I discovered a hidden camera in our Airbnb bedroom. It was midnight. My husband covered it with a towel, and we went to sleep. At 2 a.m., the door burst open. The Airbnb owner stormed in, furious, screaming, “You idiots, this is a security system, not a toy!”
We sat up in shock, hearts pounding. My husband quickly turned on the bedside lamp, demanding to know why the owner was entering our private room in the middle of the night without warning. The man waved his hands dramatically, insisting the device was “part of the house’s security,” claiming it wasn’t recording anything inside the bedroom. But the lens was pointed directly at our bed — and that explanation didn’t make us feel any safer.
Trying to stay calm, I reminded him that privacy inside bedrooms is legally protected in most places, and hidden surveillance in private areas is not allowed. His tone shifted from aggressive to defensive as he realized we knew our rights. We told him firmly that we’d be leaving first thing in the morning and reporting the incident to both Airbnb and local authorities. My husband documented everything: the camera, its placement, and the unexpected confrontation.
The next day, Airbnb responded swiftly. They relocated us to another place, launched an investigation, and assured us the listing would be suspended until resolved. Though the experience was frightening, it reminded us of the importance of vigilance — even in seemingly safe spaces. We now always do a quick scan of any room we stay in, not out of paranoia, but for peace of mind. Some surprises, after all, are better avoided.