IHG Launches AI Conversational Search on Digital Channels

IHG Hotels & Resorts launched the beta tool July 28, allowing users to describe travel needs in everyday language when searching on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

The beta is starting in the United States before expanding to users across multiple markets. IHG will refine the experience based on user behavior and feedback.

Users can enter prompts related to destinations, trip purposes, preferences and amenities. Results can provide tailored hotel recommendations, interactive maps, real-time availability, pricing and detailed property information. Travelers can shop using cash rates, points or a combination of points and cash.

The conversational search tool draws on IHG’s verified property data and guest reviews for property details, photos and amenity information. During the beta, IHG’s existing search function will remain available alongside the AI search option.

The feature is designed to help users move from travel discovery to booking among more than 7,000 hotels globally and to increase hotel visibility in AI searches.

Over the next several months, IHG will roll out an AI-optimized hotel content platform to help hotels upload rich, detailed information and improve how their properties are discovered. The platform will support floor plans, videos and updated imagery.

Through IHG and third-party digital channels, hotels will be able to better showcase their attributes and improve how they are matched with travelers seeking specific experiences and amenities.

The addition of conversational search follows the recent launch of an IHG app in ChatGPT and will be supported by further technology developments this year.

IHG is also working on features including more personalized search experiences and agentic booking capabilities, with thought leaders and technology partners.