Amazon Quits the Hotel Booking Business

Travel agents have one less competitor to fear—and it was a big one.

Just six months after launching its hotel booking site, Amazon Destinations, the online behemoth quietly threw in the towel yesterday.

“Effective October 13, 2015, Amazon Destinations stopped selling hotel reservations,” says the website. “If you have a reservation, your reservation is valid and will be honored by the hotel. No action is required on your part.”

The service, designed to “help travelers discover, plan, and book a getaway within driving distance to their homes,” had been offering rooms in 35 cities.

It promised hotels that “whether you’re a highly-rated resort, boutique hotel, lakeside cabin, beach cottage, winery villa, or other noteworthy property, get discovered by travelers with Amazon Destinations. You can promote your property and reach millions of Amazon customers looking to book a nearby getaway. Feature everyday rates and availability, along with packaged deals and discounts to increase your bookings.”

A company statement said simply that, “We have learned a lot and have decided to discontinue Amazon Destinations.”

Perhaps it learned that being a travel agent is harder than it seems.