Buy-by-map.com launched by Essential Travel

Travel insurance and airport parking specialist Essential Travel has launched an interactive website that uses mapping technology to locate hotels for users. The new site – Buy-by-map.com – allows users to search for hotels near UK airports and search for room availability. It is hoped the mapping feature will give users a better idea of…

Travel insurance and airport parking specialist Essential Travel has launched an interactive website that uses mapping technology to locate hotels for users.


The new site – Buy-by-map.com – allows users to search for hotels near UK airports and search for room availability.


It is hoped the mapping feature will give users a better idea of how far a particular hotel is from the airport terminal when planning the departure or arrival time for a holiday.


The system, which uses a Google Maps interface, will allow users to confirm and pay for a booking, if the hotel has online functionality.


Essential Travel head of marketing, Steve Smith, said: “Customers can find it hard to choose between different airport hotels, particularly when the geographical information available is scant.


“This can lead to confusion, making it easy for them to change their mind about booking, or log off and ring round hotels to speak to receptionists who can give them the location-related advice they need.


The site currently hosts details on almost 200 hotels at 17 UK airports. A facility to produce directions has also been included.


Smith said: “”We have created a site that gives customers all the geographical information required, at their finger-tips, making it easy to choose where they want to stay, according to their preferences, mode of transport and budget.


“This is a huge leap forward for the online purchase of hotel accommodation in and around our airports.”


Essential Travel is expected to develop a white label version of the tool for other travel providers.