Balloon visitors can rent some ABQ homes

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Thousands are expected in Albuquerque over the course of the next week for the International Balloon Fiesta, many will be getting hotel rooms while others look for an alternative. 

That's where some Albuquerque residents will be offering their homes for rent to bring comfort for those wanting those amenities that a house can offer.

"People feel like they can move right in and be right at home," says Chery Klairwator, vacation home rental owner. "Everything is set up, the sheets, the towels, the blankets, the kitchen's all set up and if they don't have anything or there's something that they want, we can see if we can figure out what they need."

Klairwator is one of a lot of people in Albuquerque who are renting their homes out for the fiesta. They can cost about the same as some more expensive hotels, about $150 a night, but most offer a lot more.

"There's a huge demand for a more personal service and more unique environments," says Rich Bowditch, vacation rental home owner. "I think that's what we offer instead of a standard hotel room."

The renters also say there's almost no sacrifice too big or request to strange to make people feel at home.

"I just got a call from someone to see if i had cookie sheets because they have little kids and they wanted to come here for two weeks," Klairwator said.

If visitors cannot find any homes to rent through word of mouth or through any other resource, KRQE News 13 found a handful on craigslist.com and v rbo.com