Guest App Development for Hospitality| RaftLabs

Guest Experience App Development
for Hospitality

RaftLabs is an AI-first tech studio that builds custom guest experience apps for hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and hospitality brands. One team takes your guest app from idea to launch. Features include digital check-in, service requests, in-app upselling, guest messaging, and loyalty programs integrated with your PMS. Our builds cut front desk workload by up to 50%, boost guest satisfaction scores by 40%, and reduce check-in time by up to 60%. Delivered in 12 to 16 weeks at a fixed cost with full IP ownership. Clients include City Break Apartments (Ireland).

See our work
  • Cut front desk workload by 50% through self-service capabilities.

  • Boost guest satisfaction scores by 40% with personalized experiences.

  • Reduce check-in times by up to 60% with contactless web and mobile solutions.

Recent outcomes

Guest App · Serviced Apartments (Ireland)

Built a booking platform with mobile check-in and keyless entry for City Break Apartments. 7x growth in self check-ins within 3 months.

7x check-in growth

Community App · Events Platform

Shipped EventRaft, a community event management app, to the App Store in 14 weeks. Reached 50,000 users in 6 months.

50K users in 6 months

Loyalty Integration · Hospitality SaaS

Integrated a loyalty program and in-app upsell engine for a hospitality SaaS client. Ancillary revenue increased by 35% post-launch.

35% ancillary revenue lift
4.9 / 5 on ClutchSee all work

Recognition

Sound familiar?

  • Front desk queue at 2pm on check-in day because guests still have to fill out paper registration cards and wait for a key to be cut manually?

  • Guests checking out without leaving a review because there is no touchpoint between service delivery and the feedback request?

In short

RaftLabs builds custom guest experience apps for hotels and serviced apartments in the US, UK, and Ireland. Features include digital check-in, in-app upselling, and PMS integration. Delivered in 12 to 16 weeks at a fixed price with full IP ownership.

Trusted by

Vodafone
Nike
Microsoft
Cisco
T-Mobile
Aldi
Heineken
GE

Why hospitality businesses need guest experience apps

Reduction in check-in time with mobile check-in and digital access solutions
60%
Increase in ancillary revenue through in-app service ordering and upselling
35%
Higher guest satisfaction scores with personalized digital experiences
40%

Why go for custom guest app development

Investing in custom guest app development gives hospitality businesses, events operators, and residential property managers a digital experience tailored to their brand and workflows — not a generic off-the-shelf tool shared with every competitor.

A guest experience web or mobile app acts as a digital concierge, letting travellers manage their entire stay from their phone or laptop. From mobile check-in and keyless entry to ordering room service and requesting housekeeping, these apps simplify operations while delivering memorable experiences.

Modern guest experience systems integrate directly with your Property Management System (PMS), providing real-time room updates, automated guest communications, and data-driven personalisation. Whether you operate luxury hotels, boutique properties, resorts, vacation rentals, or serviced apartments, a custom guest app is a measurable competitive advantage.

Services

Our guest app development services

Custom Guest Mobile Apps

We design and build mobile applications: native iOS and Android apps alongside responsive web applications matched to your brand identity and operational workflows. Our guest app development process keeps your product consistent with your unique service philosophy while delivering intuitive user experiences that guests use across all devices.

Features include branded experiences for iOS, Android, and web browsers, smooth PMS integration for real-time data sync, offline functionality for areas with limited connectivity, multi-language support for international guests, and accessibility features for inclusive guest experiences.

Web-Based Guest Portals

Not every guest wants to download an app. We build responsive web applications that provide guest experience systems with full functionality through any browser on desktop, tablet, or mobile, removing download friction while maintaining powerful capabilities.

Key capabilities include Progressive Web App technology for app-like experiences, no download required with instant access via QR code or link, cross-platform compatibility across all devices, bookmark-friendly access for returning guests, and a consistent experience from booking through checkout.

Contactless Check-In/Check-Out

Reduce lobby congestion and wait times with web and mobile check-in and check-out functionality. Guests complete the entire arrival and departure process from their devices, whether on phone, tablet, or laptop, receiving digital room keys and instant checkout confirmations.

