Google AI Mode Now Finds Local Stock and Tracks Hotel Prices

Google is expanding the capabilities of its agentic AI within AI Mode, introducing tools aimed at simplifying summer travel logistics and local shopping. The update, announced this Friday, enables the search giant to act as an intermediary for consumers, checking real-time product availability at nearby retailers and providing more precise hotel price monitoring.

Automating Local Product Searches

The most significant shift in AI Mode involves its ability to contact brick-and-mortar stores on behalf of the user. While the underlying technology debuted on Search last November, the agentic integration is rolling out to AI Mode across the United States over the coming weeks.

Users can input specific requirements, such as searching for a particular type of polarized clip-on sunglasses that fit over prescription eyewear. The AI then handles the outreach to local merchants to verify stock, subsequently relaying the details to the user. This functionality aims to reduce the manual effort of calling multiple locations to confirm inventory.

Granular Hotel Price Tracking

Google is also refining its travel search tools by moving beyond city-wide price monitoring. Users can now toggle price tracking for specific hotels of interest. The feature functions across both desktop and mobile platforms:

• Desktop: Access the price-tracking toggle directly after searching for a specific hotel name.
• Mobile: Navigate to the “Prices” tab within the search results to enable alerts.

Once activated, Google will send email notifications if the price for the selected hotel fluctuates during the user’s specified dates.

Rising Demand for AI Travel Assistance

The company’s focus on travel comes amid a significant shift in consumer search behavior. Data released alongside the update reveals a substantial increase in interest regarding AI-assisted travel planning:

• Searches for “AI travel assistant” and “AI concierge” have grown by 350% year-over-year.
• Queries for “AI flight booking” have risen by 315%.
• “How to use AI to find flight deals” has become a trending search query over the last month.

Google also highlighted several top-trending travel destinations for summer 2026, including St. Maarten, Stockholm, Kansas City (Missouri), and Sarasota (Florida).