When traveling for work or holiday, most people are need to book a hotel or motel room to rest. Many have a habit of immediately settling in without taking a look around. However, this can be a mistake. After you check in, it’s wise to inspect the room for anything unusual.

Two-Way Mirrors

Mirrors in hotel rooms are usually one-way, but it’s still a good idea to double-check every mirror to avoid any issues with two-way mirrors. A two-way mirror allows someone to observe you from the other side or potentially hide a camera behind it without you knowing.

Two-way mirrors reflect images differently than one-way mirrors. With a two-way mirror, a person standing in front sees their reflection as normal, but someone on the other side can easily watch them.

To check if a mirror is two-way, use the fingertip test. Place your fingertip on the mirror—if there’s a gap between your finger and its reflection, it’s a regular one-way mirror. If your finger directly touches the reflection with no space in between, it’s likely a two-way mirror.

Hidden Cameras

A hotel room is intended to be a private space for guests. Typically, hotel management does not install cameras in guest rooms, with security cameras only being placed in public areas. However, some malicious individuals might rent a room and secretly install cameras without the knowledge of hotel staff or other guests.

Therefore, when you check in, thoroughly inspect the room to avoid the risk of hidden cameras capturing your activities.

The process is simple. First, close the curtains and turn off all the lights to make the room as dark as possible. Then, turn on your phone’s camera and start scanning around the room. If you notice small green or red dots of light, inspect those areas carefully—they might indicate hidden cameras.

You can also use your phone’s flashlight to scan the room. Hidden cameras will often reflect the light back, so pay extra attention to any suspicious areas.

If you find any unusual devices in the room, it’s best to contact the front desk for assistance.

Dirty Faucets and Showerheads

After checking in, inspect the room’s cleanliness, particularly around the faucets and showerheads. If you see dirt or buildup on these fixtures that seems like it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, be cautious. You can also try removing the showerhead to inspect the pipes. If you find hair or other debris in the pipes, it’s a sign that you should avoid using it. Reach out to the front desk to report the cleanliness issue and request a new showerhead or even a different room.