Direct Bookings vs Airbnb: What You Need to Know as a Host in Mexico

In Mexico’s booming short-term rental market, many hosts wonder if they should rely solely on Airbnb or begin accepting direct bookings through their own systems. Each option has unique pros and cons and together, they offer a powerful combination. Platforms like Hostfully highlight how direct booking websites give hosts more control, eliminate costly OTA commissions, and help build a loyal guest base, while Airbnb delivers massive reach and built-in amenities for hosts and guests alike .

One huge advantage of direct bookings is cost savings. Airbnb typically charges hosts around 3% per booking plus up to 14% from guests, whereas a direct booking website lets you keep virtually 100% of the income. Hostfully notes that this margin allows hosts to offer discounts, reinvest in property improvements, or simply retain more profit . Many hosts report earning 5–25% more by increasing direct bookings and guests often save 10–15% compared to OTA rates.

Control and branding are other major benefits. On Airbnb, you’re limited to their formats and cancellation rules, but with a website, you decide policies, add custom packages, and shape your brand all helping you build guest loyalty and stronger repeat stays. Research shows about 65% of past guests prefer booking directly, especially when they are familiar with the host and property.

Another pillar of direct bookings is guest relationships and flexibility. You can collect emails, send personalized offers, and grant loyalty discounts. Hosts using tools like GuestyLite often direct guests to book again via their site by offering lower fees or extras. One host noted: “While Airbnb charges the Guest 14% and the Host 3%, I charge a 7% fee to the Guest through the website … the Guest is happy to pay a lower fee than through Airbnb” .

However, direct bookings have drawbacks: you must handle marketing, website maintenance, payments, and compliance yourself and without Airbnb’s protections and vast audience. That’s why a hybrid approach is smart use Airbnb for visibility and direct booking for higher-margin repeat business.

This is where Rent a Kent shines. They set up and link your own direct booking channel, integrate it seamlessly with Airbnb and other OTAs, and manage everything end to end. Their service includes dynamic pricing, channel management, website maintenance, secure payment processing, guest communication, and compliance with tax and safety laws. They guide guests toward direct booking via branded messages and incentives all while keeping your Airbnb listing running strong.

By blending Airbnb and direct-sales strategies, Rent a Kent helps hosts:

• Retain a higher percentage of revenue by reducing OTA fees

• Build a loyal guest base through repeat direct bookings

• Maintain Airbnb’s marketing power and global reach

• Keep full control over pricing, policies, and brand

• Benefit from professional operations without extra work