This Airbnb Is 180 Feet Underground — Here’s Why It Works (And How It Could 2× Revenue)

On paper, this Roswell, New Mexico Airbnb shouldn’t work.

It’s buried nearly 180 feet underground.

There’s zero natural light.

And it was never designed for living—only for launching a 4-megaton nuclear missile at the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

And yet today, it’s one of the most talked-about short-term rentals in the country—ranked in Airbnb’s top 5% of homes with a 4.99 rating.

So how did an abandoned missile silo turn into a hyper-profitable, bucket-list Airbnb?

Let’s break down the story, the performance, what’s working… and where this listing is still leaving serious money on the table.

The Story of Roswell's Missile Base Bunker Airbnb

Between 1960 and 1962, the U.S. government built 12 Atlas F missile silos outside Roswell, New Mexico. Each one cost taxpayers the modern equivalent of $232 million and was staffed 24/7, ready for nuclear war.

Just a few years later, the program became obsolete.

By the mid-1960s, the silos were decommissioned, stripped of classified equipment, and sold off as surplus.

Decades later, local resident Gary Baker, who grew up exploring these abandoned sites as a kid, saw something others didn’t.

Where most people saw rusted steel, flooded tunnels, and junk metal, Gary saw history, nostalgia, and an unforgettable story waiting to be preserved.

In 1999, he purchased two silos for roughly $55,000 each.

Years of work followed: draining groundwater, sealing leaks, installing ventilation, hauling debris, and carefully restoring original artifacts—manuals, mission logs, photographs, signage, and Cold War memorabilia.

One silo became his home.

The other became something no one expected: an Airbnb.

Property Overview: Sleeping Inside a Nuclear Missile Bunker

This is the definition of an experience-driven stay.

Guests descend six stories underground into a former Launch Control Center, once used by Air Force crews waiting for orders that could have ended civilization.

Today, that same space includes:

• A ~1,250 sq ft private underground apartment

• Authentic Cold War artifacts, manuals, photos, and displays

• A modern bathroom and living suite built into the original structure

• A utility tunnel leading toward the missile silo nearly 180 feet deep

• Underground Wi-Fi and cellular service

• A full kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks

Every stay also includes a nearly 3-hour guided tour, walking guests through the history, engineering, operation, and dismantlement of the site.

It’s part museum.

Part time capsule.

Part Airbnb.

And guests love it.

Performance & Results

Based on calendar data and conservative estimates:

• Purchase price: ~$55,000

• Renovation & setup: ~$100,000

• Average nightly rate: ~$545

• Estimated occupancy: ~55%

• Annual gross revenue: ~$107,000

• Estimated annual expenses: ~$20,000

• Cash-on-cash return: ~56%

Even more impressive?

Comparable missile silos today sell for $500,000+, with some reaching seven figures if usable—making this both a strong cash-flow play and a powerful long-term asset.

That’s what happens when you combine:

• Low entry cost

• Extreme scarcity

• A story no one can replicate

Why This Airbnb Is Winning

This property breaks almost every traditional STR “rule.”

And yet—it's crushing it.  Here’s why.

1. The Story Is the Product

Guests aren’t booking amenities or square footage.

They’re booking a narrative.

Cold War fear becomes nostalgia.

Military infrastructure becomes immersion.

A bunker becomes a living museum.

People leave with photos, videos, and stories they can’t get anywhere else.

2. Creative Market Selection

Roswell, New Mexico, isn’t saturated—but it is famous.

Between UFO lore, Americana tourism, and year-round curiosity traffic, the area quietly attracts a steady stream of visitors. It’s affordable, overlooked, and perfectly aligned with a property that thrives on curiosity and cult appeal. It's a bit like an Airbnb sleeper market.

This is why you shouldn't give up just because you can’t afford “hot” markets—and rather find profitable Airbnb markets where creativity beats capital.

3. Strong Guest Communication & Hosting

Reviews consistently highlight how well guests are guided, informed, and hosted.

For a property this unusual, communication matters most—and that’s something this host clearly understands.

Where They’re Leaving Money on the Table (And What Hosts Can Learn)

This is where the lesson really begins.

According to Kai’s analysis, this Airbnb could likely double its revenue with a few focused changes—without losing its soul and the reason guests love it.

Lesson #1: Story Draws Attention. Design Drives Bookings.

Right now, the interior sits in an awkward middle ground betweena museum and a short-term rental.

Some areas feel cluttered with artifacts. Others feel sparse or unfinished.

Here's the opportunity:

• Make comfort and subtle luxury a priority with good furniture pieces and decor
• Curate the artifacts instead of trying to display everything
• Let design support the experience and the story instead of trading one for the other.

Guests come for the story—but they stay (and pay more) for comfort and design.

Lesson #2: Photography Is a Silent Revenue Killer

The current listing photos don’t do the property justice.

Issues include:

• Poor lighting
• Weak composition
• And weak hero photo selection

For a listing that is this visual, photography should sell it extremely well.

Invest in professional photography with the right lighting, design, and staging. Zoom in on some of the details so guests can connect with the story before they even book.

Professional shots are one of the fastest, highest-ROI upgrades available. Use the Funkit Interiors STR Design staging guide and photography cheat sheet to get photos that stop the scroll every time.

Lesson #3: Outdoor Space Is Untapped Gold

Resort-level amenities are the key to winning the Airbnb race in 2026 and beyond. But in this remote secluded desert Airbnb, there’s almost nothing to enjoy above ground.

That desert landscape is an asset. The potential is massive:

• Fire pits
• Stargazing decks
• UFO-themed viewing areas
• Floating platforms
• Night-sky experiences
• Outdoor games

Bring in the right experience-driven amenities, and you're not a pit stop; you are the destination.

Lesson #4: Sleeping on Social Media and Building a Brand

This story and space are begging for TikTok, Instagram, and a direct-booking site. Social media is the perfect platform to share artifacts, history snippets, and guest moments. Use that exposure to drive loyal fans to book direct, unlocking higher margins and brand equity. But start with design and make your STR more Instagrammable first.

With a consistent social media strategy, this could become one of the most loved Airbnbs on the internet.

Lesson #5: Quirky Is Not an Excuse to Skip Comfort

Unique does not mean uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Even the wildest stays need:

• Thoughtful layout
• Clean visual flow
• Comfortable seating and beds
• Intentional lighting

You can honor history and a unique theme and still level up design and comfort. You want to have a wild card or a wow factor in your Airbnb, but it's never an excuse to drop the fundamentals of hospitality: beauty, comfort, and convenience.

The Big Takeaway for Hosts

This missile silo Airbnb nails the narrative.

But strong design, presentation, and memorable experiences turn attention into consistent revenue and a loyal fanbase.

Our verdict: This Missile Bunker Airbnb still has loads more untapped potential.

Check out Gary's wild underground Airbnb here.

Want Help Building a Truly Unique (and Profitable) Stay?

At Host Camp, we help hosts:

• Find overlooked properties

• Build experience-driven stays

• Avoid costly mistakes

• Scale intentionally and profitably

If you want help turning your idea into a destination guests can’t stop talking about, book a free strategy call with our coaching team.

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