A family’s holiday in Perth, Australia, took an unsettling turn when they discovered a full-sized camera openly recording inside their Airbnb. Hidden camera horror stories are freaky enough, but this device wasn’t even disguised; it was set up in plain sight, blinking as it captured the room.

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Airbnb responded quickly once the TikTok post began to spread.

Camera found openly recording in an Airbnb

On Monday, TikToker @hardmanfambam posted the video of his Airbnb experience to just 630 followers. While hidden cameras in these lodgings are a known issue, this one dispensed with any effort to hide.

“So we got to our Airbnb last night,” the vlogger said. “It’s a nice place. There’s one thing I’m not sure about. Maybe you can help me out.”

He then panned to a large video camera sitting in the open on top of a low bookcase, a light blinking to indicate that it was recording.

“Is that allowed in Airbnbs?” the TikToker asked. “Is that standard practice?”

This small TikTok account doesn’t normally crack 10,000 views, but it did this time, including with its follow-up videos. In the first update, the vlogger explained that the family, which includes three young kids, decided to move to a hotel—for obvious reasons.

@hardmanfambam When you book a ‘private’ Airbnb in Perth… and find out maybe it’s not that private… #CreepyFind #Airbnb #PrivacyPlease #TheHardmans #StrengthInAdversity ♬ original sound – HardmanFam

Customer service had responded to their complaint and promised to reimburse them, but got cagey when they realized how much it would cost them.

“They soon realized that, being school holidays, there wasn’t much accommodation going, and the accommodation that was going that was very similar was about $6,000 more,” the TikToker explained.

@hardmanfambam Part two: when you book a ‘private’ Airbnb in Perth… and find out maybe it’s not that private… #CreepyFind #Airbnb #PrivacyPlease #TheHardmans #StrengthInAdversity ♬ original sound – HardmanFam

The second follow-up revealed that their followers tagging Airbnb in the comments did the trick. The company fully reimbursed the family for the hotel, related expenses, and gave them a coupon to move to a similar Airbnb in Perth.

Viewers urge police report as privacy concerns mount

While relieved that Airbnb treated this family right, the incident still repulsed many viewers, as the hidden camera stories always do.

“These stories make me NOT want to use air BnB,” wrote @tojo92946863.

“Now you need to share the property for the people so nobody else gets ripped off,” said @karribrennan.

Multiple commenters also urged the TikToker to report the incident to the police. Depending on local laws, recording inside a paid lodging location without consent could be illegal.

In an email to the Daily Dot, an Airbnb spokesperson wrote: “Airbnb does not allow hosts to have security cameras or recording devices that monitor indoor spaces in homes, even if these devices are turned off.”

“We have provided the guest with a full refund and assisted them in rebooking alternate accommodation. In the rare event a host or guest feels unsafe or experiences a safety-related issue during an active reservation, we have a safety team that can be reached via our 24 Hour Safety Line, which is available to all users.”

Commenter @yeeha311 noted that “its typical that when people are watching only then do they start assisting.”

The Daily Dot has reached out to @hardmanfambam via TikTok.

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We arrived in Amsterdam from New York City on little sleep, early and subdued after a red-eye flight. It was my partner’s first time in the city, and my second—but I’d decided this trip would have a different pace. Disinterested in ticking off Red District landmarks or retracing old café steps—what I wanted for our long weekend away (from a Friday morning to Monday afternoon in mid-August), was a quieter kind of introduction for myself and for him: one that allowed space for the charming Dutch capital to unfold on its own terms.

The only car ride of our trip was an Uber from the airport to our highly anticipated Airbnb. Upon our arrival, the warm and friendly host named Jantine (who lives in the apartment upstairs) welcomed us to the ground-floor flat in one of Jordaan’s historic 19th-century buildings with a brown-hued facade. The flat itself (dubbed by Jantine as “Studio Kool”) used to be a local shop, and you can still see traces of its past in the old terrazzo flooring in the bathroom, worn smooth with time. Now a small, self-contained studio, it boasts just enough room for two people (or any solo traveler) to linger in for a while.

