How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Hotel Rooms: 5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Privacy

Travelling is meant to be relaxing, but a growing number of incidents have shown that your privacy can be compromised even in a hotel room. Hidden cameras have been discovered in rentals around the world, putting guests at risk. In recent years, reports of hidden cameras secretly recording guests have surfaced across the world and the results can be devastating. In some cases, victims were filmed while showering or sleeping, and later faced blackmail or online exposure.

One alarming incident in Wisconsin last year revealed hidden cameras inside bathroom power outlets, pointing directly at the shower and toilet. Such stories highlight a scary truth: privacy can be violated even in trusted spaces. But you don’t have to be helpless. A few simple checks can help you stay safe.

Private investigator David Jones shared five practical methods to help travellers detect hidden cameras inside hotel rooms or short-term rentals. These methods are easy, quick, and can be done using just your smartphone.

Why Hidden Cameras Are Becoming a Concern

Hidden cameras have been discovered worldwide not only in hotels but also in short-term rentals. Devices have been found hidden inside smoke detectors, picture frames, phone chargers, wall sockets, alarm clocks, and even air vents. Locations reported include places like Arizona, Morocco, and several other regions.

In response to such cases, Airbnb banned indoor security cameras in 2024, but violations still occur. Experts say these incidents are uncommon, but they urge travellers to stay alert. As David Jones puts it, “There’s no need to panic. Simply inspect the room as you would any unfamiliar space.”

5 Simple Ways to Detect Hidden Cameras

1. Use Your Phone Camera in the Dark

The moment you enter the room:

• Turn off the lights and draw the curtains.
• Open your phone’s camera (front camera works best).

Many hidden cameras use infrared (IR) night vision. IR light is invisible to the naked eye, but it often appears as red or purple dots on your phone screen. To test this, point your camera at a TV remote while pressing a button — you’ll see the IR glow.

Scan areas like:

• Bedroom corners
• Bathroom fixtures
• Smoke detectors
• Picture frames
• Alarm clocks
• Power sockets
• Air vents

2. Use Your Phone’s Flashlight

Turn on your phone flashlight and slowly scan the room. Camera lenses reflect light, creating a blue or purple glare that looks like glass. This method is highly effective and requires no apps.

Hold the phone at eye level and carefully check suspicious objects, especially those facing the bed or bathroom.

3. Check Connected Wi-Fi Devices

Many hidden cameras connect to Wi-Fi. Use apps like Fing to view all devices connected to the network.

If you notice unknown devices labelled:

• “IP Camera”
• “Hidden Device”
• “Unknown”
• Or anything unusual

…it could be a sign of a hidden camera. Remember to check both hotel Wi-Fi and private networks.

4. Conduct a Physical Inspection

Look for objects that seem out of place or unusually positioned. Common hiding spots include:

• Smoke detectors
• Alarm clocks
• Power sockets
• Extension boards
• Picture frames
• Decorative items like teddy bears
• Air vents

If something feels odd, gently touch it, move it, or cover it to see if a lens is hidden inside.

5. Use a Detector Device

If you want extra peace of mind, consider buying an affordable RF detector or lens detector. These devices can detect radio frequencies or lens reflections often emitted by hidden cameras.

Hidden cameras in rentals are rare, but they’re real. A quick inspection using these simple steps can help protect your privacy and give you peace of mind while travelling. The best defence is awareness and a calm, confident check of your surroundings.