13 Coolest Basements to Rent on Airbnb

Some of the basements we've seen on Airbnb make us green with envy. We've seen everything from luxury basements to funky basements. 

In this collection of the coolest basements, our top picks use creative designs and excellent use of space to transform an often-ignored part of the house into something remarkable. Which of these 13 Airbnb basements is your favorite?

1. Southern Charm Basement in South Carolina

Attribution: Greenville's Chic Adventure Shack - Airbnb

In Greenville, SC, this ground-level suite is bright, airy, and fresh. The recessed ceiling lights keep the space well-lit. There are heated floor tiles in the bathroom, and the basement door leads to an outdoor kitchen for grilling and alfresco dining.

2. Trendy Basement Suite in Washington, D.C.

Attribution: Trendy Petworth Abode Close to Metro & Restaurants - Airbnb

This stylish two-bedroom rental is in the basement of a D.C. rowhouse. The main area has an open flow between the kitchen and living room. The apartment makes good use of space by using convertible furniture. The sofa folds out into an extra bed. In the second bedroom, the bed can convert from a twin to a queen, and there's room for a Pack n Play baby bed. 

3. Basement Lounge Near Central Park

Attribution: Hyper Chic, Bi-Level Apartment + Garden - Airbnb 

The basement apartment in this Manhattan brownstone uses bright colors and fun accents to create a playful and design-forward space. With an indoor hammock and a bean bag chair, it's the perfect basement lounge.

4. Wine Cellar Basement Apartment in Philadelphia

Attribution: Studio in Wine Cellar on historic Elfreths Alley - Airbnb [Different featured image]

In Philadelphia, an Airbnb host is renting out a part of history. The studio apartment is in a building that was built more than 200 years ago by a French winemaker. He used the basement to store his wine, and now you can sleep in the cozy wine cellar when you visit.

5. Chic Scottish Basement Rental

Attribution: Chic and Sophisticated Apartment in the West End, Edinburgh - Airbnb

This basement apartment uses an interesting wall design to add sophistication to the space. Instead of filling up the rental with more furniture or decorative objects, the patterned wall provides style while maintaining spaciousness. 

6. Vibrant Loft-Style Basement Apartment in Colorado

Attribution: *Charming artist's studio suite* - Airbnb

The electric colors add excitement to this basement rental in Denver. In a style similar to an artist's loft, the floor is left raw and the ceiling is exposed. The space comes together through a combination of decorative throw rugs and wooden ceiling beams.

7. Basement Home Movie Theater in Florida

Attribution: Windsor Hills - Mickey's Movie Manor Near Disney - Airbnb 

An Airbnb rental near Orlando has an at-home movie theatre in the house's basement. With plush red recliners, travelers can watch their favorite films on the big screen.

8. Industrial Walkout Basement in Austin

Attribution: Private walkout basement. Short walk to Arboretum. - Airbnb

This updated studio apartment has a second full-size bed in the loft area. Even though the staircase is a focal point of the space, guest access is only through the outside doors, adding privacy for guests.  

9. Basement Rental in a 17th Century Canal House

Attribution: Classy Basement 17th Century Canalhouse - Airbnb [Different featured image]

This basement apartment is so stylish that the owner also rents it for photoshoots. Glass room dividers maximize access to daylight, and vibrancy is created through a selection of plants that thrive in low light.

10. Garden-Level Basement Apartment Near the French Quarter

Attribution: Roman Gardens Suite- Uptown Basement Apartment - Airbnb

This restful basement apartment is close to the fun activities of New Orleans. The host does caution that although the ceiling height is 7'4", there are a few ceiling ducts that people over 6'2" would have to duck. Based on the reviews, no one seems to mind. 

11. Retro Basement in Nebraska

Attribution: Retro Mid-Century Modern Apartment in Midtown - Airbnb 

This retro basement combines mid-century modern furniture, exposed brick and bold colors. There's a private entrance leading to the open-concept living and kitchen areas. A separate bedroom area has a queen-sized bed. 

12. Basement Fitness Center in Oregon

Attribution: Basement Studio Skateboarding Paradise St Johns - Airbnb 

The outdoor skateboard ramp may catch the attention of some renters, but this vacation rental also has a surprise in the basement. The at-home gym includes options for yoga, weightlifting, suspension training, and more. 

13. Basement Game Room in Utah

Attribution: Bountiful Retreat in Salt Lake for Entertaining - Airbnb

The basement is the highlight of this Airbnb house rental. The game room has foosball, air hockey, darts, and a big display for video games. Added touches include glow-in-the-dark carpet designs and the Super Mario Brothers on the walls. 

Is Your Basement Airbnb-Worthy? 

Finishing your basement can increase your home's market value by adding usable square footage to your home. Many basements are flexible spaces that can be used in a variety of ways: 

• Media room
• In-law suite
• Rental unit for extra income
• Basement home office
• Man cave
• At-home classroom

Transforming your basement into a comfortable living space starts with basement waterproofing. Waterproofing systems including interior drainage, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers provide strong protection against dampness, moisture, and pests. Not only will this improve the air quality and conditions within your basement, but the impact will extend throughout your home as clean air rises from the basement. 

Installing basement waterproofing should be done before installing surfaces like drywall or a floating wood floor. This prep work can protect your renovations against potential weather damage of a hurricane or spring floods. 

Where should you begin? Get a free inspection from your local basement waterproofing and foundation repair experts.