524. Hosting Hotline: How to Align With the Right Guests Without “Screening”

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Alexandra asks a common question: “How do you screen guests?”

Sarah and Annette break down why the word “screening” doesn’t belong in hospitality—and how hosts can shift their approach to something far more effective: guest alignment.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why your language matters more than you think
• How to approach bookings from a hospitality-first mindset
• What Airbnb’s trust and verification system actually protects
• Why Instant Book can help—not hurt—your business
• What red flags are worth reviewing (and which aren’t)
• The key question to ask every guest to confirm fit
• How to communicate expectations without sounding accusatory
• Why consistency matters more than creating the “perfect” process

Whether you’re new to hosting or refining your systems, this episode will help you evaluate bookings with confidence—without slipping into fear-based hosting.

Resources mentioned:

Truvi (identity verification for direct bookings)

Priced & Profitable Bootcamp

Mentioned in this episode:

Join us for our live Get More Bookings Bootcamp.