Benefits include mobile key integration with smart lock systems, digital document signing and payment processing, automated identity verification, pre-arrival check-in up to 24 hours before arrival, and express checkout without front desk interaction.

Upsell & Ancillary Services

Turn your guest experience app into a revenue generator. Showcase room upgrades, spa packages, dining experiences, and local tours directly within the app, with reliable booking and payment processing.

Revenue opportunities include early check-in and late checkout upsells, room upgrade promotions, F&B ordering and delivery, spa and wellness bookings, local experience packages, and parking and transportation services.

Guest Feedback & Surveys

Capture feedback in real-time while guests are still on property, enabling immediate service recovery. Post-stay surveys help you understand satisfaction drivers and identify improvement areas.

Capabilities include in-stay feedback collection, real-time service recovery alerts, post-stay satisfaction surveys, Net Promoter Score tracking, review generation and management, and sentiment analysis and reporting.

Loyalty Program Integration

Connect your guest experience management system with our loyalty app development services to build your loyalty program, deliver personalised perks, track points, and encourage repeat bookings through exclusive app-only benefits.

Features include points balance display, tier status and benefits, exclusive app-only offers, birthday and anniversary recognition, gamification elements, and referral program management.

In-App service requests & concierge

Move your concierge services to a 24/7 digital experience accessible from any device. Guests request housekeeping, order room service, book spa appointments, and get local recommendations without picking up the phone.

Features include real-time service request tracking, push notifications for request status updates, integration with hotel operations systems, local area guides and recommendations, direct messaging with staff, and automated responses for common inquiries.

PMS & Hotel Tech Stack Integration

Our guest app development solutions integrate directly with leading PMS platforms and hotel technology systems, creating a unified ecosystem that removes data silos and manual processes.

Integration capabilities include Property Management Systems such as Opera, Protel, Mews, and RMS Cloud, channel managers and booking engines, payment gateways and digital wallets, smart room controls and IoT devices, CRM and marketing automation platforms, and revenue management systems.

AI Personalisation & Analytics

Use AI and analytics to deliver tailored experiences, optimise operations, and increase revenue. By analysing guest preferences, behaviours, and booking patterns, your app can suggest relevant services, promotions, and experiences while providing actionable insights for your team.

Capabilities include personalised recommendations for dining, activities, and amenities, predictive upsell and offer suggestions, guest behaviour analytics and reporting dashboards, automated segmentation and targeted communications, and insights to optimise staffing, inventory, and revenue.

Key Features of Guest Experience Apps

Pre-Arrival Experience

Digital Check-In: Complete registration, upload ID documents, and add payment methods before arrival. Guests save time and you collect necessary information in advance.

Reservation Management: View, modify, or cancel reservations directly in the app. Receive booking confirmations and pre-arrival communications in one convenient location.

Personalised Pre-Arrival Offers: Showcase room upgrades, early check-in options, and special packages before guests arrive, increasing ancillary revenue.

Pre-Arrival Experience

During Stay Experience

Mobile Key Access: Replace plastic key cards with smartphone-based entry using Bluetooth or NFC technology integrated with smart lock systems.

Room Controls: Adjust temperature, lighting, curtains, and entertainment systems from guest devices, creating personalised comfort environments.

Service Requests: One-tap requests for housekeeping, maintenance, extra amenities, or concierge services with real-time tracking.

In-Room Dining & Restaurant Reservations: Browse menus, place food orders, and book restaurant tables without calling the front desk.

During Stay Experience

Guest Communication Hub

Two-Way Messaging: Direct communication between guests and staff for quick questions, special requests, or service issues.

Automated Messages: Pre-programmed messages for welcome notes, check-in reminders, activity suggestions, and checkout instructions.

Multilingual Support: Communicate with international guests in their preferred language, removing language barriers.

AI Chatbot Support: Instant, 24/7 responses to common guest queries with direct escalation to staff when needed.

Guest Communication Hub

Post-Stay Experience

Express Checkout: Review and approve charges, receive digital receipts, and skip the front desk for an instant departure.

