They say “politics makes strange bedfellows,” but in the case of Hilton and Uber, it’s more a case of economics making sage bedfellows.
Hilton and Uber have partnered up better accommodate hotel guests who want to grab a ride via the hotel chain’s HHonors app.
In addition to local taxis, ride services like Uber and Lyft are a common feature outside the entrance of hotels now. Uber has everything to gain from the Hilton integration, which should direct more passengers its way.
“Ground transportation is obviously a must in the travel experience and both companies think about being innovative,” Uber travel partnerships head Jonathan DiOrio said. “It’s really that dialogue and that vision of how can we connect our respective platforms and use technology to seamlessly and elegantly enhance that guest experience.”
The app even prompts Hilton hotel to “set up a scheduled ‘Ride Reminder’ for when they are going to and from the hotel to various destinations in the area they are staying,” according to TechCrunch. “An automated notification then pops up at the appropriate time to enable guests to request a ride within the hotel’s app.”
This follows on the heels of Hilton’s breakthrough app last year that allows guests to book rooms, check in, and unlock rooms within the smartphone app. Now guests can also book a ride without ever leaving the app, too.
“Something else that makes this integration different from other Uber travel partnerships Uber in the past is the Hilton app’s ability to tap into Uber local rider data,” noted TechCrunch. “Uber’s API will point Hilton guests to the most popular local spots, using the ride-sharing service’s aggregate rider data in each city. The new feature called ‘Local Scene’ will roll out its digital guide on the app later this month and will include 20 select cities throughout the U.S.”
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