During a weekend trip, my wife spotted a strange blinking light on the smoke detector of our Airbnb. Curious, I checked and discovered what looked like a hidden camera. Shocked and unsettled, we quickly packed our bags and left the property. From a nearby diner, I wrote a detailed review to warn others about what we had seen, hoping the platform would take action to protect future guests.
The host responded almost immediately, claiming the device was part of a “private security system” and accusing us of damaging it. The reply made the situation feel even more alarming, especially since we had already noticed unusual signs in the rental. At that moment, we decided there was no reason to return or risk further contact with the host.
Instead, we drove hours away to a larger city and checked into a well-known hotel chain, where we felt safer. The next morning, I filed a formal report with the platform and local authorities to make sure the incident was documented. Even though I didn’t know what would come of it, reporting felt like the only responsible step to take.
That experience changed the way I look at short-term rentals. Reviews and photos online can be convincing, but safety should always come first. Now, whenever we travel, we do extra checks and stay alert. It was a frightening reminder that peace of mind is just as important as convenience — and that protecting it starts with being cautious.