A British couple’s anniversary holiday in Madrid turned into a disturbing experience after they discovered a camera inside their Airbnb accommodation that appeared to be directed towards their bed.
Donna Nunn, 62, and her husband Raymond Nunn, 87, had travelled to Spain for their 39th wedding anniversary. They arrived at an apartment in Madrid’s Lavapiés neighbourhood on August 3 and initially believed everything was normal.
Second Device Raised Alarm
The couple had noticed a device in the living room soon after arriving. They believed it could be a motion sensor or another type of security equipment because there was no visible flashing light.
The next day, however, Raymond noticed another device inside the bedroom while Donna was away sightseeing. This device appeared more concerning because it was positioned in a corner with a direct view of the bed.
Donna said the device was approximately four inches long and had a green light flashing from it. The discovery left the couple extremely concerned, particularly because they had already spent a night in the room.
Airbnb Told Them To Leave
The couple reported the discovery to Airbnb on August 4. They were instructed to leave the property while the matter was dealt with.
Finding alternative accommodation was difficult because it was already around 8pm. The couple eventually booked another apartment roughly two hours south of Madrid and left the original property the following day.
The unexpected move also disrupted their plans to explore the Spanish capital.
Full Refund Issued
Airbnb subsequently refunded the couple in full, including the expense involved in rebooking their accommodation. The company also suspended the property listing while it investigates the circumstances surrounding the reported camera.
The platform said its policy has prohibited indoor security cameras at Airbnb listings since 2024. According to the company, the restriction applies regardless of where such a camera is positioned or whether it is switched off during a guest’s stay.
Airbnb also said violations of its security-camera policy can result in listings and users being removed from the platform.
Anniversary Trip Ends On A Disturbing Note
What was supposed to be a memorable anniversary vacation became a stressful experience for the couple. Donna said the discovery left both of them shaken and forced them to change their travel plans.
The incident has also renewed concerns about privacy in short-term rental properties. While Airbnb said such violations are rare, the case highlights why guests may want to remain alert to unusual or unexplained devices inside rental accommodation.
For the couple, the discovery meant their Madrid plans were cut short and their long-awaited anniversary trip ended on a very different note from what they had expected.