Google Hotels Search

Search Google Hotels via agent-browser to find hotel prices, ratings, amenities, and availability.

When to Use

User asks to search, find, or compare hotels or accommodation
User wants hotel prices in a city, neighborhood, or near a landmark
User asks about hotel availability for specific dates
User wants the best-rated or cheapest hotel in an area

When NOT to Use

Booking: This skill searches only — never complete a purchase
Vacation rentals / Airbnb: Google Hotels shows hotels, not rentals
Flights: Use the flight-search skill
Historical prices: Google Hotels shows current prices only
NEVER leave Google Hotels during search — do not navigate to Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or any OTA as a search workaround. Exception: after presenting results, you MAY visit the hotel's own website for direct booking/promo checks (see Post-Search).

Session Convention

Always use --session hotels for isolation.

URL Fast Path (Preferred)

Build a URL with location and dates encoded. Loads results directly — 3 commands total.

URL Template

https://www.google.com/travel/search?q={QUERY}&qs=CAE4AA&ts={TS_PARAM}&ap=MAE

Where {QUERY} is the location/hotel name and {TS_PARAM} is a base64-encoded date parameter.

Encoding Dates in the URL

Google Hotels uses a protobuf-encoded ts parameter for dates. The byte layout is fixed for years 2025-2030. Use this bash function to generate it:

hotel_ts() {
  local ci_y=$1 ci_m=$2 ci_d=$3 co_y=$4 co_m=$5 co_d=$6 nights=$7
  local cyl=$(printf '%02x' $(( ($ci_y & 0x7f) | 0x80 )))
  local cyh=$(printf '%02x' $(($ci_y >> 7)))
  local col=$(printf '%02x' $(( ($co_y & 0x7f) | 0x80 )))
  local coh=$(printf '%02x' $(($co_y >> 7)))
  echo -n "08011a200a021a00121a12140a0708${cyl}${cyh}10$(printf '%02x' $ci_m)18$(printf '%02x' $ci_d)120708${col}${coh}10$(printf '%02x' $co_m)18$(printf '%02x' $co_d)18$(printf '%02x' $nights)32020801" \
    | xxd -r -p | base64 | tr -d '\n='
}
# Usage: hotel_ts CHECKIN_YEAR MONTH DAY CHECKOUT_YEAR MONTH DAY NIGHTS
# Example: hotel_ts 2026 3 15 2026 3 20 5
# Output: CAEaIAoCGgASGhIUCgcI6g8QAxgPEgcI6g8QAxgUGAUyAggB

Constraints: Years 2025-2030, months 1-12, days 1-31, nights 1-127. These cover all realistic hotel searches.

Location Formats

Format	Example
City	`Hotels+in+Bangkok`
City + country	`Hotels+in+Bangkok+Thailand`
Neighborhood	`Hotels+in+Shibuya+Tokyo`
Near landmark	`Hotels+near+Eiffel+Tower`
Region	`Hotels+in+Amalfi+Coast`
Airport	`Hotels+near+BKK+airport`
Specific hotel	`Haus+im+Tal+Munich`

URL vs Interactive Features

Feature	Via URL?
Location	✅ Yes (via `q=`)
Dates	✅ Yes (via `ts=`)
Guests / rooms	❌ Set interactively (default: 1 room, 2 guests)
Filters (stars, price, amenities)	❌ Set interactively

Example: Hotels in Bangkok, March 15-20

# Step 1: Generate ts parameter
ts=$(hotel_ts 2026 3 15 2026 3 20 5)

# Step 2: Open with location + dates — results load immediately
agent-browser --session hotels open "https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=Hotels+in+Bangkok&qs=CAE4AA&ts=${ts}&ap=MAE"
agent-browser --session hotels wait --load networkidle
agent-browser --session hotels snapshot -i

# Step 3: Extract results from snapshot, then close
agent-browser --session hotels close

Example: Specific Hotel with Dates

ts=$(hotel_ts 2026 3 9 2026 3 12 3)
agent-browser --session hotels open "https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=Haus+im+Tal+Munich&qs=CAE4AA&ts=${ts}&ap=MAE"
agent-browser --session hotels wait --load networkidle
agent-browser --session hotels snapshot -i
agent-browser --session hotels close

Without Dates (Location Only)

If the user doesn't specify dates, omit the ts, qs, and ap parameters:

agent-browser --session hotels open "https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=Hotels+in+Bangkok"
agent-browser --session hotels wait --load networkidle
agent-browser --session hotels snapshot -i

Results will show "starting from" prices. Set dates interactively if the user provides them later (see deep-dive reference).

For detailed interactive workflows (calendar navigation, guest/room selector, filters), see the deep-dive reference.

Result Format

Present results as a single rich table:

| # | Hotel | Stars | Rating | Price/Night | Total | Via | Key Amenities |
|---|-------|-------|--------|-------------|-------|-----|---------------|
| 1 | Sukhothai Bangkok | ★★★★★ | 9.2 | $185 | $925 | Hotels.com | Pool, Spa, WiFi |
| 2 | Centara Grand | ★★★★★ | 8.8 | $165 | $825 | Booking.com | Pool, Gym, WiFi |
| 3 | Ibis Sukhumvit | ★★★ | 7.4 | $45 | $225 | Agoda | WiFi, Restaurant |

Parallel Sessions

Only use when the user explicitly asks for a comparison between distinct searches (e.g., "Compare hotels in Shibuya vs Shinjuku").

