Google has made a noticeable change to hotel listings on Google Maps. The Visit website button is no longer visible on the first screen of hotel search results. Instead, users now need to click Check availability before they can see the website link.
This update was spotted by Brad Brewer, who shared the change on X. According to Brad, Google has replaced the direct website button with a Nearby option.
Brad explained that this change keeps travelers inside Google Maps longer. Instead of sending users straight to a hotel’s official website, Google is directing attention toward nearby places, sponsored listings, and partner options. As a result, hotels that rely heavily on Google Maps for direct bookings may see reduced website traffic.
I see what he sees. Here is that screenshot:
Once users click Check availability, they are then shown the Visit website links. However, this extra step means fewer users may reach hotel websites compared to before.
Here is Brad’s post:
“Website” button on the Google Business Profile is being replaced with “Nearby.” Instead of sending travelers directly to your official site, @Google is keeping users inside Maps, steering attention toward other Sponsored listings and partners.
— Brad Brewer (@Brad_Brewer) November 11, 2025
This experiment could further… pic.twitter.com/eeygzWpS0e
For hotels, this appears to be another shift toward keeping users within the Google ecosystem rather than sending them off-platform.
You can view the full discussion on X.
