Google Business Photos: A Virtual Hotel Tour

Ever been to a hotel that just doesn't measure up to it's pictures? You can only see so much from traditional photo galleries, which can lead to guest disappointment. Google's new development promises to give guests a 360 degree view of hotels, making for a truly revolutionary experience.

Google Business Photos are almost as realistic as actually being inside the hotel. Professional photographers take the photos and use panoramic technology to create a 360 degree view. The photos pop up when guests search using Google maps. Hotels will also have the option to add links to the photos as well.

Guests click on arrows that allow them to "walk" through the hotel - seeing different rooms and getting the full experience. Since the photos are taken by Google and not the hotel itself, it gives hotels more credibility because Google is an impartial third party. Being able to see what the hotel looks like beforehand allows potential guests to trust it more.

2014 is going to be a year of innovation, and this could be one of the most exciting developments. Virtual tours could easily become a requirement for hotels who want to compete, and stay current. Seeing a 360 degree view of your room before you even walk through the door would make choosing a hotel much easier and revolutionize how people pick hotels.

For more information please visit  http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2013/12/18/best-western-carlson-google-business-photos/4115185/