HomeToGo to launch Modes with inaugural AI Mode

Luxembourg / Germany: Vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo has announced further plans for the launch of HomeToGo Modes, a new line of curated search experiences that are being created to make it faster, easier and more convenient than ever for travellers to find their ideal vacation rental.

With the process of searching for vacation homes remaining largely unchanged over the past decade, HomeToGo Modes aim to streamline and simplify the vacation rental booking process by curating the product experience to specific use cases and types of travellers with the push of a button, requiring less effort to find the perfect vacation home.

Capitalising on its expertise in cutting-edge technologies that allow the company to update its products dynamically, HomeToGo is launching its first Mode – AI Mode powered by Generative AI. WithAI Mode, travel planners will be able to describe exactly what they’re looking for and receive highly personalised recommendations, going far beyond what is currently possible with traditional online search.

Whether travellers are looking for a surf getaway in Portugal or an affordable family-sized villa in Mallorca, HomeToGo’s AI Mode will bring a personal touch to help travellers find their uniquely ideal vacation rental easier and faster than ever before.

HomeToGo’s AI Mode is currently in beta testing with plans to roll out to travellers soon. The launch will mark the first-of-its-kind for HomeToGo, with the company planning to further expand its collection of Modes by updating and releasing more curated search experiences and specialised travel planning tools throughout the year.

Dr Patrick Andrae, co-founder and CEO of HomeToGo, said: “HomeToGo is once again at the forefront of the travel industry with the launch of Modes, a truly groundbreaking approach to finding the perfect vacation home. All vacation rentals are unique as are the travellers who stay in them, and it’s time for the search and booking experience to match the individualism of our rentals and guests.

“We’re so excited to launch this brand new product line with our first Mode, the inaugural AI Mode. This new feature combines our deep expertise working with machine learning and our passion for delivering seamless, unparalleled experiences to our travelers.

“In general, HomeToGo’s approach to product development is dynamic. We continuously leverage new technologies and travel trends to update our products and features without needing to wait for big launch events.

“Because of this agile approach, summer travellers can already benefit today from our latest generation of power tools – such as Pay-What-You-See Pricing and Next Door Bookings – that provide our guests with complete price transparency and selection, further supporting our vision of making incredible homes easily accessible to everyone,” he added.

Ahead of the HomeToGo Modes and AI Mode launch, HomeToGo has introduced a suite of new power tools to uniquely cater to traveller needs this summer.

The features include, amongst others:

• Pay-What-You-See Pricing, including taxes and fees – with price transparency as a priority and already available in Europe, the filter has now been launched for US travellers. Pay-What-You-See Pricing allows travellers to choose whether they want to view offers with or without additional taxes and fees, avoiding unwanted surprises later in the booking process. Pay-What-You-See Pricing is now available across all markets and sites. Nearly half [47 per cent] of US travellers say transparency is a highly important factor when deciding to book a trip.
• Next Door Bookings – discover other available accommodation options at the same property with Next Door Bookings. Ideal for families and friends travelling as a large group, the feature helps users find the perfect rental for additional travellers nearby without the need to open a map or split up too far.
• Side-by-Side Comparison – exclusively on the HomeToGo app, the Side-by-Side Comparison feature enables users to compare multiple homes based on amenities that matter most, without having to scroll back and forth between offers. The product is suited for travel planners who like to have all the details before making a final decision. According to HomeToGo’s research, price, accommodation type and amenities are the factors that matter most to travellers when deciding which home to book.

Dr Andrae first teased the launch of Modes in December, calling it a “groundbreaking way to find and book accommodation” that would offer a “hyper-curated vacation rental browsing experience completely based on unique interests”.

In September 2021, HomeToGo completed its business combination with special purpose acquisition company [SPAC] Lakestar SPAC I to begin trading publicly on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

In 2022, the company also made three significant acquisitions – AMIVAC [the vacation rental business unit of Groupe SeLoger], internet company e-domizil GmbH from e-vacation Group Holding GmbH for €40 million, and vacation rental travel tech provider SECRA.

Founded in 2014, Berlin-headquartered HomeToGo operates a marketplace for vacation rentals that connects travellers searching for their ideal place to stay with thousands of inventory suppliers across the globe. The company operates localised apps and websites in 25 countries.