Google Hotels

SKILL.md

---
name: google-hotels
description: Search Google Hotels for hotel prices, ratings, and availability using browser automation. Use when user asks to search hotels, find accommodation, compare hotel prices, check availability, or look up places to stay. Triggers include "search hotels", "find hotels", "hotels in", "where to stay", "accommodation", "hotel prices", "cheapest hotel", "best hotel", "places to stay", "hotel near", "book a hotel", "hotel ratings".
allowed-tools: Bash(agent-browser:*), Bash(echo*), Bash(printf*)
---

# 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](#post-search-direct-booking--deals)).

## 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:

```bash
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

```bash
# 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

```bash
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:

```bash
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](#deep-dive-reference)).

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

```bash
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:

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

```bash
# 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](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