Essential Safety Tips for Hotel Stays: What to Check When You First Enter Your Room

How to test for a two-way mirror:

  • The fingernail test: Place the tip of your finger against the glass. On a regular mirror, you’ll see a small gap between your finger and its reflection. If there’s no gap and your fingernail seems to touch its reflection directly, that might be a two-way mirror.
  • Tap the glass: Real mirrors are often mounted against a wall and sound solid when tapped. A two-way mirror may sound hollow, as it may have space or even a room behind it.
  • Use your phone flashlight: Shine a light around the edges. If you can see beyond the glass or spot a suspicious-looking void, ask hotel staff immediately.

2. Look for Hidden Cameras — Yes, Even in Hotel Rooms

We’d like to think of hotel rooms as private sanctuaries — places to rest, change clothes, and sleep without worry. But in today’s world, privacy breaches aren’t unheard of.

While it’s illegal for hotels to install cameras in guest rooms, that hasn’t stopped some malicious individuals — sometimes even guests — from hiding covert surveillance devices.

These cameras can be cleverly disguised as:

  • Smoke detectors
  • Alarm clocks
  • Wall chargers
  • Light fixtures
  • Even inside air vents or behind picture frames

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