A former hotel employee has revealed the seven steps she uses to check hotel rooms for hidden cameras before settling in.
Most travelers know to inspect a room for obvious issues like cleanliness or signs of bed bugs. But travel creator Megan Gougeon says it is also worth taking a few moments to look for anything that seems out of place or potentially used for surveillance.
Hidden cameras are also a concern in vacation rentals and short-term stays, where policies vary by platform and local laws. Major booking services such as Airbnb and Vrbo say indoor surveillance devices are not allowed in guest spaces, and hidden or disguised cameras are prohibited, but travelers are still encouraged to read listing rules carefully and report anything suspicious immediately.
Gougeon, who shares travel advice on her YouTube channel Portable Professional, said hidden cameras are not something guests should obsess over, but they are a legitimate concern and one she believes should not be ignored.
“I have never personally found a confirmed hidden camera, but I have heard directly from travelers who say they have, and there have been enough reported cases to know that it is a real issue.
“I also suspect there are more cases than we know about because many cameras may never be discovered or reported. The rise of vacation rentals adds another concern because you may be staying in a privately managed property without the same staffing, security procedures, or oversight you would expect from a major hotel.”
Even so, she stressed that guests should not assume every device in a room is suspicious. Instead, she recommends carrying out a handful of quick checks to help rule out obvious warning signs and feel more comfortable during a stay.
She also cautioned against relying too heavily on viral online “hacks” that claim to instantly detect hidden cameras. Security experts generally note that no single phone trick, app, or flashlight test can guarantee a room is camera-free, so the best approach is usually a simple visual sweep of the space, especially around items that already have a power source, lens, or unusual placement.
“Using a flashlight may help reveal an unusual reflection, but no simple phone trick can guarantee that a room is camera-free. I think that distinction is important because social media sometimes makes these checks look far more foolproof than they really are.”
If something in the room does seem suspicious, Gougeon says guests should avoid interfering with it themselves. Rather than touching, unplugging, or taking an item apart, she advises documenting what they have seen first.
Taking a quick photo can help preserve evidence, after which the concern should be reported as soon as possible.
“If I had reason to believe the hotel or property owner might be involved, I would contact the booking platform or local authorities rather than relying only on the front desk.
“The goal is not to become paranoid. It is to spend a few minutes paying attention so you can stop worrying and enjoy the rest of your stay.”
On her channel, Gougeon regularly shares travel-focused advice, including updates on carry-on restrictions and tips for choosing the best seat on a plane.