I actually don't mind a basement playroom as long as it's nice and open and there is a lot of light. From what you describe, yours sounds fine. I'm not too sure why so many nannies are against it? In my last position, they had the whole left side of their basement as the playroom. That was where 90% of the toys were so we spent a lot of time down there. There was also a walkout so we were able to walk outside when we wanted too. To make it easier for me, the parent's bought a mini fridge that we kept down there fully stocked with juice boxes, milk boxes, yogurt tubes, etc. I also kept a small basket of snacks for the kids (gold fish, fruit snacks, etc.). I also had a whole changing area with diapers, wipes, powder, etc. as well as a couple of changes of clothes in case the baby spit up, had a diaper leak, etc. I also had the babies swing, pack & play and bouncer down there too.

As long as it's bright and open and not freezing down there, I don't see any reason why you can't ask your nanny if she could spend more time down there.

I hate taking the kids downstairs in our basement to play for a number of reasons. 1. There is nothing there that I have to get done during the day like there would be upstairs, near the kitchen or dinning room. I don't play with my kids all day, so I don't just want to sit in the basement and watch my kids. 2. More annoying is that I have to keep running back up and down the stairs to fetch things and 3. there is little light down there so it's depressing to be down there for long periods of time. So, any of those above could be reasons.

It's not uniform though - if that is the issue, it could just be her personal preference. My nanny greatly prefers the basement (it's carpeted - upstairs is not - I think that's part to do w/ it) so they spend most of the time there whereas I like the main level so we play up there much more in the evenings.

OP again- there is a tv and that's where the changing table and supplies are all kept. I think she just prefers to change them on the floor or couch upstairs. I definitely hear the worry about going up and down all day or being somewhere creepy, but our two girls are old enough to walk (or scoot) up and down the stairs. Its also the warmest area of the house in the winter and the coolest in summer so i don't think its a temperature issue. Either way, thanks to all for the feedback and ideas. It seems like there's a strong dislike for the basements as a play area, so maybe it's just that simple?