09 September 2008

Website ââ¬Ëœvisualisesââ¬â¢ type of hotel users want to stay in

A new visual approach to searching for hotels online is being introduced by Hotels.com.

Users start by selecting from a set of pictures that represent the type of hotel stay they are looking for.

They then continue through a series of further images designed to gather information on their hotel preferences and shortlist the selection of properties returned by the search.

These steps include the style of hotel and restaurant they are looking for, the types of activities they plan to do plus whether they are travelling alone, with friends or family.

The companyââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËœVisualiserââ¬â¢ then cross-references the selection of images chosen with its database to recommend a choice of hotels that match the usersââ¬â¢ unique ââ¬ËœVisualDNAââ¬â¢ profile.

Customers can then click through to book a stay at any of the recommended properties.

The Visualiser takes into account the needs of the traveller and claims to return a refined set of hotels that best suits their character and travel circumstances.

Users can also share their search with travelling companions to simultaneously view the possible choices and instantly vote on their preferences.

Visualiser has been developed in partnership with technology company Imagini, and launches in the UK today (Tuesday).

Hotels.com managing director Nigel Pocklington said: ââ¬ÅâœThis is the first time that travellers have been able to make their hotel selection based solely on their visual responses.

ââ¬ÅâœThe speed and functionality of the Hotels.com Visualiser, coupled with the vast array of hotel accommodation on Hotels.com, means that we are able to make the user experience faster and more efficient than ever before.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments (1)

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters

• Where is 'Visualiser'?
  
  

  I did a site search with Google (visualiser site: hotels.com) and couldn't locate this feature. Hotels.com is associated with Expedia. I checked hotel listings in VietNam and found that many were incomplete, inaccurate or had 'doctored' pictures - although the Sheraton did include a disclaimer. Maybe these photographic misrepresentations are some else's 'visualisation' of their hotel?

  By Jon Hewson, Friday, September 12, 2008