Host Preparation Guide

A memorable stay begins long before guests walk through the door. The homes that earn the warmest reviews are the ones that feel cared for, with fresh linens, a stocked kitchen, and small thoughtful touches that signal a host who pays attention. With the Sundance Film Festival coming to Boulder in January 2027, demand for that ten day window will be intense, and the hosts who prepare carefully will be the ones earning repeat guests and standout reviews.

Turnover Checklist A simple, repeatable checklist keeps your standard consistent from one booking to the next, especially when stays come back to back during a busy week.

• Strip and launder all linens and towels, and have a spare set ready so the next turnover is never delayed.
• Clean thoroughly, including kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, floors, and the spots guests notice most like the shower and the coffee station.
• Reset every room to a neutral, photo ready state, with remotes, chargers, and instructions where guests expect them.
• Check that heating, hot water, lighting, and the internet are all working before anyone arrives.
• Do a final walk through with fresh eyes, as if you were the guest stepping in for the first time.

Linens and Stocking Quality linens and a thoughtfully stocked home do more for reviews than almost anything else. Provide crisp, well laundered bedding and plenty of towels. Stock the kitchen with the basics guests reach for first, such as coffee, tea, oil, salt and pepper, and dish and dishwasher soap. Keep paper goods, trash bags, and hand soap topped up. For festival week, a few welcoming extras like local snacks, bottled water, and a note about the closest coffee shop go a long way.

Winter Preparation January in Boulder means cold nights and snow, so prepare the home for the season. Service the heating system before the season starts and confirm it holds a comfortable temperature. Arrange reliable snow removal so driveways, walkways, and steps stay clear and safe. Set out a doormat, an entry rug, and a spot for wet boots and coats. Make sure exterior lighting works for early sunsets, and leave clear guidance on the thermostat and any fireplace.

Welcome Guide Essentials Clear communication is its own kind of hospitality. A concise welcome guide answers the most common questions before they are asked, and guests relax faster when they know exactly how things work. Include the internet name and password, parking details, quiet hours, checkout steps, and how to reach you. Add a short list of favorite local spots, a few good restaurants, the nearest grocery, and a coffee shop or two, so guests feel oriented from the first hour.

Service Partners and Festival Pricing You do not have to do everything yourself. A trusted cleaning team handles turnovers, a home preparation service can stock and stage the space, and a dependable maintenance contact means a small issue never becomes a ruined trip. For festival week specifically, demand and nightly rates run well above a normal Boulder week, so price with that in mind, set your calendar and minimum stay early, and confirm your service partners are booked before the rush.

Licensing and Compliance Before you advertise, make sure your home is licensed. The City of Boulder requires short term rentals to carry a rental license, and advertisements must display the license number along with the maximum occupancy. For stays tied to a major event, the city may require a specific Festival Lodging Rental License, so confirm your permitting covers your dates well ahead of time. Staying compliant protects your guests, your property, and your ability to keep hosting.