Nokia extends Ovi location-aware hotel search into US and UK via Expedia

Expedia is to power a new hotel search system on Nokia GPS handsets in the US and UK using the mobile manufacturer’s Ovi maps system.

The free patch for the Ovi system allows users on any GPS-enabled handset to find hotel properties on the phone’s existing map using the in-built location-aware tool.

The handset plots the user’s position on the map and automatically displays the nearest hotels courtesy of a feed from the Expedia portfolio of properties.

Users can also earch for hotel accommodation in the usual way by entering the destination, the arrival and departure dates and room category.

The displayed hotels can be listed by individual preferences, such as the distance from the current location, price or star rating. The feed also includes information such as photos, hotel descriptions and average customer ratings.

Bookings are taken directly from the handset or a traditional voice connection can be made with the hotel.

Nokia has partnered with Expedia for the US and UK launch of the tool after using HRS for a replica system in Germany and Finland.

The significance of deals such as these is simple: rather than hoping a user will download an app which sits elsewhere on the handset, a deal with Ovi means the hotel search and booking service is included on one of the primary tools on the device.