Listing your hotel on Google Maps is one of the most critical tasks for a hotel Internet marketing manager. Its free, its easy. Here is how:

1. Check Google Maps to see if you are already listed. If you are, do not add a new listing – Google allows business owners to claim their listing.
2. Add your hotel to Google Places – you will need your busines information, contact information, photos, video, etc. Make sure you select the correct categories. Unlike plain vanilla websites, listings on Google Places are verified by google using a PIN that is sent by phone or postcard.

As usage of maps and location-based services on phones increases, this feature will drive more business to you. Early adopters will benefit from having a higher number of reviews. Since Google Places verifies listings by phone or postcard, customers will trust its results much more than listings verified by sending an instant auto email to a free email address. At some point, pricing information will also be added to Maps, making it the biggest driver of online bookings.