A Booking Platform With RMS Integration and Keyless Mobile App Is Driving a 25% Rise in Direct Revenue
We modernized the website of City Break Apartments by combining RMS Cloud integration with direct bookings. We also rebuilt the mobile app to deliver a seamless self check-in experience with Bluetooth-based keyless access and full end-to-end digital check-in.
About Client and Key Challenges
When City Break Apartments, one of Ireland’s premier providers of short- and medium-term furnished rentals based in Dublin, approached us, their website was built on WordPress and connected to RMS Cloud, a third-party booking engine. The setup created friction in the booking flow, with guests being redirected to external pages that broke trust and diluted the brand identity. The overall UX felt inconsistent, leaving guests with an unreliable booking experience.
Key challenges with the website included:
Bookings redirected to RMS Cloud, disrupting trust and consistency
Disjointed UX that weakened brand recall
Property listings with limited details, making decisions harder
Minimal control over the booking process and guest data
At the same time, the mobile app was outdated and offered very limited features. Guests still had to rely on manual steps for check-in and physical key handovers, which created delays and operational inefficiencies. Although City Break had over 250 OmniTec Bluetooth locks installed, they were being used in a manual card and app setup, which only added confusion for both guests and staff.
Key challenges with the mobile app included:
No true self check-in or digital-first experience
Manual ID and payment verification slowing down the process
Apartment access requiring staff involvement despite Bluetooth lock availability
Poor brand presence with little guest engagement or upselling options
These limitations made it difficult for City Break Apartments to deliver a consistent, branded experience. Guests faced friction at every stage of the journey, while internal teams struggled with inefficiencies, outdated processes, and limited control. A modern, unified digital solution was the clear next step.
PlatformsWeb App and Mobile App
Duration14 weeks
IndustryHospitality
Partnership Goal
City Break Apartments wanted to take back control of their digital presence and create a smooth journey for their guests. Their existing setup, which redirected bookings to RMS Cloud, often broke trust and diluted the brand.
The goal was to keep RMS as the backend system while redesigning the experience so guests could book without ever feeling like they left the City Break Apartments' website.
The client wanted guests to self-check in and out without delays, request services easily, and unlock apartments using Omnitec Bluetooth-enabled electronic locks instead of physical keys. This mobile app–based self-check-in was essential, as their apartments were spread across the city and manual key handovers created constant hassle for both staff and guests.
The vision was to provide a modern, branded platform that kept guests connected before, during, and after their stay.
Beyond the core booking flow, City Break Apartments aimed to:
Strengthen brand recall by removing reliance on third-party mobile apps
Offer add-on services and upsells directly through the platform
Keep guests engaged with consistent communication via app, email, and SMS
Ultimately, their goal was to build trust, improve convenience with contactless self-check-in, and establish a unified digital ecosystem that worked seamlessly with RMS while reflecting the quality of their serviced apartments.
Before
- Bookings redirected to RMS Cloud, breaking trust and disrupting the brand experience
- Inconsistent website design that felt outdated and difficult to navigate
- Property listings with minimal detail, leaving guests without enough context to book confidently
- A third-party mobile app offering limited functionality and little to no brand visibility
- No direct digital channel for check-ins, service requests, or guest engagement
After
- Branded booking website with a smooth, consistent user journey
- Rich property listings with detailed descriptions and media for confident decisions
- Mobile app supporting self-check in/out, service requests, and Bluetooth-enabled apartment/hotel door lock systems for digital access
- Direct engagement channels built into the app, email, and SMS
- Stronger brand presence leading to higher guest trust and adoption
Active users on the new website within 2 months of rollout
Growth in self check-ins after app launch
Team formation
We assembled a cross-functional team to manage the entire development process, from the product discovery phase to application development.
The setup ensured smooth collaboration across both the website and mobile app tracks.
The team included:
1 Project Manager
1 Backend Engineer
2 Frontend Engineers (website + mobile)
1 QA Engineer
We followed a sprint-based model with daily syncs, task tracking in Asana, and fast communication via Slack. Weekly demos kept the client involved, and code check-ins ensured transparency. After launch, we provided dedicated support for stability and maintenance during the first few weeks.
One key challenge we faced was that the client already had an older version of the mobile app registered in the App Store. This caused release issues, as the app was flagged as a duplicate. We worked closely with the client to resolve the setup, align the publishing process, and ensure the new branded app was properly listed and accessible to users.
This hands-on, collaborative approach helped us overcome roadblocks quickly while keeping delivery timelines intact.
Hear from our clients.
Working with RaftLabs has been amazing. The team is super responsive and quick to address our needs. They built a booking platform that’s been a game changer for our team and our guests.
- 72+
- Weekly self check-ins via mobile app
- 580+
- Active users on the new website within 2 months of rollout
We needed a stack that balanced scalability with smooth user experience, so we picked tools built for both web and mobile performance.
Our Partnership
City Break Apartments wanted a partner who could simplify the guest journey and give them full ownership of their digital ecosystem. We shaped the engagement in two phases: discovery & design, followed by development, ensuring every step was validated before moving forward.
In the discovery stage, we mapped the guest journey, studied existing tools, evaluated third-party APIs around RMS Cloud, and defined user flows from browsing to post-stay engagement. Low-fidelity designs helped visualize the experience, and we documented a clear scope with features, timelines, and budgets.
We rebuilt the City Break Apartments’ website using Next.js, leveraging its server-side rendering and API routes for both frontend and backend functionality. The new website delivered a seamless booking flow on top of RMS Cloud, keeping guests on the City Break Apartments platform without redirects. Rich property details and an intuitive search experience built trust and improved direct bookings.
