While some older, less opulent hotel rooms seem stuck in a bygone era with their dated carpets and floral curtains, more modern establishments have managed to move with the times, installing upgrades such as smart TVs, bedside touchscreens and high-tech toilets. You might also see a Bluetooth symbol on your hotel bathroom mirror.
Mirrors have gotten smarter over the past decade, and Bluetooth models are starting to appear in more hotel rooms. Connect it to your smartphone and you can listen to music, podcasts and other audio content through the mirror’s built-in Bluetooth speaker. If your hotel mirror includes this type of wireless speaker, you will likely find the Bluetooth symbol at the bottom center of the mirror.
Connecting your phone to the mirror is a simple process. Simply tap the Bluetooth symbol on the mirror, then open your phone’s Bluetooth settings to view a list of available devices. Look for the mirror and tap it. Once paired, open your music library, podcast app or radio player and start listening through your mirror. You’ll notice that the mirror doesn’t have a speaker grill, as the speaker itself is located behind the glass. The sound may not be as good as your own Bluetooth speaker or headset, but it will likely outperform your smartphone’s speaker.
Mirrors with more than just a Bluetooth speaker
Truth be told, a Bluetooth speaker built into a mirror is hardly cutting-edge technology these days. The latest smart mirrors, some still in the concept stage, feature screens, touch controls, cameras, voice assistants, smart lighting and other technologies that could one day find their way into hotel mirrors.
On a future trip, that might mean the bathroom mirror could do a lot more than just reflect your teary-eyed morning face and fun-to-bed hair. You can also see information such as hotel information, a weather report for the day ahead, news headlines and directions to local attractions, transforming the bathroom into a place that goes far beyond the usual ablutions.
Unveiled at CES 2025, Withings’ Omnia concept mirror (pictured above) offers a preview of various features that could be available to you, including health metrics and an AI voice assistant that offers personalized feedback – although it’s true that health and fitness data may be the last thing you want to hear about on vacation. While you wait for new technology to arrive, you can always bring along some of these useful portable gadgets to give your hotel room a smart upgrade while you’re at it.
Is something hiding in the mirror or elsewhere in your hotel room?
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If your high-tech hotel mirror can place a speaker out of sight, what else could it be hiding? It’s a disturbing thought, especially when it comes to the familiar fear of hidden cameras. While it is true that hidden cameras are very occasionally discovered by hotel guests, the problem is perhaps more often linked to private rentals and other independently managed accommodation. But even then, known cases are rare.
A mirror containing a Bluetooth speaker or more sophisticated smart devices certainly won’t have a secret camera pointed at you either. The vast majority of reputable accommodation owners absolutely do not want to put their personal or professional reputation on the line, or break the law, by filming you without your consent. There is a minor risk that a previous guest may have installed a camera in your accommodation, so if you’re concerned, do a quick scan as part of your room entry ritual, along with your usual mattress and minibar.
Start with a visual analysis of the place to see if there is anything that doesn’t suit you. Inspect items like clocks or ornaments positioned with a view of the room or bathroom, and if you’re not satisfied, place them face down or store them in a closet until you leave. Also check for small holes throughout the home and, if you can, look behind the mirrors. But don’t start taking the part apart, as it could be dangerous if wiring is involved and you may not be able to put things back together. A quick check should put your mind at ease and, in the likely event that nothing shows up, you can continue to enjoy your stay.
