1. A Hidden Camera in the Smoke Detector
One tourist was settling in for the night when they noticed something strange about the smoke detector above the bed. Upon closer inspection, they realized it wasn’t just a smoke detector—it had a tiny lens and blinking light, revealing a hidden camera pointing straight at them says 12News.
The guest immediately contacted Airbnb and left the rental, but the unsettling feeling stuck with them long after the trip ended. Knowing someone had potentially been watching them in such a private space was deeply disturbing. It made them rethink every stay they’d ever had. Airbnb did ban the host, but it raised serious concerns about guest privacy. Now, the traveler always checks every clock, smoke detector, and vent before unpacking. It’s a vacation ritual they never thought they’d need shares KJZZ.
2. A Bloody Mattress Stashed in the Closet
One couple was looking for extra pillows when they opened the bedroom closet and found a mattress jammed inside, folded awkwardly and stained with something dark. At first, they thought it might be mold or spilled wine, but the closer they looked, the clearer it became—it was blood shares Yahoo.
They reported it immediately, but the host claimed it must have been from a previous guest and “wasn’t their problem.” There were no cleaning protocols in place, no apologies, and certainly no refund. The couple couldn’t sleep the rest of the night and left early the next morning. They said the smell alone haunted them for weeks. After that, they refused to book any more Airbnbs without full recent reviews and verified photos. And yes, they always check the closets first adds the Washington Post.
3. A Wall Lined with Dozens of Old Baby Dolls
One guest thought they had walked into a haunted house rather than a vacation rental. Every shelf and surface in the living room was covered in old, cracked baby dolls—some missing limbs, others with eyes that didn’t quite close.
It wasn’t just one or two for decoration, either. There were dozens, watching from every angle, creating a deeply unsettling vibe. The listing had looked bright and modern in photos, with zero mention of a doll collection. The guest tried to laugh it off but ended up sleeping with the lights on. They left a review warning others that it wasn’t just creepy, it was nightmare fuel. They now triple-check photos and zoom in on anything that looks remotely out of place.
4. A Locked Basement That Suddenly Opened
A solo traveler noticed a locked basement door in their rental, which the host said was used for storage and off-limits. That was fine—until the third night, when the door was suddenly wide open with no explanation and a cold draft coming from below.
The guest didn’t hear anything, didn’t see anyone enter, but they were absolutely sure they hadn’t touched it. There were scuff marks on the floor like something heavy had been dragged. Airbnb support offered to relocate them, but by then the damage was done. They felt completely unsafe and couldn’t stop wondering what was in that basement. Now, any locked room is a red flag rather than an afterthought. It’s hard to relax when you’re half-expecting something—or someone—to emerge from the dark.
5. A Knife Collection Hung Over the Bed
What looked like a rustic farmhouse in the listing turned out to be more of a horror movie prop set. Hanging directly over the bed was a full knife collection, displayed in neat rows with glinting blades pointing downward.
The host called it “decorative,” but the guest found it hard to sleep with the potential for gravity (or ghosts) working against them. Even moving to the couch didn’t help, because every room had some variation of weapon-themed decor. There were hatchets in the kitchen, and what appeared to be a medieval mace in the hallway. The whole place felt more like a weapon enthusiast’s lair than a cozy rental. The guest left after one night and still jokes that they “survived” the stay.
6. A Pile of Used Syringes in the Backyard
A family traveling with kids thought they’d scored a great deal on a cute home with a private yard. But when their dog ran into the bushes, it came out with a used syringe stuck in its fur.
Panicked, they checked the area and found a whole pile of syringes hidden in the shrubbery. The host insisted it was probably “from the last tenant” and didn’t seem remotely alarmed. The family took their pet to the vet immediately and left the Airbnb within the hour. They were refunded eventually, but it was the kind of discovery that changes your entire outlook. Now they inspect every yard and ask about neighborhood safety upfront. Cute fences don’t always mean safe spaces.
7. A Strange Man Sleeping in the Shed
One guest booked a quiet cabin for a writing retreat, only to find a man living in the shed out back. At first, they assumed he was part of the maintenance crew, but after hearing noises late at night and seeing him peeking through the window, they realized something was off.
They contacted the host, who claimed the man was “just a neighbor” and harmless. But neighbors don’t usually sleep in sheds on private property. The guest called the police, who found a sleeping bag, food wrappers, and a stash of clothes inside. Airbnb removed the listing, but the guest had already packed up and left. The illusion of solitude was shattered, and they’ve avoided remote Airbnbs ever since.
