To avoid this situation, long-time hotel workers advise that guests unplug the TV and carefully check the corners of the room.
Why should you unplug the TV as soon as you check into a hotel room?
For many, the TV in the hotel room is just a decorative item; they don’t use it or know how to turn it on. But little do they know that it is an ideal place for malicious individuals to install hidden cameras.
There are several reasons why wrongdoers choose this location to install spy cameras.
– Firstly, TVs in hotel rooms are usually placed opposite the bed, making it possible to capture clear footage of the bed.
– Secondly, both the TV and the set-top box have their own infrared sources, which can be easily confused with the infrared sources of recording devices, so people often let their guard down.
Therefore, the edges of the TV or the set-top box are “prime” locations for hidden cameras. To ensure your privacy, it is recommended to unplug the TV as soon as you check into your room.
Other possible locations for hidden cameras in hotel rooms
Spy cameras are tiny and can be placed almost anywhere in the room, not just hidden in the TV. Specifically, they can be installed in smoke detectors on the ceiling, power outlets, decorative paintings, furniture opposite the bed, under tables and chairs, tissue boxes, and other objects.
Additionally, the bathroom also needs to be inspected thoroughly, as recording devices can be hidden on the ceiling or bathroom door.
How to detect hidden cameras
After checking into a hotel room, in addition to unplugging the TV, it is advisable to carefully inspect the room for hidden cameras. To detect them, you can try the following methods:
– Careful observation with the naked eye, in natural sunlight
Open all the curtains to let in natural light or turn on all the lights in the room. Check every corner of the room, and for specific items such as wall-mounted objects, paintings, fire alarms, etc., touch and inspect them directly.
– Turn off the lights and use your phone’s flashlight or camera
Most mini-cameras are equipped with red or green LED lights. If they are hidden, these lights will blink more frequently due to low light. So, you can close the curtains, turn off the lights, and observe. If there is a camera in the room, you will see the blinking lights.
Alternatively, you can use your phone’s flashlight to scan the room. If there is a camera, it will reflect the light.
Another method is to turn on the recording mode on your phone and point the camera towards different areas of the room. If there is a hidden recording device, your phone screen will display bright spots.
Why Do Hotels Provide Pencils Instead of Pens in Guest Rooms?
When checking into a hotel room, you may have noticed that a notepad and pencil are usually provided on the desk or bedside table. This simple yet thoughtful amenity offers a convenient way for guests to jot down thoughts, notes, or even a quick to-do list during their stay. It’s a subtle touch that enhances the overall guest experience and showcases the hotel’s attention to detail.