The World's Largest Hotel Company Is About to Change How You Search for a Room — Using AI

Marriott International is ditching the traditional dropdown-and-filter hotel search in favor of a conversational AI experience that lets guests describe what they want in plain English.

The company's global chief information officer, Naveen Manga, shared details of the rollout during a recent virtual event, calling 2026 "a year for scale" as Marriott moves from AI experimentation into full deployment. CEO Anthony Capuano confirmed the phased launch would begin this quarter on Marriott's website and mobile app.

The new tool lets travelers search using complex, natural queries — like asking for an ocean-view hotel in Southern California near walking trails with connecting rooms for a family trip. The AI retains context across the conversation, remembering preferences from previous searches to refine future results.

Marriott says it won't expose personal data to external models, keeping the system within its enterprise guardrails. The company is also building AI tools for front-desk associates, who currently juggle multiple systems to handle daily tasks, and for hotel owners who want streamlined operational insights.

The move puts Marriott alongside Hilton and Wyndham, which both launched their own conversational search tools in recent months. IHG has also revealed an AI-powered search feature as part of its technology push.

For travelers booking all-inclusive stays at properties like Marriott Cancun or Marriott Puerto Vallarta, the shift could make it far easier to find the right fit. Instead of scrolling through dozens of listings, a guest could simply describe their ideal vacation and let the AI narrow the options.

The broader trend signals that major hotel companies see AI not just as a back-office efficiency play, but as a fundamental rethink of the guest booking journey — one that could reshape how travelers discover and choose resorts.