I have a self contained 3 bedrooms apartment as well and host as shared or as the entire space. I have not gotten around to the welcome note and instructions yet. I thought of using to chalk board to welcome guest but decided not to because sometimes other guest already in the space.
My checklist is similar to that of Jamie's and I do some etras as well.
Because my unit is self contained
I have 2 sets of bed sheets and dovet covers for each rooms so I dont have to wait for bed linens while the towels are washing. I also use 2 drawers in each room for extra linens and towels so guest/s can access. That helps me identify used and unused towels as I have a tendancy of washing everthing that is out in the open. As well, guest can change their bed linen for long stays.
I spray all rooms regardless of odor or not. To get rid of food odor, I bring to boil cinnamon sticks, bayleaf, clove and (ginger optional). It takes care of the odor every time and leaves a natural cinnamon aroma. Perfect for any space, especially fishy or oily space. Very nice for a Chrismas aroma as well.
My 2 children to do the cleaning of the bathrooms, sweeping, mopping and kitchen cleaning. I follow up by checking every thing they did to ensure it is done to my standards. I always check under the bed to ensure they remember to sweep and mop. I am glad I do that everytime. I've learnt guests do yoga in theirs rooms.
Dusting the drawers and night stands, remove trash and make the beds. I open all drawer in the bedrooms and check for any left overs from guest. I found out someone stored rice in the bedroom drawers. had to rewrite my home rules.
Final inspection of the beds, I pass a lint roller to ensure there is unwanted hair or lints on the bed. You would be surprise of what you will find.
Common area
Vacuum rug and sofa with mild scented baking soda
wipe mirror and ensure iron and iron board is in its space for all guest.
Restock bathroom and kitchen.
Apart from the normal coffee and tea. I go the extra mile and spend between $10 to $15 on guests for breakfast/lunch/dinner as a starter for their first day as most of my guests travel international and arrive after 4PM.
I welcome them with a pizza in the oven while showing them around and leave one breakfast meal so that they can sleep in and dont have worry about shopping.
When restocking kitchen, I put all non prisherable open food item (mostly guest bought) in storage containers so it feels and look like home. I line my sugar bottle with small zip lock/sandwich bags to dispose of and refill easily. I clean up the kitchen even if guests already occupying the space so that it looks neat when they enter.
Final walk around to ensure all looks well.
It can be a lot but I do it anyway.
Checked!!!