AI-Powered Travel Search and Smarter Chatbots to Drive Hotel Technology Trends in 2026

Artificial intelligence is poised to play a bigger role in how hotels are discovered, booked and operated in 2026, even as the hospitality industry continues to adopt new technology at a measured pace, industry executives said.

While 2026 may not mark a dramatic leap in innovation, hotel operators can expect steady gains from AI-powered systems that improve forecasting, customer engagement and operational efficiency.

“It’s going to be another building year,” said Charles Oswald, CEO of Aperture Hotels. “But with each building year, we do a better job of predicting business levels and planning for existing operations, new developments and acquisitions.”

AI Travel Search Gains Momentum

AI-led search and booking tools are emerging as a major disruptor in hotel distribution. According to a report by Booking.com, nearly 89% of consumers want to use AI in some form while planning travel.

David Sjolander, vice president of HTNG operations at the American Hotel & Lodging Association, said the shift away from traditional search engines is becoming a pressing concern for hoteliers.

“We’re at a real pivot point on the distribution side,” Sjolander said, likening the transition to the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs). “Hotels can’t afford to sit back and wait. They have to proactively manage how AI changes the way bookings happen.”

Chatbots Get Smarter, Expectations Rise

Large language models powering chatbots have improved significantly over the past 12 to 18 months, according to industry leaders, though guest perceptions are still catching up.

“Chatbots used to be really bad, and that reputation still lingers,” Sjolander said. “But they’re already making a big difference, and that impact will grow in 2026.”

For major hotel brands, this shift puts renewed emphasis on accurate digital content and guest experience. David Jordan, senior vice president and chief information security officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said AI is reshaping how guests first interact with hotel brands.

“How platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini become entry points for guests is something we’re thinking about very carefully,” Jordan said.

IHG has already deployed AI-powered chatbots to handle millions of guest queries annually, easing pressure on call centres and front-desk staff.

Robots Move from Novelty to Utility

Automation is also gaining ground in the physical hotel environment. From towel delivery to security patrols, robotics are increasingly being seen as efficiency tools rather than novelties.

Sjolander pointed to food delivery and security robots, while Oswald highlighted cleaning robots that could improve quality while reducing physical strain on housekeeping staff.

“If a robot vacuum works alongside a housekeeper, we gain efficiency without losing the human touch,” Oswald said.

Robotic drink service and room deliveries could also help select-service hotels extend offerings without adding full-time staff.

Jordan noted that robot use is already common in parts of Asia and is likely to expand globally. “Over time, robots will take on more complex tasks, not just in China but in other markets as well,” he said.

The Road Ahead for Hotel AI

Despite growing adoption, industry leaders agree that AI’s full potential in hospitality remains untapped. Fragmented technology systems continue to be a major hurdle.

“There are so many systems that don’t talk to each other,” Oswald said, adding that brands are increasingly consolidating platforms to ensure better integration and synchronisation.

The next frontier, he said, lies in advanced AI-driven forecasting—tools that can translate demand indicators such as events, hiring trends and holidays into precise revenue projections.

“We’re not there yet,” Sjolander said. “But we’re getting close to seeing AI projects that can truly move the needle at a corporate level.”

As hotels head into 2026, AI is no longer viewed as optional. Instead, it is fast becoming central to how the industry adapts to changing guest behaviour, tighter labour markets and an increasingly digital travel ecosystem.