New ad format in Maps and Search highlights nearby hotels with prominent “Book” links to drive direct reservations via OTAs and hotel websites
Jul 8, 2025
Google is testing a new hotel ad format that displays prominently in Maps and Search as “Nearby Place” units. These ads feature large blue “Book” buttons that link directly to hotel or OTA booking pages, streamlining the reservation process.
Key takeaways
- Direct booking focus: Ads link straight to booking forms on Expedia, Booking.com, or hotel sites.
- Spotted in the wild: First reported by Brad Brewer and confirmed by Barry Schwartz.
- Still in testing: Google hasn’t announced a full rollout; likely a limited experiment.
- Potential impact: Could boost conversions and shift ad strategies for hotels and OTAs.
Get the full story at Search Engine Roundtable
