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While many travelers go to Cancun seeking the simplified vacation experience that an all-inclusive resort provides, many prefer Airbnbs too.
For travelers that do prefer Airbnb, there’s no shortage of them in Cancun, with around 14,000 total units available in Cancun alone, and about 40,000 in the Mexican Caribbean as a whole.
While Airbnbs do offer several benefits, they have not been as well regulated as hotels in the past, but now Cancun Airbnbs will be a little bit safer due to the enforcement of new regulations.
Airbnbs In Cancun
In Cancun, up until recently it was not even considered that Airbnbs should be regulated similarly to hotels.
After much pushback from the hotel industry, though, discussions began regarding the regulation of vacation rentals and it seems the process is now moving forward.
By regulating them, not only would vacation rental owners have to start paying the Environmental Sanitation Tax, which is put back into the community, but they would also have to meet certain safety standards.
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New Regulations Being Imposed
With the new regulations, Airbnb owners are now required to obtain a specific permit to be able to rent out their property.
This addresses both the Sanitation Tax issue and, ultimately, the safety issue because officials can keep track of which Airbnbs are being legally operated.
When registered, everything about the rental unit and the owner will be available to officials.
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How Cancun Officials Are Enforcing The Regulations
Officials now have a system in place to keep track of all of the rentals being offered on Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms.
This makes it easier for them to detect which ones are operating illegally.
For those that are not, they can sanction those owners for not complying with the regulations, although it’s unclear what those sanctions would be.
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What This Means For Tourists
Bottom line…. When Airbnbs are monitored, tourists are safer.
They’re physically safer because owners will have to install certain safety features to comply with regulations, like smoke alarms, for example.
Tourists are also safer from being defrauded because the owners are registered and authorities know who they are.
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Benefits Of Booking An Airbnb Vs. A Hotel
There are some benefits to booking an Airbnb over a hotel, especially for those traveling in groups.
There’s more space to spread out.
The cost will likely be lower because it’s split between multiple guests, and food can be prepared in-house, which will also lower overall costs.
Additionally, guests can also feel more at home in an Airbnb.
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Airbnb Safety Tips For Tourists Visiting Cancun
When staying in an Airbnb there are a couple of things to consider in regards to safety.
One is that you really need to research the location so that you don’t get stuck in a bad area.
This isn’t such an issue with Cancun hotels because most are in tourist areas, like the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Another thing to consider is that it’s easier to be defrauded by someone who says they own an Airbnb but don’t, which is why it is so important to read reviews and look at host ratings.
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Why An All-Inclusive Might Be A Better Choice For Your Cancun Vacation
In addition to the safety element, there is another great reason to choose an all-inclusive over an Airbnb.
All-inclusives provide a hassle-free vacation where you book it and you don’t have to think about anything else.
Your food and beverages are included, entertainment is provided, and you don’t ever have to leave the property if you don’t want to, and what could be safer, and more relaxing, than that?
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