Hidden cameras in your hotel stay: Detective's guide to staying safe
How to search for hidden cameras in a room (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
Stories of hidden cameras in hotels and rental properties are becoming increasingly common, each one instantly undermining trust in travel. Experts recommend checking your room immediately after checking in — it only takes a few minutes and can relieve unnecessary anxiety.
British private detective Jack Charman, head of National Private Investigators, which specializes in detecting hidden devices, told The Independent how ordinary travelers can inspect their rooms without specialized equipment.
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What you need to look for
What used to be spy equipment is now openly available. Mini cameras, trackers, and bugs can be purchased cheaply, making them tools for invading privacy.
Before starting the inspection, it’s important to know what hidden cameras look like. Most devices are commercially available products that anyone can buy.
They are often disguised as everyday items: alarm clocks, smoke detectors, chargers, desk lamps. If an object in the room seems unusual or unnecessary, examine it carefully. Pay special attention to slots for memory cards or SIM cards — these should not exist in normal items.
Use your phone flashlight
A simple smartphone flashlight can be an effective tool. Shining it in a dark room can reveal the characteristic reflection of a camera lens.
Also, look closely at tiny pinhole openings on objects where they seem out of place — these are often used for recording.
Charman warns against cheap radio frequency (RF) detectors. Radio signals are everywhere — from Wi-Fi to smartwatches — and these devices often react to harmless signals, providing false alarms.
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Focus on logical locations, not everywhere
Don’t waste time searching randomly. Cameras are not placed where there’s no point in filming.
Most likely spots are areas with a full view of the room: opposite the bed, near the TV, on shelves, closets, or other elevated surfaces. In the bathroom, check items facing the shower or mirror.
Charman notes that small details can be decisive; objects slightly off-center, oddly positioned, or looking in a certain direction can indicate hidden cameras.
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Another simple step is to open your smartphone settings and look at available Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections nearby. Names like IP-camera, camera, or other suspicious devices can be a signal for further inspection.
This method doesn’t guarantee results, but it can help spot things that are easy to miss.
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What to do if you find something
If your suspicion is confirmed, the detective recommends first recording the device on video without touching it.
Then, report it to the police and the service or company you booked through. If authorities cannot respond quickly, consider contacting private professionals who can assess the situation professionally.
Charman emphasizes the key is not to panic, but not to ignore warning signs. A few simple checks at the start of your trip can protect your privacy and peace of mind.
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