8. Dozens of Live Roaches in the Freezer
While grabbing ice for a drink, one traveler opened the freezer and came face to face with a horrifying swarm of live cockroaches. Somehow, the cold hadn’t killed them—they were crawling around the frozen pizza and ice trays like they owned the place.
The guest shut the door and ran out of the kitchen, completely grossed out and unsure what to do. When they reached out to the host, they were told it “wasn’t that bad” and to “just ignore them.” That response made everything worse. They ended up throwing out anything they had stored in the kitchen and slept with all their belongings sealed in plastic bags. It’s now a running joke among their friends, but at the time it was anything but funny. A freezer is supposed to keep things fresh, not make your skin crawl.
9. A Wall Full of Family Photos That Weren’t the Host’s
A couple staying in a coastal home noticed the walls were lined with framed photos of a happy-looking family—smiling at barbecues, birthdays, and on vacation. But when they asked the host about them, they were told, “Oh, I have no idea who those people are.”
It turned out the host had bought the house recently and never removed the previous owner’s decorations. Something about living among photos of strangers, frozen in time, felt incredibly eerie. The guests couldn’t stop imagining who the people were and what had happened to them. They even noticed one photo with a cracked frame and water damage, like it had been left behind in a rush. It didn’t feel like a rental, it felt like they were squatting in someone else’s life. They barely slept and left two nights early.
10. Scratches on the Inside of a Closet Door
A guest was looking for extra blankets when they found a walk-in closet with long, deep scratches on the inside of the door. Not on the outside—on the inside, as if someone (or something) had been trapped and trying to get out.
The marks were jagged and uneven, and there were even a few fingernail-sized chips in the wood. The host had no explanation and brushed it off as “probably just old damage.” But the guest couldn’t shake the image of someone scratching for help. It completely ruined their sense of safety. They spent the rest of the trip avoiding that side of the house. Now they check every closet like it’s part of a crime scene.
11. A Mirror That Reflected Something That Wasn’t There
One solo traveler was brushing their teeth when they saw movement in the bathroom mirror—only to turn around and find nothing there. It wasn’t just a trick of the light. The reflection clearly showed a shadowy figure standing in the doorway.
They assumed it had to be a lighting glitch, until it happened again. And again. No one else was staying with them, and the house had motion-activated lights that didn’t turn on. The mirror wasn’t hung quite right, and something about it felt…off. They ended up draping a towel over it and sleeping in their car. Paranormal or not, it was enough to make them rethink solo bookings forever.
12. A Floorboard That Hid a Box of Old Teeth
While exploring the rental’s quirky attic, one guest stepped on a loose floorboard and decided to peek underneath. Inside was a dusty metal box—and when they opened it, they found dozens of human teeth, all different sizes, some with fillings still intact.
It didn’t look like a dentist’s kit. It looked like someone had been collecting them. The host claimed they’d never seen it before and quickly removed it, but not before the guest snapped a photo. They couldn’t stop wondering who the teeth belonged to or why they were there. It felt deeply personal and utterly creepy. They ended their trip early and said the attic now haunts their dreams.
13. A Giant Portrait of the Host Watching Over the Bed
One traveler walked into their rental and was immediately greeted by a massive oil painting of the host hanging above the bed. Not just a friendly headshot—it was a full, formal portrait in a heavy gold frame, staring down at the mattress.
It was so surreal that they initially thought it was a joke. But nope, it was very real and very serious. The host even referenced it in the welcome binder, saying, “Enjoy your stay—I’ll be watching.” The guest tried flipping it over but it was nailed to the wall. Needless to say, they didn’t get much sleep. Some things are better left to the imagination, and an oversized portrait is definitely one of them.
14. A Fridge Stocked with Expired Food from Years Ago
Hoping to cook a cozy dinner, one guest opened the fridge only to find shelves full of expired food—some dating back five or even ten years. There were cans of soda that had rusted through and a jar of mayo with a 2012 expiration date.
The smell alone made them gag. It was clear no one had cleaned it in ages. Even though the rest of the house looked clean, the fridge told a very different story. They lost their appetite and ended up eating granola bars for the rest of the trip. When they asked the host, they were told the food “came with the place.” It felt more like a forgotten time capsule than a functioning kitchen.