Feedback Collection: Gather real-time satisfaction data while experiences are fresh, enabling service recovery and improvement identification.

Stay History & Preferences: Store guest preferences for future visits, personalising the experience for returning guests.

Loyalty Program Management: Show points earned, display tier benefits, and promote exclusive member offers to encourage repeat bookings.

Post-Stay Experience

Ready to scope your guest app project?

30 minutes. You walk away with a clear cost, timeline, and team. No commitment.

How we work

From scope to shipped

Every guest app project follows the same four phases. Scope is locked and price is fixed before development starts.

  1. Week 1
    01

    Discovery and scope

    We map your property, brand, guest journey, and operational workflows. You leave week 1 with a written scope document and a fixed-price quote. No development starts without your sign-off.

  2. Weeks 2-3
    02

    Design and architecture

    Wireframes before production code. We prototype key flows such as check-in, room service, and service requests, then test with real users. Design decisions made here cost ten times less than the same decisions made in week 8.

  3. Weeks 4-12
    03

    Build, integrate, and QA

    Working software at a staging URL by the end of sprint one. PMS integration and payment processing are wired up in the first two sprints. QA runs in parallel with every sprint, not as a phase at the end.

  4. Weeks 12+
    04

    Launch and post-launch support

    Production deployment with monitoring activated on launch day. 8 weeks of post-launch support included in every project. App store submission handled by our team.

Why us

Why teams choose RaftLabs

  1. Senior engineers build what they scope

    The engineers who assess your problem also build the solution. No bait-and-switch, no offshore handoff after the contract is signed. The team you meet in week 1 ships in week 12.

  2. Fixed price before development starts

    We scope the work, calculate the cost, and lock it in writing before any development starts. A scope change is a change request: priced, agreed, or dropped. It never absorbs into the project and appears on the final invoice.

  3. 9 years and 100+ products shipped

    Clients include Vodafone, T-Mobile, Aldi, Nike, Cisco, and Lockheed Martin. Track record across AI, SaaS, mobile, automation, and enterprise platforms across healthcare, fintech, logistics, and hospitality.

  4. Compliance built in from the start

    GDPR and PCI DSS compliance requirements are scoped in week 1, not retrofitted before launch. We have shipped GDPR-compliant products for European markets including Ireland and the UK, and PCI-compliant payment flows for hospitality clients in the US and Australia.

What clients say

What our clients say about us

Three-year average engagement. Founders and operators describing the work in their own words. No marketing varnish.

Paula Castro
Paula Castro
Ireland flagIreland
Reservations Officer, City Break Apartments

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.

Ready to increase repeat bookings and ancillary revenue?

Get a personalised plan designed for your property type and business needs.

Benefits

Top Benefits of Guest Apps in Hospitality

Stronger Guest Experience

Guest apps create consistent, personalised experiences that modern travellers expect. From pre-arrival communication to post-stay follow-ups, every touchpoint becomes an opportunity to exceed expectations and create memorable moments that drive positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Key advantages include personalised recommendations based on guest preferences, instant access to property information and services, reduced friction in every interaction, 24/7 availability without staffing costs, and consistent service quality across all guest touchpoints.

Competitive Differentiation

Stand out in a crowded market with modern technology that demonstrates your commitment to guest satisfaction. Properties with guest apps are perceived as more premium and guest-focused.

Competitive advantages include appeal to tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z travellers, stronger brand perception, reduced dependency on OTA commissions, and direct booking channel optimisation.

Stronger Guest Loyalty

Create connections through personalised experiences that keep guests coming back. Integrated loyalty programs reward repeat visits and turn satisfied guests into brand advocates.

Loyalty benefits include 40% higher repeat booking rates, reliable loyalty point tracking and redemption, exclusive app-only offers and perks, and recognition of preferences across visits.

Higher revenue through upselling

Turn your guest app into a revenue generator. Strategic placement of upgrades, add-ons, and experiences drives ancillary revenue without additional sales effort.

