ALOHA~ I know its included in rates, however its a great sales gimmick, and it stands out to people looking to book. I'm in Hawaii, and I have looked.. for example Mahina Surf condo 119, (the complex is 3 doors down from us) the cost in AIRBNB on this particular one is $1067 for 4 nights; in Mahina Surf website, $950 (but you have to know to go there) on VRBO $1,041.00 - but the glaring adds are very enticing to guests. AIRBNB continues to solicit me for lowering my rates, my rates include State of HI taxes, which others do not.. AIRBNB can't seem to figure out how to get a tax category in their website, which would put us all more on a more level playing ground.. legitimate businesses here, send an additional email after someone books to collect the State of HI taxes which are 14.42% so in the ads without the taxes, the rates look less expensive until the guests gets bill..(then its too late, they can't get out of it, AIRBNB won't refund their fee.. and its really hard to find the page in the ad that explains they'll get an additional bill for taxes after they book or on check in) other entities collect on check in if they have a front office.. and sure there are some people that just don't report and pay taxes, a friend of mine received a bill for taxes on the wrong amount.. I don't think that person actually remits them to the State of Hawaii or they'd know the correct amount to bill.. IF AIRBNB would put a tax category in their website, I think they would not come under as much fire as they have here or anywhere.. but they just can't seem to do it. and yes I've looked up RED AWNING.. thats who hosts the NO FEE bookings.
