Expedia and Hotels.com have expanded their AI hotel-comparison and trip-planning tools for US travelers. Vrbo's announced option to reserve a home with nothing due upfront is still coming soon.
The company's October 28 product release combines more than 30 new and enhanced features. Its FAQ separates tools available in the US from that forthcoming payment option.
Which tools US travelers can use
Hotels.com's AI Compare works on its US website and app. It compares shortlisted properties around interests such as location, amenities and policies, and accepts follow-up questions.
Property Expert is available on Expedia and Hotels.com in the US, on the web and in their apps. On a hotel page, look for the floating "Ask" button or the "Questions? Just ask" banner.
Expedia's Activity Planner is also available in the US on its website and app. It can suggest activities and restaurants, save favorites to a trip board and organize a daily itinerary. Natural Language Search is available in the US English web and app experiences on Hotels.com and Vrbo.
These are developments of an existing program. PhocusWire's October 28 reporting notes that Activity Planner was first announced in May. The fall release combines expanded tools with other booking changes.
What an AI answer leaves to you
Expedia and Hotels.com's AI terms require users to be at least 18. They warn that answers can be inaccurate and can draw on public information whose accuracy the company has not verified, as well as property listings and guest reviews.
A comparison can narrow a shortlist. Before paying, open the property's booking page and check the selected room, rate and cancellation conditions. The companies' terms direct travelers to the relevant information page before booking; an answer about a hotel does not establish what a particular reservation includes.
The Hotels.com terms also explain that personal details shared in a chat may go to third-party providers powering the tools. They advise against disclosing sensitive or personal information unless necessary for booking.
The chat window's lifespan is separate from data retention. Property Q&A and AI Compare conversations remain available to view or resume for three days after the last interaction. Each return extends that window by three days. Activity Planner uses a 30-day window, extended by another 30 days when you return. Retention and deletion follow the privacy statement, so a conversation disappearing from view does not establish that its data has been erased.
Vrbo's Reserve Now, Pay Later would require a credit card on file for eligible homes. The October 28 FAQ still describes it as coming soon, without a launch date.
