Privacy Policy

    Effective Date: February 6, 2025

    1. Introduction

    HelotStays ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you access or use our website, mobile application, or any services provided by HelotStays (collectively, the "Platform").

    By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Platform.

    2. Lodge Compliance Exception

    If you are a customer introduced to HelotStays through Lodge Compliance, Lodge Compliance's privacy policy governs the handling of your data by Lodge Compliance. This Privacy Policy applies to data collected and processed directly by HelotStays.

    3. Information We Collect

    3.1 Information You Provide

    • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, date of birth, and government-issued identification when required.
    • Payment Information: Credit card numbers, bank account details, and billing addresses processed through our secure payment processors.
    • Property Information: Property details, photos, amenities, pricing, availability, and location data submitted by property owners.
    • Booking Information: Reservation details, guest counts, special requests, and communication preferences.
    • Communications: Messages, reviews, feedback, and support inquiries you submit through the Platform.

    3.2 Information Collected Automatically

    • Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
    • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, click patterns, and time spent on the Platform.
    • Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address; precise location if you grant permission.
    • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. See our Cookie Policy for details.

    3.3 Information from Third Parties

    • Identity Verification Services: Background check results, identity verification data, and fraud prevention information.
    • Payment Processors: Transaction confirmations and payment status updates.
    • Social Media Platforms: Profile information if you link your social media accounts.

    4. How We Use Your Information

    We use your information for the following purposes:

    • Providing, maintaining, and improving the Platform and our services.
    • Processing bookings, payments, and refunds.
    • Verifying user identities and preventing fraud.
    • Communicating with you about reservations, updates, and promotional offers.
    • Responding to inquiries and providing customer support.
    • Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our Terms of Use.
    • Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience.
    • Facilitating communication between guests, owners, and guest contacts.
    • Sending administrative and security notifications.

    5. How We Share Your Information

    We may share your information with:

    • Property Owners and Guests: To facilitate bookings and stays, including sharing guest information with owners and owner/property information with guests.
    • Guest Contacts: Contact information necessary to fulfill guest contact responsibilities during stays.
    • Service Providers: Third parties that assist with payment processing, identity verification, analytics, customer support, and marketing.
    • Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or government authority.
    • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
    • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize disclosure.

    We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

    6. Data Retention

    We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary based on the type of data and applicable legal requirements.

    7. Data Security

    We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

    8. Your Rights and Choices

    Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

    • Access: Request access to your personal information.
    • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
    • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
    • Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format.
    • Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
    • Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances.

    To exercise these rights, please contact us through the contact form on our website.

    9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

    California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). For detailed information about your California privacy rights, including the right to know, delete, and opt-out of the sale of personal information, please see our Do Not Sell My Personal Information page.

    10. Children's Privacy

    The Platform is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will promptly delete that information.

    11. International Data Transfers

    Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the Platform, you consent to such transfers. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

    12. Third-Party Links

    The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

    13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the Platform. We will notify users of material changes through the Platform or via email. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Privacy Policy.

    14. Contact Information

    For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through the contact form on our website.