Revenue opportunities include a 35% average increase in ancillary revenue, early check-in and late checkout premiums, room upgrade conversions during pre-arrival, and in-app dining, spa, and activity bookings.

Contactless & Safe Operations

Meet evolving guest expectations for minimal physical contact while maintaining service excellence. Contactless solutions provide peace of mind and operational flexibility.

Safety features include mobile key that removes shared touchpoints, digital menus and service catalogs, remote check-in and checkout processes, contactless payment processing, and reduced person-to-person interactions when desired.

Scalability Across Properties

Whether you operate one property or manage a portfolio, guest experience management systems grow with you while maintaining brand consistency and operational standards.

Multi-property benefits include centralised management and reporting, consistent guest experience across locations, shared development and maintenance costs, cross-property loyalty and recognition, and unified guest data and preferences.

Process

Our guest app development process

A proven approach that delivers measurable ROI on your custom hotel software while maintaining a reliable RMS Cloud integration.

Our Custom Guest App Development Process

Guest Journey Analysis & Feature Discovery

We begin by understanding your property, brand, guests, and operational workflows. Through stakeholder interviews and guest journey mapping, we identify opportunities where a mobile app creates maximum value.

Deliverables include guest persona documentation, guest journey maps, feature prioritisation matrix, technical requirements document, and project roadmap with milestones.

UX/UI Design for Guest-Facing Apps

Our design team creates intuitive, on-brand interfaces that guests use. We prototype key flows and test with real users to deliver frictionless interactions across web and mobile.

Deliverables include user flow diagrams for key guest interactions, low-fidelity wireframes for core features, high-fidelity UI mockups for iOS, Android, and Web, interactive prototypes for stakeholder approval, and a design system with branded components and style guide.

Agile Development

We build a Minimum Viable Product with core features that deliver immediate value. This approach gets your app into guests' hands quickly while allowing for feedback-driven refinement.

Deliverables include functional iOS and Android apps, backend API and admin dashboard, PMS integration, payment processing setup, and internal testing reports.

Testing & Guest Experience Validation

Rigorous testing across devices, operating systems, and real-world guest scenarios delivers an app that works. We validate every integration point and user flow before launch.

Deliverables include functional and usability testing across all platforms, PMS integration and data sync validation, payment flow and transaction security testing, cross-device and cross-OS compatibility testing, performance optimisation and load testing, and full bug tracking and resolution reports.

Deployment & Support

We deliver a smooth rollout of your custom guest experience app, handling all technical aspects of launching and monitoring. Our team actively monitors application performance, usage analytics, and stability in the live environment.

Deliverables include live application deployment, knowledge transfer documentation and sessions, and guest onboarding assets.

Optimisation & Growth

After launch, we monitor app performance, gather guest feedback, and continuously improve functionality. Regular feature releases keep your app fresh and guests engaged.

Ongoing services include performance monitoring, bug fixes and updates, feature improvements, A/B testing for conversion optimisation, and quarterly strategy reviews.

Pricing for Guest App Development

Basic Integration

Connect a single third-party system (channel manager, payment gateway, or CRM) to support your guest app through secure API synchronization.

  • Single integration point
  • Data mapping and sync setup
  • Testing in RMS Cloud sandbox
  • Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Guest Experience App

Build a custom iOS, Android, or web-based guest experience app with essential features and reliable system integration.

  • Mobile check-in
  • Digital room key (Bluetooth locks)
  • Service requests
  • Upsell/add-ons
  • Real-time booking sync
  • Custom design
  • Timeline: 8-12 weeks

Full-Stack Solution

A complete, production-ready guest experience platform with advanced integrations, automation, and long-term support.

  • Everything in Guest App
  • Channel manager integration
  • Loyalty program
  • Custom reporting dashboard
  • Payment processing (RMS Pay, Stripe, Square)
  • Multi-property support (optional)
  • Timeline: 12-16+ weeks

Let's build your guest application

Partner with a team that delivers measurable results and continuous support.

Who we serve

Who we serve: Hospitality sectors

Hotels

We build hotel guest experience apps for every hotel segment, whether luxury hotels offering personalised butler services and VIP treatments, boutique hotels wanting to highlight their unique story, or budget hotels looking for efficient digital solutions that modern travellers expect.