Inside, we were greeted by a soft, clean palette: muted neutrals, pale woods, and whites that gave way to texture rather than color. A large, street-facing window (with curtains and shades for privacy when needed) anchors the seating area with two modern, understated chairs placed just beneath it. These became our unofficial staging ground—light jackets tossed over the backs, coffee cups balanced on our knees as we watched the neighborhood hum outside. The window, marked by a distinctive circular hanging design, also offered a charming view from the street—our hint that we’d returned to our little hideaway.

To the left of the seating nook is a small, light wooden dining table. It was here that we found our welcome gifts: a bottle of wine, savory crackers, and a mini tray of thoughtfully chosen business cards—local restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, all handpicked by Jantine. A cheese knife, small cutting board, and utensils sat ready on the table, along with a curated Amsterdam guidebook from atelier Sukha, filled with neighborhood finds. Subtle hints of tasteful design complete the studio: A simple, chic light bulb fixture suspends from a secure cord above the table. Scandi-style prints hang throughout.

The layout flows from front to back in one continuous space, with no doors or dividers into the “bedroom” and “kitchen.” A small, open-faced kitchenette faces the bed—and while not ideal for cooking full meals, it worked perfectly for morning teas and afternoon snacks. Two long wooden shelves above the counter hold grey ceramic plates from Nepal, white bowls, glasses, and essentials like tea, coffee, salt, and oats. Both an electric kettle and teapot sit on the counter, next to a pour-over glass coffee carafe with a wooden collar. In the cabinet at the bottom right of the sink, there’s a mini-fridge, which we used for restaurant leftovers and our slowly-sipped, gifted wine. Beside the kitchenette—a compact hanging closet area with hangers, sized to hang a small array of wrinkle-prone items, as well as our checked suitcase and a carry-on underneath. A small candle completes the nightstand, and a locker-esque styled cabinet sits adjacent to the dining table for extra clothing storage.

The cozy double bed is topped with linen duvets and a wood-toned throw blanket. It nearly hugs the tall, floor-to-ceiling glass terrace doors, dressed with long, sheer white curtains that filter sunlight throughout the day. With just the right amount of privacy and soft light, the curtains never made the space feel dim or enclosed. (Not to mention, full blackout shades would’ve been dangerous in our sleepy, jet-lagged state.) Also bedside, a vintage-style chest held the hammock, which was stored neatly and easy to pull out whenever we wanted. The terrace—our little, lush, green nook—was overgrown in a quaint and romantic way, with plants framing the patio and softening the already-light sounds of the city. Like clockwork, this space became my afternoon spot for rest and relaxation. After our long walks, exploring, I’d hang up the hammock, lie back, read or relax, and sway with light falling on my face. From that position, I could look through the terrace doors and see my partner curled up in bed, wrapped in linen, slipping into a coziest nap. And separately, ideal for morning coffees to evening wines, a small, outdoor round table sat ready with two chairs.

The choice of booking this rental in Jordaan felt instinctive—the desirable district is said to be isolated enough from the tourist bustle while still being within walking distance to pretty much anywhere. And amidst our four-day trip, the neighborhood proved just that: It’s the kind of place where you open the door in the morning and find a café with flaky, warm croissants; where older women lock up bikes with one hand and carry a book or fresh produce in the other. The streets are narrow and cobbled—some barely wide enough for a car—with scenic brick townhouses that line the canals. That said, Jordaan is dotted with small boutiques, galleries, and independent cafés that are best explored on foot.It’s a neighborhood where you can spend hours wandering over and around the canals, browsing vintage shops, and street markets (the Northern Market—or Noordenmarkt was around the corner from the flat), or sipping coffee in one of the many cozy cafés that seem to have no end.

Top amenities: Lakeside location, well designed living space, sauna
Location: Gmund am Tegernsee (about 24 miles from Munich)
Sleeps: 3
Price: From $367 per night (three-night minimum stay)

There are beautiful Airbnbs not only in Munich itself, but also in the surrounding areas. One of the most popular nearby addresses is Lake Tegernsee. After an hour’s drive or train ride from Munich, you’ll find yourself in an alpine landscape. The Søglas guesthouse is just across the street from Lake Tegernsee, and while you initially may think you’re here to relax by the lake, you’ll quickly realize that you don’t have to leave your property to unwind. Instead, simply turn on the sauna in the garden. Towels and essential oils are included with the rental. The attention to detail is apparent everywhere, and the hosts, Helena and Philipp, provide a warm welcome to every visitor. They live next door in Villa Søglas, which can also be rented for meetings, conferences, photo shoots, and private events.

