That may be true [1], but for a hotel operator the risk is really high and the reward really low: if someone finds a camera in your hotel room you risk losing y

That may be true [1], but for a hotel operator the risk is really high and the reward really low: if someone finds a camera in your hotel room you risk losing your license, your investment (hotels aren't cheap), and you risk the city wanting to make an example out of you. You also need the rest of the hotel personnel not to notice. It's really not worth it. An unlicensed operator running an operation alone from their literal living room doesn't have as much to lose. They might also not think ahead as much, since there is a lot less friction from idea to your first guest. [1] I don't have stats in hidden cameras in hotels, though, but I would bet that hidden cameras are possible but not likely. At least for "decent" ones.