7 ms·

We Found a Hidden Camera in the Bathroom of Our Airbnb

68 points by danso 1y ago

danso 1y ago
Non-paywall: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-camera-bathroom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sk8.0ag2.iCrTYl42NBNZ&smid=url-share https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-came...
leakycap 1y ago
I lived across the street from a popular Airbnb - it completely destroyed the neighborhood But hearing that Airbnb allowed a home to stay on the platform after this report is shocking
- lelandfe 1y ago
  My childhood street has seen now five homes get sold to people/companies whom my parents have never met. Four are now full time Airbnbs. One became a “content house,” where TikTok stars come to film videos for a few days. It really sucks.
gnabgib 1y ago
2024: Airbnb's Hidden Camera Problem (28 points, 9 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40915564 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40915564 2024: Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras (341 points, 505 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167 2019: Airbnb Has a Hidden-Camera Problem (77 points, 56 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300 2019: Airbnb and security camera disclosure (680 points, 393 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832
- 1oooqooq 1y ago
  guess there's a market selling hidden cameras to air bnb hosts
  - kbos87 1y ago
    There's a market in selling fear to people around products & services that aren't favored by a certain faction of NYT's readers.
    - tonyedgecombe 1y ago
      Whereas you are completely unbiased in your opinions on this subject.
      - kbos87 1y ago
        Of course, everyone comes from their own particular point of view and/or bias. I'm a host. The POV I see this from is that of someone who pays close attention to the market and the changing perception of short term rentals. I've read far enough beyond the headlines to know that these accusations are very often not what they seem, and that this narrative is being blown way out of proportion considering how infrequently it actually happens. The POV a sub-segment of NYT readers see this from is one of being righteous about short-term rentals (in theory at least.) The POV of writers and editors at NYT is to respond to their readers' preferences.
sigwinch 1y ago
Earlier today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45543146 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45543146
neya 1y ago
It's insane to me as to why people still choose to use AirBnB in 2025. This is not the first such report and this certainly won't be the last. AirBnB is not a government authority - they can AT BEST get the landlord off of the platform AFTER the fact. And most of the times, they don't do that as well as it affects their bottom line. AirBnB is simply a middleman, no better than a real estate agent in a third world that gets all of the benefits of being a broker without the accountability. I would rather sit infront of a reception talking to a real person than frantically be in the middle of the road trying to call non-existent support hotlines or email them hoping I get a reply AFTER I've blown my accommodation budget on the provider. Fuck AirBnb. Book. A. Hotel.
- aianus 1y ago
  No.
- tdeck 1y ago
  Many people use Airbnb because it's cheaper and/or more conveniently located. Unfortunately it's not impossible to have shitty experiences with a hotel either, whether it's hidden cameras or overbooking your room. However, Airbnb is becoming more expensive in a lot of places so it may work itself out.
  - baubino 1y ago
    I guess it depends on where you’re going but AirBnB surpassed hotel rates for my travels (mostly to major cities) back around 2017 or 2018. I haven’t used it since.
    - tdeck 1y ago
      It really depends on the location and how many people you are travelling with.
- JumpCrisscross 1y ago
  Multi-room hotel suites are scarce and extremely expensive. If you’re traveling with a group, Airbnb is the best-stocked option.
tiku 1y ago
I've had a full refund because of a non-hidden camera at AirBnB, including a call if I felt unsafe etc. The home was equipped with some security cam that overviewed the hallway to the bathroom and the entire living room. I covered the cameras with a basket so there was still audio possible.. I figured if the Airbnb owner would complain I had proof that they watched. After a month back at home I got a message that I got a full refund (didn't ask for it, just wanted to make them change the listing).
opengrass 1y ago
Unlock Luxury Airbnb Stays for Just $20 with This Secret Hack!
- sigwinch 1y ago
  Host has submitted video of you planting a camera.
ryandrake 1y ago
It's so surprising that a platform that grew on its ability to dodge and outrun regulation is full of shady suppliers. Who would have thought?
andy99 1y ago