After a second-quarter earnings beat, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared his thoughts on the company’s AI strategy, cautioning investors that AI chatbots can’t yet be thought of as the “new Google.” That is, AI chatbots, while potentially driving new leads to the travel and services business, aren’t entirely a replacement for the referrals that the dominant search engine brings.

At least not at this time.

“I think we’re still kind of feeling out the space,” the exec told investors on the Q2 earnings call. “The thing I want to caution is I don’t think that AI agents — I don’t think we should think of chatbots like Google — I don’t think we should think of them as the ‘new Google’ yet.”

This, Chesky explained, is because AI models aren’t “proprietary.”

“We also have to remember that the model powering ChatGPT is not proprietary. It’s not exclusive to ChatGPT. We — Airbnb — can also use the API, and there are other models that we can use,” he said.

Painting a broader picture of the AI landscape, Chesky said that in addition to chatbots and other AI agents, there will be custom-built startups designed for specific applications, as well as other incumbents that have made the shift to AI.

“One of the things we’ve noticed is it’s not enough to just have … the best model. You have to be able to tune the model and build a custom interface for the right application. And I think that’s the key,” he said.

The company told investors it will look to take advantage of AI in a number of ways.

Airbnb shared during the call that its AI customer service agent in the U.S. reduced the percentage of guests contacting a human agent by 15%, for instance. This was actually harder than tackling the lower-hanging fruit involving travel planning and inspiration, Chesky said, because AI agents performing customer service can’t hallucinate. They have to be able to be accurate and helpful at all times.

Airbnb’s customer service agent was built using 13 different models and trained on tens of thousands of conversations, and is currently available in English in the U.S. This year, Airbnb will roll it out to more languages, and next year, it will become more personalized and agentic. That means it would be able to understand if someone reaches out to cancel a reservation; it would not only be able to tell them how to do so, but it could also do it for them. The agent could also help plan and book trips.

Plus, AI will come to Airbnb’s search next year, the CEO said.

However, the company has not fully fleshed out its plans for working with third-party AI agents, although it’s considering it. Users still need an Airbnb account to make a booking.

Because of this, Chesky doesn’t think agentic AI would turn its business into a commodity, the way that booking flights has become. Instead, he sees AI as “potentially interesting lead generation” for the company.

“… I think the key thing is going to be for us to lead and become the first place for people to book travel on Airbnb. As far as whether or not we integrate with AI agents, I think that’s something that we’re certainly open to,” he said.

Airbnb beat analysts’ expectations in the quarter with revenue of $3.1 billion and earnings per share of $1.03, but the stock dropped on its forecast of slower growth in the second half of the year.

Airbnbs have made vacations more affordable than ever — and some of them really go the extra mile. However, on occasion, you might arrive at your vacation home and discover that things aren’t what they seemed online.

And for TikTok user Tareen (@adventareen), it’s fair to say that things got weird fast.

What was wrong with the Airbnb decor?

In a viral TikTok that has amassed 91,400 views, the TikToker gave viewers an eight-second insight into her Airbnb. She zoomed in on the window, which appeared to be covered by a blue sheet, before focusing specifically on a knife that seemed to have been plunged into the sheet.

The video was accompanied by a viral TikTok sound parodying the Jet2Holidays commercial. “Nothing beats a Panama City Beach vacation,” the voiceover said, “and right now, you can save fifty bucks per person!”

Completing the clip was an on-screen caption reading: “The decor for the Airbnb,” followed by cowboy emojis.

“YK what…” she said in the video description, “Yeah!”

@adventareen

yk what … yeah!

♬ original sound – katie_pike

Viewers were shocked

In the comments, users reacted with a mixture of confusion and humor. “I don’t even understand what that’s doing,” one wrote. “Still safer than the Airbnb with the Trump 2024 sign,” another quipped.