For the mobile app, we developed the frontend with React Native and implemented the backend with an Express.js server deployed on AWS for scalability, security, and reliability. The app enabled guests to complete end-to-end digital check-ins, request services, and unlock apartments with Bluetooth-enabled keyless access powered by Omnitec locks. This replaced manual key handovers, cutting operational friction and improving convenience.
This partnership transformed City Break Apartments’ digital presence from fragmented tools into a seamless, branded experience that improved engagement, convenience, and trust.
Property Listings & Search
Guests can browse through detailed apartment listings with photos, amenities, pricing, and availability.
a Advanced filters like location, dates, property type, and budget help narrow choices.
A map-based search makes it easier to explore nearby options, while flexible date search supports travelers with changing plans.
Booking & Reservations
Guests can book instantly or request a reservation directly from the platform.
The system handles confirmations, cancellations, and updates in real time.
Automated notifications via email and SMS keep guests informed about every booking stage.
Guest Experience & Engagement
A personalized dashboard gives guests access to booking history, trip details, and service requests.
Through the mobile app, users can self-check in/out, request services, and even unlock apartments using secure digital access codes, eliminating the need for physical keys.
Push notifications and in-app messages keep communication timely and seamless.
Payments & Transparency
Integrated payment gateways ensure smooth and secure transactions.
Guests get a clear price breakdown with fees and add-ons before booking.
Receipts and confirmations are shared instantly via email or mobile notifications.
Admin Panel
The super admin dashboard gives City Break Apartments full visibility into bookings, guest data, and system usage.
Admins can manage users, moderate content, and review analytics for better decision-making.
Customer support tickets and help center tools are integrated into the backend for faster response times.
Security & Compliance
Data is secured with encryption across all transactions and communications.
The platform is GDPR-compliant, ensuring safe handling of personal and payment information.
Guests can manage their privacy settings and account security directly within the app.
Adding Promo Codes
Guests can apply promo codes during checkout to unlock discounts on direct website bookings.
The system allows always-on offers that are auto-applied as well as seasonal or campaign-specific codes.
Only one code can be applied per reservation, and discounts are calculated on property rates, keeping the booking process seamless and branded.
What Happened Next – Results
The launch of the new website and mobile app gave City Break Apartments full control over their digital presence. Guests no longer faced third-party redirects, and the streamlined booking flow rebuilt trust in the brand.
Through the mobile app, check-ins became truly seamless. Guests could now unlock apartments with Bluetooth-enabled keyless access, raise service requests, and manage their stay without relying on physical keys. The reliance on traditional keys had created constant challenges, from the risk of lost keys to higher replacement costs and the inconvenience of coordinating handovers across the city. By moving to a contactless system, these issues were eliminated. Adoption grew steadily, rising from fewer than 10 self check-ins at launch to more than 70 per week within weeks.
The website was also transformed into a modern booking platform. A clean interface, integrated with RMS Cloud, combined the reliability of an online booking engine software with a branded UX. Rich property details and intuitive search made it easier for travelers to find and book apartments. In just two months, over 580 active users engaged with the new site, validating the improved booking experience.
Together, these changes proved the value of a booking app designed specifically for hospitality. City Break Apartments strengthened their brand, improved guest satisfaction, and built a scalable digital foundation for long-term growth.
let's talk about your project
Generative AI, voice AI, automation, SaaS — whatever you're building, we'll help you launch and stay with you long after.
We're not just another AI company chasing buzzwords. We design, build, and scale AI-powered products while standing behind every line of code.
Clients choose us not only for our expertise but because we stay available, communicate clearly, and treat their success as our own.
FAQs
- What is an online booking engine and how can it help my business?
An online booking engine is a tool that lets your guests make reservations directly on your website without being redirected to third-party platforms. This gives you more control over the booking flow and builds stronger trust with customers.
Key benefits include:
Direct bookings without third-party commissions
Consistent, branded user experience
Real-time availability and instant confirmations
Increased revenue through upsells and add-ons
- Can you implement contactless check-in for hotels or rentals?
Yes. We build digital solutions that enable guests to check in smoothly without waiting at the front desk. This improves both convenience and efficiency for your property.
Advantages of contactless check-in:
Guests can complete check-in via mobile app or web
Access details are shared instantly and securely
No need for manual desk processes or physical paperwork
Faster arrivals and an improved guest experience
- How does keyless technology improve the guest experience?
Keyless technology allows guests to unlock rooms or apartments with their mobile devices instead of physical keys or cards. It improves convenience, reduces operational overhead, and strengthens security while delivering a premium digital experience
- How does building a custom booking app compare to using off-the-shelf software?
Off-the-shelf tools are quick to set up but limit control over branding, data, and guest experience. A custom-built booking app is designed around your business goals, integrates with your existing systems like RMS, and scales as you grow.
- What’s the ROI of investing in keyless technology for serviced apartments?
Keyless technology reduces operational costs by removing the need for staff to manage physical keys across multiple properties. At the same time, it improves the guest experience, leading to higher ratings, repeat bookings, and stronger direct revenue.
- Are Omnitec locks secure?
Yes. Keys are encrypted, time-bound, and expire after checkout. This reduces the risk of lost or copied keys while giving admins more control.
- Will I need to change my entire booking system?
Not at all. Omnitec can be synced with your current booking engine (like RMS Cloud in City Break’s case). Guests continue booking as usual, but now receive secure Bluetooth keys directly on their phone.