Vacation Rentals & Short-Term Properties

From Airbnb-style stays with self-check-in and digital guidebooks to serviced apartments designed for business travellers and long-term guests, we help property owners deliver consistent, professional guest experiences with maintenance requests, notifications, and local recommendations.

Hostels & Guesthouses

We create community-driven guest apps that encourage social interactions, promote group activities, and simplify shared-space management while keeping operations efficient and budget-friendly.

Resorts

We create solutions to support a wide range of resort experiences, including beach resorts with cabana and water activity bookings, mountain resorts offering ski passes and trail updates, spa resorts with wellness schedules and treatment bookings, and all-inclusive resorts managing multi-venue dining, activities, and on-property experiences.

Theme Parks & Entertainment Venues

Deliver connected, high-energy guest experiences with mobile tools for ride wait times, interactive maps, show schedules, ticket upgrades, food pre-orders, and real-time crowd navigation, helping guests enjoy more and wait less.

Camping, Glamping & RV Parks

Support outdoor properties with features like site selection, amenity reservations, activity bookings, offline maps, and emergency info, suited for remote or low-connectivity locations.

Motels

Bring modern convenience to motel stays with express check-in, local dining suggestions, and easy communication between guests and staff.

Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

Lift the intimate charm of B&Bs with tools for breakfast preferences, personalised recommendations, and direct host communication.

FAQs

A standard guest experience app takes 12 to 16 weeks from project kickoff to app store launch. This includes discovery, design, development, PMS integration, testing, and deployment. More complex apps with IoT integration or an AI concierge may take 20 to 24 weeks.

Timeline depends on the number of features and integrations, PMS platform complexity, custom design requirements, smart device integration needs, and your team's approval process.

Both options are available. Native iOS and Android apps give the best performance, access to device features like camera and push notifications, offline functionality, and app store presence. Responsive web apps require no download, work on any browser and device, have lower adoption friction, and cost less to build and maintain.

Many properties choose a hybrid approach: native apps for frequent guests and loyalty members, and responsive web access for first-time or short-stay guests.

We build custom integrations tailored to your PMS platform. Most modern systems offer RESTful APIs that enable real-time data exchange for reservations, room status, guest profiles, and billing. For instant updates when reservation status changes, we configure webhooks that push data from your PMS to the guest app. For legacy systems without modern APIs, we can establish secure direct database connections. Some properties benefit from a middleware layer that standardises data from multiple systems.

Yes. Mobile key functionality uses Bluetooth Low Energy or NFC technology to communicate with smart door locks. The app authenticates with the lock system when a guest's device is near their room door and grants access. This requires smart lock hardware such as Salto, Assa Abloy, or Dormakaba, a smartphone with Bluetooth or NFC, and proper encryption protocols. Guests cannot lose their digital key, there is no plastic card waste, and keys can be issued or revoked remotely.

We always recommend maintaining traditional service options alongside digital ones. Traditional plastic key cards at the front desk, phone-based service requests, in-person concierge assistance, and printed property information all remain available. The best guest apps are optional conveniences, not mandatory requirements. We design for inclusive experiences that accommodate all guest preferences and technical comfort levels.

Yes. We build production-ready guest experience management systems that support multi-property portfolios with centralised dashboards, property-specific branding, cross-property loyalty programs, and consolidated reporting. Multi-brand operations get distinct app experiences per brand on shared backend infrastructure. Franchise operators get white-label products with centralised brand standards and individual property admin controls.

Work with us

Tell us what you need. We'll tell you what it would take.

We scope Guest App Development for Hospitality in 30 minutes. You walk away with a clear cost, timeline, and approach. No commitment required.

  • Scope and cost agreed before work starts. No surprises. No obligation.
  • Working prototype within 3 weeks of kickoff.
  • Pay by milestone. You see progress before each invoice.
  • 60-day post-launch warranty. Bug fixes, UI tweaks, and deployment support. No retainer.
  • All conversations are NDA-protected.