agent-browser --session shibuya open "https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=Hotels+in+Shibuya+Tokyo" &
agent-browser --session shinjuku open "https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=Hotels+in+Shinjuku+Tokyo" &
wait

agent-browser --session shibuya wait --load networkidle &
agent-browser --session shinjuku wait --load networkidle &
wait

# Set dates in both sessions, then snapshot both
agent-browser --session shibuya snapshot -i
agent-browser --session shinjuku snapshot -i

agent-browser --session shibuya close &
agent-browser --session shinjuku close &
wait

Key Rules

Rule	Why
Prefer URL fast path with `ts=`	3 commands with dates vs 10+ interactive
`wait --load networkidle`	Smarter than fixed `wait 5000`
Always encode dates in URL when available	Use `hotel_ts` to generate the `ts` parameter
Use `fill` not `type` for text	Clears existing text first
Wait 2s after typing location	Autocomplete needs API roundtrip
Click suggestions, never Enter	Enter is unreliable for autocomplete
Re-snapshot after every interaction	DOM changes invalidate refs
Check for "View prices"	Means dates aren't set yet
Never leave Google Hotels during search	Exception: hotel's own site for direct booking check after results
Navigate calendar with "<" and ">"	Calendar may open on wrong month — use arrows to go backward or forward

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Consent popup	Click "Accept all" or "Reject all"
URL fast path fails	Fall back to `google.com/travel/hotels` interactive flow
No results / "View prices"	Set check-in and check-out dates
Calendar opens on wrong month	Use "<" arrow to navigate backward or ">" to go forward. Always re-snapshot after navigating to confirm target month is visible
Snapshot blocked by calendar overlay	Press Escape to close the calendar, re-snapshot, then re-open the date picker and try again
Stale pricing	Prices are real-time and indicative — mention this caveat
Currency mismatch	Google uses browser locale currency — note any discrepancy
CAPTCHA	Inform user. Do NOT solve. Retry after a short wait
Map view instead of list	Click "List" or "View list" toggle
Hotel not found	Try variations: full name, shorter name, name + city, name + neighborhood

Post-Search: Direct Booking & Deals

After presenting results, always ask the user if they'd like you to check for better deals. Phrase it like:

"Want me to check [hotel name]'s direct website for promo codes or member rates? Direct booking is often cheaper than OTAs."

When to Offer

Always when the user searches for a specific hotel by name
Always when results show a single clear winner the user is interested in
On request when comparing multiple hotels — offer for whichever they pick

What to Check

Open the hotel's own website in a new session (--session direct) and look for:

Direct booking price — often 5-15% cheaper than OTAs (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.)
Promo codes — look for banners, pop-ups, or a "offers"/"deals"/"promotions" page
Member/loyalty rates — "sign up for X% off first booking" or free membership discounts
Package deals — breakfast included, free cancellation, parking bundles
Seasonal promotions — holiday specials, early bird rates, last-minute deals

# After Google Hotels search is done, visit hotel's direct site
agent-browser --session direct open "https://www.example-hotel.com"
agent-browser --session direct wait --load networkidle
agent-browser --session direct snapshot -i
# Look for: promo banners, "offers" or "deals" links, booking widget prices
agent-browser --session direct close

Chain Hotel Loyalty Programs

If the hotel belongs to a major chain, mention the loyalty program — members often get better rates, room upgrades, or points:

Chain	Brands	Loyalty Program	Typical Member Perks
IHG	Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Indigo	IHG One Rewards	Member rate (often cheapest), points earning, 4th night free on reward stays
Marriott	Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Aloft	Marriott Bonvoy	Member rate, mobile check-in, points/miles
Hilton	Hilton, DoubleTree, Hampton, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria	Hilton Honors	Member discount, 5th night free on reward stays, digital key
Accor	Sofitel, Novotel, ibis, Mercure, Moxy, Fairmont	ALL - Accor Live Limitless	Member rates, status benefits
Hyatt	Hyatt, Andaz, Park Hyatt, Thompson	World of Hyatt	Member rate, free night awards, suite upgrades

How to Identify the Chain

The Google Hotels snapshot often includes the chain name:

"Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 by IHG" → IHG
"Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok" → Marriott
"Hilton Munich City" → Hilton
"Novotel Muenchen City" → Accor
No chain suffix → likely independent (check their website directly)

Independent Hotels

For independent/boutique hotels (like Haus im Tal):

Check their website for promo codes (often shown in banners or a dedicated "Offers" page)
Look for "Book Direct" incentives (best price guarantee, free extras)
Check if they offer a newsletter signup discount
Mention the hotel name + "promo code" in a web search if the site doesn't show any

Present the Comparison

After checking, present a direct vs OTA comparison:

## Haus im Tal — Booking Comparison

| Source | Room Type | Price/Night | Total (3 nights) | Notes |
|--------|-----------|-------------|-------------------|-------|
| Booking.com | Downtown Cozy | €183 | €549 | Free cancellation |
| Hotel direct | Downtown Cozy | €175 | €525 | Use code HIT24 for 5% off |
| Hotel direct (with code) | Downtown Cozy | €166 | €499 | Best price |

Tip: Always remind the user that you cannot complete the booking — just provide the link and any promo codes found.

Deep-Dive Reference

See references/interaction-patterns.md for:

Full annotated walkthrough (every command + expected output)
Location autocomplete failure modes and recovery
Date picker calendar navigation
Guest & room selector (the most complex widget)
Filters (stars, price, amenities, cancellation)
Scrolling for more results
Hotel detail drill-down with provider price comparison
Direct booking & promo check workflow

google-hotels