“Based on the information provided,” she wrote, “we were not able to conclude that there was a violation of our policy.” This seems to be a favourite of these companies. While orders of magnitude less bad, I’ve reported several deepfake crypto scams on LinkedIn where there is an ad for a politician deepfaked into announcing some investment scam, on a website made up to look like a popular news outlet. There’s no question it’s a scam, but minutes after reporting you get back a “we didn’t find any violation of our policy” reply. I suspect that “Liviana” is an AI bot and know for a fact that airbnb couldn’t care less about this. A proper justice system would bankrupt them over this. Although to be fair, why does anyone think letting a random stranger rent you a room is a good idea. I bet people also think the sheets and towels get washed between stays.
- perching_aix 1y ago
  If I may be so bold, inconsistent and/or nonexistent enforcement of service policies and terms should be illegal, along with defining terms and policies the service provider knows or should reasonably suspect they cannot appropriately enforce. I'm thoroughly sick of the template claims and replies with posturings about how much they care, only for these companies to magically never find any issues in slamdunk situations. It's practically industry status quo at this point, like a shadow justice system of the worst kind.
  - dangsecondalt 1y ago
    [dead]
IlikeKitties 1y ago
Why do people go through AirBnB in such situations? I mean that seems like a situation where law enforcement should be involved instead of a company.
- jgsser 1y ago
  [flagged]
  - tdeck 1y ago
    In the article, they did call the police: > We called the police, who took the camera as evidence and encouraged us to leave the property immediately. We also contacted Airbnb and were put in touch with Liviana, a member of the company’s safety team... Filing a police report might be helpful, but I agree this is likely to be frustrating in many places. A friend once called the cops because a neighbor was having a psychotic break and trying to break into her apartment. This went on for hours - luckily the door was sturdy. The cops never showed up. The next morning they called her to ask if she was still OK.
    - IlikeKitties 1y ago
      Speaking about Germany here, I have a friend who had a neighbour in a similar situation and two cops showed up and convinced her to come with them into a psychiatric hospital. My friend was very happy with the results. In america i'd tell the cops i have a gun loaded and am ready and willing to fire if the neighbour breaks through the wall. Cops tend to show up then
      - p1esk 1y ago
        Would you actually have a gun loaded and willing to fire? Or would you lie to the cops?
        IlikeKitties 1y ago
        Sadly, i don't get to have a gun in Germany. In the us, depending on the state, absolutely.
aworks 1y ago
I think Airbnb is very host-specific. I was in an AirBnB two nights ago in Wisconsin. It was the second floor of a house with the hosts on the second floor. The shower was in an old claw-foot bathtub. Unfortunately, after I got in, the shower rod fell out of the roof and hit me in the head. Then the rest of the shower mechanism collapsed, spewing water onto the floor. My first reaction was to figure out how to justify what happened. The host came out to see what happened. She was apologetic and wanted to sincerely make amends. First she offered $50 back. Then as I was leaving, she gave me her entire fee. I've been on the road for awhile and she was the most conscientious service persn I've interacted. Tonight, I'm in a lesser known brand extended stay suites chain. It took 10 minutes for the clerk to make it to the lobby for my check-in. She gave her reason but it was focused on excusing herself rather than making my experience better. Then for the first time ever, I couldn't get the wifi password right, given what she had written. I want back to ask her and she didn't know and had to experiment. Meh. In general, corporate AirBnb probably sucks. If the host also sucks, good luck. And a high ceiling but also low floor vs. mediocre hotel chains. Still, I'm staying at the same chain tomorrow night. Airbnb was too expensive...
thedougd 1y ago
It’s even scarier when you realize that if the host doesn’t frequently rotate the wifi password, or use a hotel login, any guest could plant a hidden camera or other device with a persistent connection.
kbos87 1y ago
As an Airbnb host I can just as quickly tell you stories of exploitative guests who are chronic abusers of the system, attempting to get refunds by threatening narratives like this that they know have the potential to get sympathy and traction with Airbnb or on social media. In almost all of these cases it ends up being one persons' word vs. another. An accusation is far from proof, but hosts most often stand to lose.
- Pulcinella 1y ago
  How many cameras do your lodgings have?
- cwillu 1y ago
  If only there was an existing regulatory framework that has established protections and rights for customers and providers in this space.
thomassmith65 1y ago
If they wanted revenge on the spying host, they could have staged a pretend murder in the bathroom, in the camera's field of view. I'd be tempted.
- aspenmayer 1y ago
  This could be a modern day Agatha Christie plotline, or a convoluted alibi from a Law & Order episode. I've attended murder mystery dinner parties, and this is an amazing idea for how to involve those who cannot attend in person. Thanks for the food for thought.
foogazi 1y ago
I don’t even look anymore and just assume I’m being watched

