Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Swarnathulasi Homestay ("we," "our," or "us") is a family-run homestay in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data transparently. We collect only what's necessary for your booking and safety.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or make a booking at our homestay.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information:

• Identification Details: Full name, date of birth, age verification
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number, residential address
• Identity Documents: Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driver's License, or Voter ID Card (only if you book directly through WhatsApp for local police register; Airbnb bookings handle this separately)
• Booking Information: Check-in/check-out dates, number of guests, room preferences, special requests
• Payment Information: Payment method details (processed securely through our payment gateway)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Booking Processing: To process and confirm your reservations
• Communication: To send booking confirmations, updates, and important information about your stay
• Legal Compliance: To maintain guest registers as required by homestay regulations and local authorities
• Safety and Security: To ensure the safety and security of our guests and property
• Service Improvement: To improve our services and guest experience
• Marketing: To send promotional offers and updates (with your consent)
• Payment Processing: To process payments and prevent fraudulent transactions

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Data Storage

Your data is stored securely using Firebase Firestore, a cloud-based database service provided by Google. Data is stored on servers located in India and other regions as per Firebase's infrastructure.

4.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors (Stripe/Razorpay), email service providers, and other third-party services necessary for operations
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to comply with legal obligations, including maintaining guest registers for local police authorities
• Tourism Authorities: As required under UNNATI 2024 and state tourism policies
• Emergency Services: In case of medical emergencies or safety concerns

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Track marketing campaign effectiveness

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• Objection: Object to processing of your data for certain purposes

To exercise these rights, please contact us at chandan.reddy2797@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91 8374426900

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Guest registers are maintained as per homestay regulations and local authority requirements.

Booking and payment records are retained for a minimum of 7 years for tax and accounting purposes.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. All bookings must be made by adults (18 years or older).

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than India through our use of Firebase and other cloud services. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, we have appointed a Grievance Officer to address your concerns regarding data protection: