Uber Expands Beyond Rides: Introduces Hotel Booking and Travel Services at Go-Get 2025

Nearly 16 years after launching as UberCab, Uber is evolving from a ride-hailing service into a broader platform offering travel and lifestyle services. The latest shift was highlighted at the company’s Go-Get event in New York, where hotel keys took center stage over car keys.

“I believe that Uber truly offers one service: We give you your time back,” said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi during the 40-minute presentation. The new features drew comparisons to Airbnb, which expanded into experiences and boutique hotel bookings, suggesting Uber aims to become an all-in-one travel solution.

However, the ambitious goal—captured in Uber’s press release headline, “One app for everything”—raises questions about the actual benefits for users. (See also: Elon Musk’s unrealized plans to turn X into an “everything” app.)

Uber’s New Hotel Booking Feature: A Closer Look

The event introduced an in-app hotel booking tool, integrating Expedia’s search functionality into Uber’s platform. Payments are processed through Uber’s system, simplifying the booking experience.

“Booking a hotel on Uber is going to feel as easy as booking a ride.” — Amit Fulay, VP of Product

Uber One members, paying $9.99 per month, receive additional perks, including:

• At least 20% savings at “a rolling list of properties” (per slide disclaimers)
• A 10% rebate in Uber One credits

However, travelers should note that booking through third-party sites often forfeits loyalty points or elite-status credits from hotel chains. Uber’s approach centralizes rewards under its own program, similar to Expedia’s One Key rewards.

During the event, a search for a downtown Chicago hotel (May 8–10) returned the Trump International Hotel and Tower as the top result, priced at $1,322. Comparable luxury options nearby were available at lower rates. After returning to Washington, D.C., the hotel search feature was listed as “Coming Soon” in the app.

Uber has not clarified whether users can set preferences to rank or exclude specific hotel brands, leaving some uncertainty about the feature’s flexibility.

Potential Trade-Offs for Travelers

While Uber’s new offerings promise convenience, travelers must weigh the benefits of centralized bookings against the loss of traditional loyalty rewards. The value of Uber One credits versus hotel-brand points (e.g., Marriott) remains a key consideration.