Build Middleware API between fonio.ai and Hostaway for AI Guest Phone Assistant
Budget: €250 – €750 EUR
We are looking for an experienced API/backend developer to build a secure middleware integration between fonio.ai and Hostaway.
Background
We operate multiple vacation rental properties in Hostaway. We already use fonio.ai as an AI phone assistant for guest FAQ handling. The next step is to connect fonio.ai with live booking data from Hostaway, so the AI assistant can answer availability questions and process guest requests safely.
Hostaway provides an official Public API for listings, reservations, calendars and messaging. fonio.ai supports API requests and integrations.
Main Goal
Build a middleware application hosted on our own Linux server that connects:
fonio.ai → custom middleware API → Hostaway Public API
The middleware must control what data fonio.ai may access, what actions are allowed automatically, and which requests must be forwarded to our team.
Required MVP Features
1. Hostaway synchronization
* Retrieve all existing Hostaway listings/properties.
* Automatically detect newly created Hostaway listings.
* Keep listings, availability and relevant reservation data synchronized.
* Use the official Hostaway Public API.
2. Availability requests
fonio.ai should be able to ask the middleware:
* Is there availability in a certain city/region?
* For a certain date range?
* For a certain number of guests?
* Optionally with filters such as pets, apartment size or property type.
This must work without exposing personal guest data.
3. Guest verification
The middleware must prevent unauthorized access to booking details.
No booking information may be confirmed based on name only.
Before personal booking details or changes are discussed, the guest must be verified using configurable criteria, for example:
* reservation number
* phone number linked to the booking
* email address
* exact travel period
* booked accommodation
The verification rules should be configurable.
4. Guest requests
Verified guests should be able to make requests such as:
* add an additional guest
* add a pet
* request cancellation
* request booking modification
* request early check-in / late check-out
* ask questions about their existing reservation
5. Rule-based approval
We need an admin area where we can define what may happen automatically and what must be forwarded to our team.
Examples:
* Pets may be automatically approved for certain properties.
* Additional guests may be approved if the maximum occupancy is not exceeded.
* Cancellation requests should only be forwarded to our team.
* Early check-in may be approved only under certain conditions.
* Some request types should always require manual approval.
Each rule should ideally be configurable per property/listing.
6. Forwarding to Hostaway Inbox
If a request cannot be approved automatically, it should be forwarded as a message/request in the relevant Hostaway guest conversation or inbox, so our team can handle it inside Hostaway as usual.
7. Security and privacy
The solution must be GDPR-conscious and secure:
* no unnecessary personal data exposure
* secure API credential storage
* no API keys in frontend code
* logging of API actions
* clear error handling
* HTTPS only
* role-based admin access
* documentation of all API endpoints
Technical Requirements
* Backend/middleware application
* REST API endpoints for fonio.ai
* Hostaway Public API integration
* Admin dashboard for rules and settings
* Database for configuration, logs and mapping
* Hosted on our own Linux server in a data center
* Clean code and technical documentation
* Deployment instructions
* Basic monitoring/error logging
Preferred technology stack:
* Node.js, Python/FastAPI, Laravel or similar
* PostgreSQL or MySQL
* Docker preferred
* Secure environment variable handling
Important
We do not want fonio.ai to access Hostaway directly. The middleware must act as a secure control layer between fonio.ai and Hostaway.
Future Vision
The first project is only the fonio.ai ↔ Hostaway integration.
If the project works well and we are satisfied with the developer, we would like to expand this into a broader internal guest service API platform. In the future, this platform may also connect additional systems such as WhatsApp, email, smart locks, payment systems, housekeeping tools, CRM systems or other PMS platforms.
Deliverables
* Working middleware application
* Hostaway API integration
* fonio.ai-compatible API endpoints
* Admin dashboard for rules
* Guest verification logic
* Hostaway inbox/message forwarding
* Deployment on our Linux server
* Source code repository
* Technical documentation
* Handover session
Please include in your application
* Relevant API integration experience
* Experience with Hostaway, PMS systems, vacation rental software or hospitality systems if available
* Suggested technical approach
* Suggested technology stack
* Estimated timeline
* Fixed price or milestone proposal
* Examples of similar projects
Background
We operate multiple vacation rental properties in Hostaway. We already use fonio.ai as an AI phone assistant for guest FAQ handling. The next step is to connect fonio.ai with live booking data from Hostaway, so the AI assistant can answer availability questions and process guest requests safely.
