app to plan meals for the week, generate shopping lists, and arrange deliveries in one seamless process. A voice assistant is also being developed to enable users to navigate the app through natural conversation.The post Uber adds hotel booking in bid to become everything app appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.