Spain: British Couple Finds Hidden Camera Pointed at Bed During Wedding Anniversary Trip; Airbnb Suspends Listing
A British couple celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary in Spain were forced to cut their holiday short after discovering a hidden camera pointed directly at the bed in their rental property.
A British couple's 39th wedding anniversary trip to Madrid was cut short after they discovered a hidden camera in their Airbnb accommodation allegedly positioned directly toward their bed. Donna Nunn, 62, and her husband Raymond Nunn, 87, said they had already spent a night in the apartment before noticing the device. Airbnb subsequently refunded their stay and rebooking costs and suspended the property while investigating the incident, NDTV reported.
Camera Discovered in Bedroom
The couple arrived at the apartment in Madrid's Lavapiés neighbourhood on August 3. Shortly after arriving, they noticed a device in the living room that appeared to be a motion sensor or security camera facing the front door. Because the device showed no flashing light, they did not initially suspect that it was recording. The following day, while Donna was out sightseeing, Raymond noticed another device in the bedroom. Donna said the approximately four-inch device had a green light and was positioned in a corner facing the bed. Spain To Replace Ambassador to India Juan Antonio March Pujol Amid Financial Favour Allegations.
Couple Leaves Property
The discovery alarmed the couple, who said they were particularly distressed because they had already slept in the room without knowing about the device. They contacted Airbnb on August 4 and were advised to leave the property immediately. However, it was around 8pm by then, leaving the couple with limited options for accommodation that night.
They eventually found another apartment roughly two hours south of Madrid and left the Airbnb on August 5, just two days after arriving. The incident also disrupted their plans to explore Madrid during their anniversary holiday. Spain Says 49,000 Migrants Crossed From Morocco Into Ceuta in a Single Day, 19 Bodies Recovered.
Airbnb Suspends Listing
Airbnb said it had issued the couple a full refund, including the cost associated with rebooking their accommodation. The company has also suspended the property listing while it investigates the report. Airbnb said it takes reports involving guest safety and privacy seriously.
The company noted that it banned indoor security cameras in its listings in 2024, regardless of whether the devices are disclosed or switched off during a guest's stay. Airbnb said violations of its camera policy can result in action including the removal of listings and users from the platform.
Privacy Concerns for Short-Term Rentals
The incident has renewed concerns about privacy in short-term rental properties, particularly where surveillance devices may be concealed or improperly installed. Airbnb's current policy prohibits indoor security cameras, but the company says it investigates reports of violations on a case-by-case basis.
For the British couple, the discovery brought an early end to what had been planned as a special anniversary trip. The investigation into the property and the device remains ongoing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 10:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).