Why Hospitality Brands Should Advertise on ChatGPT
ChatGPT has become a primary tool for travel planning and restaurant discovery. Unlike traditional search where users see lists of links, ChatGPT users receive personalized, conversational recommendations. This creates a unique advertising opportunity for hotels and restaurants to appear as trusted recommendations during the critical decision-making phase.
Key advantages for hospitality advertisers:
- High booking intent: Users asking for recommendations are actively planning travel or dining experiences
- Conversational context: Your property appears within helpful, trusted AI recommendations
- First-mover advantage: The platform is new, meaning lower competition and potentially lower costs
- Travel planning stage: Reach travelers and diners at the exact moment they're making decisions
- Geographic targeting: Capture searches for your specific location and nearby areas
Types of Hospitality Queries That Trigger ChatGPT Ads
ChatGPT ads appear when conversations are relevant to travel and dining. For hospitality, this includes a wide range of travel planning and restaurant discovery queries:
Location-based accommodation queries where travelers are looking for hotels in specific areas with relevant features or attractions.
Dining discovery queries where users are looking for restaurants matching specific atmospheres, occasions, or cuisines.
Travel advice queries where users are seeking recommendations and guidance for unfamiliar destinations.
Restaurant discovery queries where users have specific preferences or requirements for dining experiences.
How ChatGPT Ads Work for Hotels and Restaurants
ChatGPT ads use conversational targeting rather than keyword matching. The AI understands the context and intent behind traveler questions, then shows relevant sponsored properties when appropriate.
Ad Placement
Ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT's response, clearly labelled as "Sponsored". They don't interrupt the AI's recommendation but appear as an additional option after the main response, alongside other suggested properties.
Targeting
Unlike booking platforms that rely on explicit categories, ChatGPT ads are matched based on conversational relevance. The AI understands the context of travel plans, travel dates, group size, budget, and preferences mentioned in the conversation. Targeting is determined by the content of the current conversation, not user profiles or browsing history.
Ad Format
ChatGPT ads are text-based and include your property name, a brief description highlighting key features, location, and a link to your booking page. The format is designed to feel like a natural extension of the AI's recommendation.
ChatGPT Ads Strategy for Hotels and Restaurants
Success with ChatGPT ads requires understanding how travelers and diners use conversational AI differently than traditional search:
1. Think About Traveler Conversations
Travelers ask ChatGPT full questions, not just keywords. They might ask "where should I stay on a budget in Barcelona with good nightlife", not "Barcelona budget hotels". Your ad strategy should reflect the actual conversations travelers have.
2. Focus on Specific Locations and Neighborhoods
Travelers often ask about specific neighborhoods, attractions, or areas. Hotels should optimize for location-based queries. Restaurants should consider neighborhood identity and proximity to attractions travelers visit.
3. Highlight What Makes You Unique
ChatGPT users ask "where should I stay" or "where should I eat" — they want recommendations from a trusted advisor. Make your property's unique selling points clear: rooftop views, family-friendly atmosphere, authentic local cuisine, boutique charm, business amenities, etc.
4. Consider the Travel Season and Events
ChatGPT conversations about your destination will vary by season. Winter travelers ask different questions than summer visitors. Align your advertising around seasonal travel patterns and local events.
5. Match the Helpful Tone
ChatGPT recommendations are helpful and informative. Ad copy that matches this tone performs better than hard-sell marketing language. Position yourself as a great choice for the traveler's specific needs.
Ready to Advertise Your Hotel or Restaurant on ChatGPT?
We help hospitality brands launch and optimise ChatGPT ad campaigns to fill rooms and seats.
Book a Strategy CallHospitality Segments Well-Suited for ChatGPT Ads
While any hospitality business can advertise on ChatGPT, certain segments see particularly strong results:
- Boutique and independent hotels: Travelers actively seek unique properties beyond major chains
- Vacation rentals and properties: High traveler intent for these searches
- Fine dining restaurants: Users ask for special occasion recommendations
- Specialty and themed restaurants: Cuisine-specific and experience-specific searches
- Resort destinations: Travelers plan complete experiences and seek recommendations
- Boutique bed & breakfasts: Travelers value authentic local experiences
- Rooftop bars and cocktail lounges: Users ask for specific ambiance and experience
- Tourism and destination-specific properties: Popular destinations get high search volume
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hotels and restaurants advertise on ChatGPT?
Yes. ChatGPT ads launched in January 2026 and are available to hospitality brands including hotels, restaurants, and travel businesses in the United States. Ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses when users ask travel and dining-related questions.
How do ChatGPT ads work for hospitality?
When ChatGPT users ask questions about where to stay, where to dine, travel recommendations, or booking decisions, relevant sponsored hospitality businesses appear at the bottom of the AI's response. Ads are targeted based on conversational context and travel intent, not user profiles.
What types of hospitality queries trigger ChatGPT ads?
Travel planning queries like "best hotels in Paris near the Eiffel Tower", dining queries like "romantic restaurants in New York", accommodation questions like "where should I stay in Tokyo", and restaurant discovery like "good brunch spots in London" can all trigger relevant hospitality ads.
How is this different from booking platforms like Booking.com or OpenTable?
ChatGPT ads appear in a conversational context where users are asking for recommendations and advice. Unlike booking platforms, ChatGPT users haven't made a decision yet. Your property appears as a trusted recommendation from an AI advisor, often at an earlier stage in the booking journey. This can drive awareness and consideration for properties that might not appear as prominently on booking platforms.
Can I track bookings from ChatGPT ads?
Yes. Your ads link to your website or booking page where you can track conversions just like traditional advertising. As with all digital channels, conversion tracking should be set up to measure booking rates and revenue from ChatGPT traffic. UTM parameters can be used to track the source of traffic from ChatGPT ads.
How much do ChatGPT ads cost for hospitality?
ChatGPT ad pricing is still emerging as the platform is new. We're actively gathering cost data and can provide guidance during a strategy call. Early indicators suggest costs may be lower than established booking platforms due to less competition. See our ChatGPT ads pricing guide for more details.
What information should I include in my ChatGPT ads?
Your ads should highlight what makes your property unique and appealing to travelers seeking recommendations. Include your property name, location, key features or amenities that match what travelers are asking about, and a link to your booking page. Focus on specific benefits: "waterfront views", "Michelin-recommended cuisine", "family-friendly", "adults-only resort", etc.