Uber has expanded its services beyond transport and food delivery by introducing a new feature that allows users to book hotel rooms directly through its app, signaling a broader shift toward becoming a single platform for everyday needs.
The company said the new offering is being rolled out in partnership with travel giant Expedia, giving users access to more than 700,000 properties worldwide. The collaboration is expected to grow further, with plans to incorporate short-term rental listings from Vrbo in the future.
Within the app, the hotel booking tool functions much like established travel platforms, enabling users to search for accommodation using maps and filters based on price, amenities, and guest reviews. Bookings can be completed seamlessly using payment information already stored on Uber accounts.
Speaking during a presentation in New York, Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi described the move as part of a larger transformation of the platform, saying the company is evolving beyond its original focus into a service that caters to a wide range of daily needs. Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin said the partnership aims to simplify the booking process, helping users save both time and money.
The development builds on Uber’s expansion strategy, which began with the launch of Uber Eats in 2014. What started as a food delivery service has gradually extended into retail offerings, including everyday consumer goods such as cosmetics and electronics.
Uber’s push reflects a wider shift toward “super apps,” platforms that combine multiple services into one ecosystem. This model is already prominent in markets like China, where apps such as WeChat and Alipay allow users to handle messaging, payments, bookings, and more in a single interface.
Other companies are also broadening their scope. Airbnb, for instance, has expanded its services beyond accommodation to include local experiences and on-demand offerings like personal care services, alongside introducing its own ride options.
As part of its future plans, Uber is investing in artificial intelligence tools designed to make the app more intuitive. The company said upcoming features will allow users to plan meals, generate shopping lists, and organise deliveries automatically, while a voice assistant is being developed to enable interaction through natural conversation.