Hostaway provides an official Public API for listings, reservations, calendars and messaging. fonio.ai supports API requests and integrations.
Main Goal
Build a middleware application hosted on our own Linux server that connects:
fonio.ai → custom middleware API → Hostaway Public API
The middleware must control what data fonio.ai may access, what actions are allowed automatically, and which requests must be forwarded to our team.
Required MVP Features
1. Hostaway synchronization
* Retrieve all existing Hostaway listings/properties.
* Automatically detect newly created Hostaway listings.
* Keep listings, availability and relevant reservation data synchronized.
* Use the official Hostaway Public API.
2. Availability requests
fonio.ai should be able to ask the middleware:
* Is there availability in a certain city/region?
* For a certain date range?
* For a certain number of guests?
* Optionally with filters such as pets, apartment size or property type.
This must work without exposing personal guest data.
3. Guest verification
The middleware must prevent unauthorized access to booking details.
No booking information may be confirmed based on name only.
Before personal booking details or changes are discussed, the guest must be verified using configurable criteria, for example:
* reservation number
* phone number linked to the booking
* email address
* exact travel period
* booked accommodation
The verification rules should be configurable.
4. Guest requests
Verified guests should be able to make requests such as:
* add an additional guest
* add a pet
* request cancellation
* request booking modification
* request early check-in / late check-out
* ask questions about their existing reservation
5. Rule-based approval
We need an admin area where we can define what may happen automatically and what must be forwarded to our team.
Examples:
* Pets may be automatically approved for certain properties.
* Additional guests may be approved if the maximum occupancy is not exceeded.
* Cancellation requests should only be forwarded to our team.
* Early check-in may be approved only under certain conditions.
* Some request types should always require manual approval.
Each rule should ideally be configurable per property/listing.
6. Forwarding to Hostaway Inbox
If a request cannot be approved automatically, it should be forwarded as a message/request in the relevant Hostaway guest conversation or inbox, so our team can handle it inside Hostaway as usual.
7. Security and privacy
The solution must be GDPR-conscious and secure:
* no unnecessary personal data exposure
* secure API credential storage
* no API keys in frontend code
* logging of API actions
* clear error handling
* HTTPS only
* role-based admin access
* documentation of all API endpoints
Technical Requirements
* Backend/middleware application
* REST API endpoints for fonio.ai
* Hostaway Public API integration
* Admin dashboard for rules and settings
* Database for configuration, logs and mapping
* Hosted on our own Linux server in a data center
* Clean code and technical documentation
* Deployment instructions
* Basic monitoring/error logging
Preferred technology stack:
* Node.js, Python/FastAPI, Laravel or similar
* PostgreSQL or MySQL
* Docker preferred
* Secure environment variable handling
Important
We do not want fonio.ai to access Hostaway directly. The middleware must act as a secure control layer between fonio.ai and Hostaway.
Future Vision
The first project is only the fonio.ai ↔ Hostaway integration.
If the project works well and we are satisfied with the developer, we would like to expand this into a broader internal guest service API platform. In the future, this platform may also connect additional systems such as WhatsApp, email, smart locks, payment systems, housekeeping tools, CRM systems or other PMS platforms.
Deliverables
* Working middleware application
* Hostaway API integration
* fonio.ai-compatible API endpoints
* Admin dashboard for rules
* Guest verification logic
* Hostaway inbox/message forwarding
* Deployment on our Linux server
* Source code repository
* Technical documentation
* Handover session
Please include in your application
* Relevant API integration experience
* Experience with Hostaway, PMS systems, vacation rental software or hospitality systems if available
* Suggested technical approach
* Suggested technology stack
* Estimated timeline
* Fixed price or milestone proposal
* Examples of similar projects