Apple Watch Gets Hotel Bookings via Booking.com App

Travel companies were quick to create apps for Apple Watch, which begins shipping to consumers later this week, and make sure their products are among the first that owners download. Many of the early iterations of these services, however, will make information rather than action available on the watch.

For example, Starwood’s Apple Watch app works for reviewing reservations or opening the hotel room door but not for completing a booking. Apps from American Airlines and Expedia similarly let users check itineraries and receive notifications but not place bookings.

Booking.com changed that today when it announced its Booking Now app for the Apple Watch, which allows Apple Watch owners to book a room directly through the app.

There’s not enough space on the watch to search and filter hotel choices using the app, making the company’s last-minute service Booking Now a great fit. The app makes a reservation at the nearest property that fits users’ existing preferences up to 48 hours before their stay.

The app will become available, alongside other apps from travel companies like TripAdvisor and Uber, on April 24.