When traveling for business or pleasure, booking a hotel or motel room is often one of the first steps in making sure you have a place to rest and recharge. Most people, upon arrival, are exhausted and eager to relax, so they toss their bags on the bed and kick off their shoes without giving much thought to their surroundings. But this lack of attention can be a serious mistake. Before settling in, it’s important to take a few moments to inspect the room carefully.
There are certain red flags that, if spotted, should prompt you to check out immediately and find a safer, cleaner, or more trustworthy place to stay. One of the first things to look for is a potential two-way mirror. While hotel mirrors are typically just standard one-way mirrors, there have been enough incidents involving two-way mirrors that it’s worth taking the time to do a simple test. A two-way mirror looks like a regular mirror on your side, but the other side is transparent, allowing someone to look through or even place a camera behind it without your knowledge. A basic way to test a mirror is to place your fingertip directly on the glass. If there’s a visible gap between your finger and the reflection, it’s likely a normal mirror.
If your fingertip and its reflection touch with no gap, you might be looking at a two-way mirror embedded in the wall. Also, check if the mirror appears to be mounted rather than hanging—mirrors set into the wall with no visible backing can be a sign of something suspicious. If you have any doubts about the mirror, contact the front desk and ask for a different room. Another major concern in any temporary lodging is the potential presence of hidden cameras. While it’s illegal for hotels to install cameras in guest rooms, that doesn’t stop individuals with bad intentions from setting them up. In some disturbing cases, previous guests or rogue employees have hidden cameras inside alarm clocks, electrical outlets, pens, or even smoke detectors.
The purpose? To secretly record unsuspecting guests. This type of invasion of privacy is a growing concern, especially as hidden cameras become smaller and more easily disguised. Once you arrive in your room, scan the area for anything that looks out of place. Look closely at everyday objects—are there extra wires that don’t make sense? Are any items pointing directly at the bed or shower? You can also turn off the lights and use your phone flashlight to scan the room. Hidden camera lenses will often reflect light back, giving you a clue that something isn’t right. If you find anything suspicious, leave immediately and report it to both the hotel and the local authorities. Lastly, cleanliness is another key indicator of a hotel’s quality and respect for its guests.
One area where hygiene lapses are most obvious is in the bathroom, specifically the faucets and showerheads. After checking in, make a point to inspect these fixtures. If they show signs of long-term dirt buildup, such as grime, hard water stains, or rust, it’s a sign that the room hasn’t been properly cleaned between guests. You can even remove the showerhead to check for mold, hair, or other debris in the hose. These conditions can pose health risks, especially if water-borne bacteria have been allowed to thrive. If the bathroom isn’t clean, don’t hesitate to alert the front desk. Request either a thorough cleaning, a replacement showerhead, or a different room altogether. Your comfort and hygiene are non-negotiable, especially when you’re paying for a safe and restful experience. In the end, taking a few minutes to check for these three warning signs—a two-way mirror, hidden cameras, and poor cleanliness—can save you from a potentially dangerous or deeply uncomfortable situation. Hotels and motels should offer peace of mind, not paranoia. If something feels off, trust your instincts and move to a place where your privacy and health are taken seriously.
