Booking a Sayulita Rental Direct
Platform Fees, Taxes and Paying the Owner

Airbnb announced in July 2026 that it was combining its host and guest fees into one fee paid by hosts. For listings in Mexico, Airbnb says that fee is 16%, and hosts outside Europe had until September 15 to adjust their prices. The fee comes out of the host’s payout, so it sits inside the price rather than being added at checkout.

Airbnb also collects Nayarit’s 5% lodging tax on the listing price, cleaning fee included. So compare the final total, taxes and all, rather than the nightly rate.

Airbnb is clear about this: if you pay for a booking outside Airbnb, you lose AirCover. That covers things like a host cancelling, a home that doesn’t match the listing, and a rebooking or refund.

So book direct the careful way. Get the dates, total, deposit, taxes and cancellation terms in writing, and ask for a video walk-through. Never wire money, send gift cards or pay in crypto to someone you only know by message; the FTC’s rental scam guide lists the warning signs.

Nayarit taxes tourist stays at 5%, and the state tax law covers furnished houses and apartments rented to visitors, not only hotels. Booking direct doesn’t change that.

Ask the owner whether their price includes it. A clear total with taxes shown is also the sign of an owner who runs things properly.