I think the basement room is a great value for someone valuing privacy and with a sense of adventure - more ideal for someone who is short. First of all Jarred is a really nice guy and I enjoyed all my interactions with him. As Jarred stated, the ceiling in the main area is 6 feet. I'm 5'10 and 3/4 inches and didn't have any issues there, although I had to duck when entering through the main entrance and entering the bathroom, and going to an area where there was a fridge available. Getting into the basement takes some getting used to - you descend descend down some steep stairs and go through an ante chamber once you open the metal door. The bed/futon creaks a bit when you move. I didn't sit at the desk because I though I would forget about the pipes and stand up, hitting my head. The neighborhood has a latino flair and is vibrant. This room is a great value for the right person.