A third remarked that they had “never seen anything like this in [their] entire life,” while a fourth added that the TikToker was given “survival tools.”

“I grew up in Panama City,” a fifth confessed, “This is the whole vibe.”

Several commenters said that the get-up reminded them of Decorating Cents, a TV show where people were tasked with redecorating their home with an extremely limited budget.

Per the Airbnb website, if a guest has an issue with their accommodation, they’re instructed to document the issue, contact their host, and ask for a refund. However, if the host does not comply, the guest can contact Airbnb directly.

More Airbnb drama

This isn’t the first time an Airbnb renter has been met with an unwelcome surprise. In a viral TikTok, user @morahluv shared how the property she stayed in had a real cleanliness issue, including dusty vents, a cloudy stove top, a speckled bathroom floor, and various stains. The worst part? They expected her to pay $250 for a cleaning fee.

“This has got to be a joke,” she said in the video.

Tareen didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment and Instagram direct message.

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

Stranger Things, the beloved Netflix show that first aired in the summer of 2016, is finally coming to a close this year. And if you’re looking to make the most of the fifth and final season, we’re here to introduce you to a way to do so that you won’t soon forget: staying in a replica of the Byers’ house.

Just 20 minutes from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, this three-bedroom is a gateway to another world—but luckily, this world and the way to reach it are far nicer than the actual Upside Down. Complete with authentic 80s decor, games, and entertainment (peep the VHS tapes in the living room), it’s a fantastic recreation of the beloved Byers family home seen in seasons 1-3 of the hit show—Christmas light alphabet and all. Fans, welcome to Hawkins, Indiana. (Or Fayetteville, Georgia, if you want to get technical about it.)

You may end up looking around for Eleven, Hopper, Will, Joyce, and the rest of the gang when you enter this period-appropriate listing, which was designed and crafted by fans in order to honor the show. It features plenty of Easter eggs and details that fans will recognize—from the trinkets on display to the 1950s-era lampshade.

The exterior of the Stranger Things Byers’ House

The three bedrooms sleep up to six people, with a king bed in Jonathan’s room, a queen bed in Will’s room, and two sets of bunk beds in the Upside Down room. (It is a Building and Safety mandate to only allow two people per bedroom, FYI.) Decor stays on-theme (and on-character), with vinyl records and Amiga 500 games in Jonathan’s room, and plenty of art in Will’s room, including a drawing of Will’s Dungeons and Dragons character, Will the Wise. Step into the Upside Down room to play a round of D&D yourself, surrounded by creeping black tendrils in the corners and on the wall connecting you back to the Mind Flayer. In the common areas, find VHS tapes, retro furniture, and even more decor that calls back to the show.

Luckily, we aren’t actually in the 80s, so you can still appreciate all the modern conveniences of the 21st century, like strong AC; a modern stove, dishwasher, and washer/dryer; and a 75” Samsung Frame TV with streaming services, so you can watch your favorite Stranger Things episodes, of course.

Much of the Stranger Things franchise was filmed in the area, meaning you have the opportunity to totally immerse yourself in the world of the series during your stay. If you’re up for a drive, head to Jacksonville, home of downtown Hawkins, where you can spot locations like the Hawk Theater (Bradley’s Olde Tavern in real life), and the nearby alley where Jonathan and Steve fought. You can also sip drinks from Lucy Lu’s Coffee Café, which has been known to feature Stranger Things–themed specialties in the past, like the Demogorgon Latte, or the Sheriff Hopper, flavored with hazelnut and vanilla.

The listing says it best: “This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a one-of-a-kind destination to make unforgettable memories in a setting that blurs the line between fiction and reality.” Book your stay now to get the unbelievable chance to watch the final season of the hit show from the house that started it all.

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More rentals based on TV shows and movies:

Spend the night in Bella Swan’s house from Twilight, located in St. Helens, Oregon. It’s about 230 miles south of Forks, Washington, and 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon, making it a great stopping point on a Twilight-themed road trip up the Pacific Coast. With five bedrooms, a good-sized kitchen—where you can dine at the same table used in the film by Bella’s dad, Charlie—and plenty of space for up to eight guests, this is a spot any Twilight fan will want to stay in.

