If You See These 3 Things in a Motel or Hotel Room, Don’t Hesitate—Check Out Immediately

Spotting any of these items in your hotel or motel room is a strong sign that the place may not be safe, and you shouldn’t stay.

When traveling for business or leisure, most people need to book a hotel or motel room to rest. Many have the habit of relaxing immediately upon check-in without carefully inspecting the surroundings. However, this can be a mistake. After checking in, it’s important to look around and see if anything seems off in the room.

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1. Two-Way Mirrors

Hotel room mirrors are typically one-way mirrors, but it's wise to double-check every mirror in the room to avoid falling victim to hidden two-way mirrors. These types of mirrors allow someone on the other side to observe the room—or even hide a camera behind it—without your knowledge.

Two-way mirrors reflect light differently compared to standard mirrors. From the front, they look normal, but from the back, someone could be watching you.

To check for a two-way mirror, place the tip of your finger against the mirror. If there’s a visible gap between your finger and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror. If your finger and its reflection touch directly with no space in between, it could be a two-way mirror.

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2. Hidden Cameras

Hotel rooms are private spaces for guests, and reputable hotels don’t install cameras inside the rooms. Cameras are only placed in public areas for security purposes. However, some malicious individuals may rent rooms and install hidden surveillance devices without the hotel staff or other guests knowing.

That’s why you should always thoroughly inspect your room for hidden cameras after checking in, to avoid the risk of being secretly recorded.

A simple way to do this:

• Close all the curtains and turn off the lights to darken the room.

• Use your phone’s video recording mode and slowly pan it around the room.

• If you notice any small red or green lights, examine that spot closely—it could be a hidden camera.

Alternatively, use your phone’s flashlight and shine it around the room. Hidden camera lenses will reflect the light. If you spot any suspicious glimmers or unusual objects, take a closer look.

If you discover any strange devices in the room, it’s best to contact the front desk immediately for assistance.

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3. Dirty Faucets or Showerheads

Once you’ve checked in, take a close look at the cleanliness of the room—especially the bathroom fixtures like faucets and showerheads. If you notice any signs of built-up grime or long-term dirt on them, that’s a red flag.

You can even try unscrewing the showerhead to check inside the pipe. If you find hair or significant dirt buildup, it’s best not to use it. Inform the front desk to report the hygiene issue and request a replacement showerhead or to be moved to a cleaner room.

If you’re unsatisfied with the cleanliness of the room and the way the hotel handles your complaint, don’t hesitate to check out and find another place to stay.

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Final Note:
Your safety and comfort should always come first. Taking a few minutes to check your room could protect you from a potentially unpleasant—or even dangerous—experience.