- Donna and Raymond Nunn arrived at their Airbnb in Madrid's Lavapiés neighborhood on August 3.
- The next day, Raymond spotted a hidden camera in the bedroom pointed at the bed.
- They contacted Airbnb on August 4 and were advised to leave immediately.
- The couple fled the property and booked another place a couple of hours away.
- Airbnb issued a full refund, suspended the listing, and removed it from the platform.
- The camera was reportedly positioned to capture footage of their bed, prompting them to abandon the rental immediately.
- Footage and details of the incident drew significant attention to the dangers guests can face when renting properties through platforms such as Airbnb.
- The case has reignited debate around the adequacy of checks that rental platforms carry out on hosts.
- Travellers have long been advised to scan unfamiliar rentals for hidden recording devices, particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms.
- An Airbnb spokesperson stated that in 2024, they banned all indoor security cameras in listings regardless of their placement.
Donna and Raymond Nunn, a retired couple, found a hidden camera in their Airbnb during their anniversary trip to Madrid, which they had booked to celebrate their 39th milestone. The camera was positioned to capture footage of their bed, raising serious concerns about privacy.17
Upon discovering the device, Donna, 62, and Raymond, 87, immediately packed their belongings and left the property. "We were both shaking when we realised. Raymond took the camera off the wall and turned it around, but it was horrifying," Donna recounted. They contacted Airbnb, which advised them to leave immediately.
The couple received a full refund, including the cost of their rebooking, and the listing was suspended. An Airbnb spokesperson stated, "We have issued a full refund to the guest and have suspended the listing while we conduct a further investigation into this matter." The incident has reignited discussions about the adequacy of safety checks on rental properties and the need for better guest protections.
This alarming discovery has prompted travelers to be more vigilant, as many remain unaware of how to check for hidden recording devices in rentals. The case highlights the ongoing debate about privacy in short-term rentals, especially in sensitive areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.
In 2024, Airbnb plans to ban all indoor security cameras in listings, regardless of their status during guest stays, emphasizing their commitment to guest safety and positive experiences.
“The camera, about four inches long with a flashing green light, was tucked in a corner directly facing the bed. Donna, 62, said they were both shaking and that they will never return to Madrid because of the ordeal.”