68 points by danso 1y ago

Non-paywall: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-camera-bathroom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sk8.0ag2.iCrTYl42NBNZ&smid=url-share https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-came...

leakycap 1y ago

I lived across the street from a popular Airbnb - it completely destroyed the neighborhood But hearing that Airbnb allowed a home to stay on the platform after this report is shocking

lelandfe 1y ago
My childhood street has seen now five homes get sold to people/companies whom my parents have never met. Four are now full time Airbnbs. One became a “content house,” where TikTok stars come to film videos for a few days. It really sucks.

gnabgib 1y ago

2024: Airbnb's Hidden Camera Problem (28 points, 9 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40915564 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40915564 2024: Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras (341 points, 505 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167 2019: Airbnb Has a Hidden-Camera Problem (77 points, 56 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300 2019: Airbnb and security camera disclosure (680 points, 393 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832

1oooqooq 1y ago
guess there's a market selling hidden cameras to air bnb hosts
- kbos87 1y ago
  There's a market in selling fear to people around products & services that aren't favored by a certain faction of NYT's readers.
  - tonyedgecombe 1y ago
    Whereas you are completely unbiased in your opinions on this subject.
    - kbos87 1y ago
      Of course, everyone comes from their own particular point of view and/or bias. I'm a host. The POV I see this from is that of someone who pays close attention to the market and the changing perception of short term rentals. I've read far enough beyond the headlines to know that these accusations are very often not what they seem, and that this narrative is being blown way out of proportion considering how infrequently it actually happens. The POV a sub-segment of NYT readers see this from is one of being righteous about short-term rentals (in theory at least.) The POV of writers and editors at NYT is to respond to their readers' preferences.

sigwinch 1y ago

Earlier today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45543146 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45543146

neya 1y ago

It's insane to me as to why people still choose to use AirBnB in 2025. This is not the first such report and this certainly won't be the last. AirBnB is not a government authority - they can AT BEST get the landlord off of the platform AFTER the fact. And most of the times, they don't do that as well as it affects their bottom line. AirBnB is simply a middleman, no better than a real estate agent in a third world that gets all of the benefits of being a broker without the accountability. I would rather sit infront of a reception talking to a real person than frantically be in the middle of the road trying to call non-existent support hotlines or email them hoping I get a reply AFTER I've blown my accommodation budget on the provider. Fuck AirBnb. Book. A. Hotel.

aianus 1y ago
No.
tdeck 1y ago
Many people use Airbnb because it's cheaper and/or more conveniently located. Unfortunately it's not impossible to have shitty experiences with a hotel either, whether it's hidden cameras or overbooking your room. However, Airbnb is becoming more expensive in a lot of places so it may work itself out.
- baubino 1y ago
  I guess it depends on where you’re going but AirBnB surpassed hotel rates for my travels (mostly to major cities) back around 2017 or 2018. I haven’t used it since.
  - tdeck 1y ago
    It really depends on the location and how many people you are travelling with.
JumpCrisscross 1y ago
Multi-room hotel suites are scarce and extremely expensive. If you’re traveling with a group, Airbnb is the best-stocked option.

tiku 1y ago

I've had a full refund because of a non-hidden camera at AirBnB, including a call if I felt unsafe etc. The home was equipped with some security cam that overviewed the hallway to the bathroom and the entire living room. I covered the cameras with a basket so there was still audio possible.. I figured if the Airbnb owner would complain I had proof that they watched. After a month back at home I got a message that I got a full refund (didn't ask for it, just wanted to make them change the listing).

opengrass 1y ago

Unlock Luxury Airbnb Stays for Just $20 with This Secret Hack!

sigwinch 1y ago
Host has submitted video of you planting a camera.

ryandrake 1y ago

It's so surprising that a platform that grew on its ability to dodge and outrun regulation is full of shady suppliers. Who would have thought?

andy99 1y ago

“Based on the information provided,” she wrote, “we were not able to conclude that there was a violation of our policy.” This seems to be a favourite of these companies. While orders of magnitude less bad, I’ve reported several deepfake crypto scams on LinkedIn where there is an ad for a politician deepfaked into announcing some investment scam, on a website made up to look like a popular news outlet. There’s no question it’s a scam, but minutes after reporting you get back a “we didn’t find any violation of our policy” reply. I suspect that “Liviana” is an AI bot and know for a fact that airbnb couldn’t care less about this. A proper justice system would bankrupt them over this. Although to be fair, why does anyone think letting a random stranger rent you a room is a good idea. I bet people also think the sheets and towels get washed between stays.

