Kayak updates app to accommodate last-minute hotel bookings

Half of hotel bookings on the Kayak.co.uk app are booked within 48 hours of the hotel stay, compared to just 15% on a tablet device globally.

Half of hotel bookings on the Kayak.co.uk app are booked within 48 hours of the hotel stay, compared to just 15% on a tablet device globally.

London is the most searched destination by British travellers on the app for last minute hotels booking, according to new analysis by the company.

The change in consumer activity has led the firm to extend its app to include a tool called ‘Hotel for Tonight’, available on Android app version 8.0 and to be available for iOs in March.

The tool shows hotels in the immediate proximity of the user, which have three stars and have been highly rated by other travellers.

To simplify the booking process when searching, users will be able to see pictures, prices, amenities and location and then book directly at one glance.

The study also shows that consumers tend to use smartphones for last minute bookings, whilst using tablets for research, travel inspirations and advanced planning.

Along with this Britons are one of the slowest in Europe to book last minute hotels on their app at nine minutes, compared to the European average of 8 minutes. The fastest nations are Spain and Italy at 7 minutes.

Loella Pehrsson, UK, Ireland and Nordics managing director, said: “In today’s fast-paced world, we are increasingly seeing Brits are no longer pre-planning trips and are leaving hotel booking to the last minute.

“While more and more of us are booking flights, car rentals and hotels on our smartphones, we are also wanting much more from an app than a place to book a holiday; we want a travel companion.

“As a result, our app now supports the user in every facet of their journey from price comparisons and flight, hotel and rental car bookings, to mobile travel plans, real-time information about the flight status, airport maps and taxi assistants.”