A family who booked a three-night stay through Airbnb at a property near Versailles in late August discovered active indoor surveillance cameras during their visit, raising concerns about potential privacy violations. The guest, identified only as C.H. from London, reported that the cameras, including one located in a common hallway between bedrooms and the bathroom, appeared to be operational while the family was partially undressed in the area.

The family’s stay, which cost £1,500, was intended as part of a holiday close to Paris. They noticed the indoor cameras but assumed they were switched off. However, on the last night, they observed that at least one camera was powered on and recording in the dark. The guest took photos of the camera and raised concerns with Airbnb upon returning home. The incident prompted fears that private moments might have been recorded without their consent.

Airbnb’s policies prohibit indoor cameras in any part of a property’s interior, regardless of their location, whether turned on or off. These restrictions extend to common and shared areas in private room listings. Exterior cameras are allowed only if clearly disclosed to guests before booking. Following the complaint, Airbnb initially offered a 50 percent refund and stated that the host confirmed the cameras had been turned off and no footage had been captured or stored. However, the guest was not reassured by Airbnb’s response and was told the company could not provide further clarification about whether any recordings existed.

After the family member’s further intervention and additional review, Airbnb refunded the full cost of the stay and removed the listing from its platform. The company acknowledged that its initial handling of the case did not meet its usual standards and said that the complaint was referred to a quality review team for improvements and additional training. Airbnb encourages guests who feel unsafe during a stay to report concerns through a 24-hour safety line.

The guest is reportedly considering filing a report with the police in Versailles to allow authorities to investigate the cameras and determine if footage was recorded during the stay. The case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing privacy and safety standards on short-term rental platforms, as well as the need for clearer communication and monitoring of host compliance.