Last-minute hotel booking app HotelQuickly is no longer so last minute

The HotelQuickly booking app is trying something different today with a major new update to its mobile app. Users of the last-minute hotel room app can now book one day ahead. “The development of the new features was based on user feedback,” says the startups’s co-founder and COO Christian Mischler. “Many international travelers were hesitant to book on the same day as they were not confident that a great deal would be available. The tomorrow-booking feature, as we call it, will allow a peace of mind for these users of our app.”

Mischler tells Tech in Asia that the mobile-only service now has about 150,000 registered users who can choose from 2,500 hotels. HotelQuickly now covers more than 100 destinations in 13 countries across Asia-Pacific. Adding new destinations, rather than new countries, is the focus at present. “New countries will likely be added later in the year,” he says.

The Hong Kong-based startup claims its last-minute deals are an average of 28 percent cheaper than the lowest flash deals on other online travel agents. It’s up against rivals apps like HotelTonight and CheckInTonight.

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HotelQuickly has also added in simplified Chinese language support for users based in mainland China, Mischler explains. The app’s update also brings a visual refresh (pictured above), as well as a new payment gateway, price filters, and third-party hotel reviews.

The startup got just over US$1 million in funding last September.

HotelQuickly has apps for iOS, Android, and BlackBerry OS10.