perching_aix 1y ago
If I may be so bold, inconsistent and/or nonexistent enforcement of service policies and terms should be illegal, along with defining terms and policies the service provider knows or should reasonably suspect they cannot appropriately enforce. I'm thoroughly sick of the template claims and replies with posturings about how much they care, only for these companies to magically never find any issues in slamdunk situations. It's practically industry status quo at this point, like a shadow justice system of the worst kind.
- dangsecondalt 1y ago
  [dead]

IlikeKitties 1y ago

Why do people go through AirBnB in such situations? I mean that seems like a situation where law enforcement should be involved instead of a company.

jgsser 1y ago
[flagged]
- tdeck 1y ago
  In the article, they did call the police: > We called the police, who took the camera as evidence and encouraged us to leave the property immediately. We also contacted Airbnb and were put in touch with Liviana, a member of the company’s safety team... Filing a police report might be helpful, but I agree this is likely to be frustrating in many places. A friend once called the cops because a neighbor was having a psychotic break and trying to break into her apartment. This went on for hours - luckily the door was sturdy. The cops never showed up. The next morning they called her to ask if she was still OK.
  - IlikeKitties 1y ago
    Speaking about Germany here, I have a friend who had a neighbour in a similar situation and two cops showed up and convinced her to come with them into a psychiatric hospital. My friend was very happy with the results. In america i'd tell the cops i have a gun loaded and am ready and willing to fire if the neighbour breaks through the wall. Cops tend to show up then
    - p1esk 1y ago
      Would you actually have a gun loaded and willing to fire? Or would you lie to the cops?
      - IlikeKitties 1y ago
        Sadly, i don't get to have a gun in Germany. In the us, depending on the state, absolutely.

aworks 1y ago

I think Airbnb is very host-specific. I was in an AirBnB two nights ago in Wisconsin. It was the second floor of a house with the hosts on the second floor. The shower was in an old claw-foot bathtub. Unfortunately, after I got in, the shower rod fell out of the roof and hit me in the head. Then the rest of the shower mechanism collapsed, spewing water onto the floor. My first reaction was to figure out how to justify what happened. The host came out to see what happened. She was apologetic and wanted to sincerely make amends. First she offered $50 back. Then as I was leaving, she gave me her entire fee. I've been on the road for awhile and she was the most conscientious service persn I've interacted. Tonight, I'm in a lesser known brand extended stay suites chain. It took 10 minutes for the clerk to make it to the lobby for my check-in. She gave her reason but it was focused on excusing herself rather than making my experience better. Then for the first time ever, I couldn't get the wifi password right, given what she had written. I want back to ask her and she didn't know and had to experiment. Meh. In general, corporate AirBnb probably sucks. If the host also sucks, good luck. And a high ceiling but also low floor vs. mediocre hotel chains. Still, I'm staying at the same chain tomorrow night. Airbnb was too expensive...

thedougd 1y ago

It’s even scarier when you realize that if the host doesn’t frequently rotate the wifi password, or use a hotel login, any guest could plant a hidden camera or other device with a persistent connection.

kbos87 1y ago

As an Airbnb host I can just as quickly tell you stories of exploitative guests who are chronic abusers of the system, attempting to get refunds by threatening narratives like this that they know have the potential to get sympathy and traction with Airbnb or on social media. In almost all of these cases it ends up being one persons' word vs. another. An accusation is far from proof, but hosts most often stand to lose.

Pulcinella 1y ago
How many cameras do your lodgings have?
cwillu 1y ago
If only there was an existing regulatory framework that has established protections and rights for customers and providers in this space.

thomassmith65 1y ago

If they wanted revenge on the spying host, they could have staged a pretend murder in the bathroom, in the camera's field of view. I'd be tempted.

aspenmayer 1y ago
This could be a modern day Agatha Christie plotline, or a convoluted alibi from a Law & Order episode. I've attended murder mystery dinner parties, and this is an amazing idea for how to involve those who cannot attend in person. Thanks for the food for thought.

foogazi 1y ago

I don’t even look anymore and just assume I’m being watched