Hilton expands AI hotel search tools and develops Claude connector

Hilton is extending its AI-powered hotel planning tools across external platforms and its own digital channels, with property discovery through Google Search’s AI Mode due in the coming weeks. The company said travellers can already include Hilton Honors Points in AI Mode searches, while a connector for Claude is under development.

The changes link conversational hotel research with reservations on Hilton.com and services available during a stay through the Hilton Honors App. For hotel operators, the announcement spans both how guests find properties and how they interact with hotels after booking, including room selection, digital access and messaging.

Google and ChatGPT searches lead to Hilton.com

Hilton said Google’s newly introduced hotel booking feature will allow travellers to discover its properties and compare options within AI Mode. The company described this as a conversational planning process, enabling users to explore hotel choices through natural-language requests.

Searches involving Hilton Honors Points are already available, according to the company. Travellers can specify a destination, travel dates and their preference to use points, then follow a redirect to Hilton.com to redeem them and complete a reservation.

Hilton also offers a plugin that users can add to ChatGPT to bring hotel information into their conversations. It supports questions about Hilton properties, recommendations and further hotel research before users proceed to Hilton.com to book.

In both of these external planning channels, Hilton.com remains the destination for completing the reservation. The integrations therefore place property research within AI conversations while directing the subsequent booking step to Hilton’s website.

Hilton AI Planner extends into the app

Within its own channels, Hilton has recently launched the Hilton AI Planner on desktop and is rolling it out in the Hilton Honors App. The generative AI tool uses conversational prompts to help travellers investigate destinations, weigh up properties and organise stays around their preferences.

Michael Leidinger, Hilton’s senior vice president and chief information officer, said the technology work reflected changing guest needs. He described the company’s approach as developing more connected travel experiences while anticipating future requirements.

In-stay services and further development

After a reservation is made, guests can use the Hilton Honors App to check in and select a room, with Digital Key available at participating properties. In-app messaging also provides a way to communicate with hotel staff.

Hilton’s Connected Room technology allows guests to personalise aspects of their room experience and control room technology from their phone. Alongside the app rollout and forthcoming Google discovery feature, Hilton is developing its Claude Connector to supply property images, details and pricing within Claude for travellers researching a stay.