While the White Lotus craze may be on pause until the next season is released sometime in the distant future, you can still stay at one of the luxury properties that was actually featured on Season 3 of the show, like this Thai villa that is bookable on Airbnb. Each of the seven bedrooms has a king-size bed (sleeping up to 14 adults) as well as an en suite bathroom (five of which have private hot tubs). You’ll find rain showers, oversized bathtubs, and plush linens in the beautiful rooms, plus retro arcade games and a kids pool fit for the whole family.

An Airbnb host says one of her guests took one look at a Trump flag in the yard and left without even unpacking.

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The host, who runs the TikTok account @outskirtsofheavenfarm, explained that the woman had booked a stay at her animal rescue and sanctuary but canceled almost immediately after arriving. The reason, she said, was political.

“She got in her car, drove away, and left,” the host said in the clip, which has now been viewed over 1.5 million times. “There was no way she could stay somewhere like this,” the guest allegedly told her after spotting a flag supporting President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

The video’s caption read, “We worked all day preparing for our farm Airbnb guest only for her to get here and leave,” while the text overlay bluntly stated: “Airbnb guest cancels in first 5 minutes.”

The host didn’t hide her frustration, saying she’d spent the entire day prepping the space, only for the trip to unravel before it even began.

Airbnb host defends signage 

In the comments section, @outskirtsofheavenfarm pushed back at critics and defended the flag.

She noted that her farm is in North Carolina, a state that voted for Trump in both 2020 and 2024, and said she was surprised the guest would be so bothered. “If I went somewhere and there were Biden signs, I wouldn’t care,” she wrote. “So crazy to me.”

She added that people “need to just calm down” and asked, “Who cares about a sign?”

The host also clarified that the Trump-Vance flag isn’t even on the Airbnb building itself and said listing photos make its presence clear. In another comment, she suggested the guest wouldn’t be getting a refund.

Trump and Airbnb rentals

Though this wasn’t the same situation, Trump’s name has come up in Airbnb controversies before. Back in 2017, shortly after Trump’s first election, an Asian American woman named Dyne Suh said her reservation was canceled by a host who made racist remarks.

Suh had booked a cabin in Big Bear, California, and confirmed with the host that she could bring two extra friends. But when she messaged again shortly before arrival to double-check, the host accused her of being a “con artist” and canceled.

“I wouldn’t rent to u if u were the last person on earth,” the host reportedly wrote. “One word says it all. Asian.”

Suh pulled over during a snowstorm to regroup and ended up speaking with a KTLA news crew about the ordeal. She later shared the story in a tearful Facebook post and confirmed she and her friends eventually found shelter.

Airbnb permanently removed the host from its platform and called the behavior “abhorrent and unacceptable,” reiterating its non-discrimination policy.

@outskirtsofheavenfarm We worked all day preparing for our Farm Airbnb Guest only for her to get here and leave within the first 5 Mins !!! #fyp #viralvideo #fypシ #trump ♬ original sound – Outskirts of Heaven Farm

Viewers weigh in

While the guest hasn’t spoken publicly, the implication in the host’s video was clear, and TikTok commenters had plenty to say. Some defended the woman’s decision to leave, saying she had every right to choose accommodations that aligned with her values.

“You chose to put your values in full view,” one viewer told the host. “So did she.”
“It’s about morals and character,” another added. “She stood on hers.”

“You’re free to make your own decisions, but not free from the consequences of those decisions,” said a third.

Others who said they would’ve done the same chimed in too.

“I would not feel safe there, either,” one woman wrote.

“Hope she mentions it in her review, because I would also want to know beforehand,” another added. 

“I would cancel, too,” a third said. “That is a hate sign.”

But not everyone agreed. Some called the reaction over the top.

“You dodged a bullet, girlfriend,” one TikTok user told the host.

“People are so triggered by the dumbest stuff,” another wrote. “I mean, it’s a sign.”

@outskirtsofheavenfarm echoed that sentiment, replying, “Totally agree!!! And I forgot it was even there. Been there for so long!!”

The Daily Dot has reached out to @outskirtsofheavenfarm via a TikTok direct message.

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