Data Privacy & Protection Policy
Effective Date: May 27, 2025 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026
At Booking Hotels INC and our global affiliates (collectively, "the Company," "we," "us," or "our"), we hold your privacy in the highest regard. This Privacy Policy outlines our rigorous standards for the collection, utilization, and protection of your Personal Information during the provision of our hotel booking services. By engaging with our platform or submitting information to our representatives, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described herein.
1. Information Architecture: What We Collect
We collect "Personally Identifiable Information" (PII) necessary to facilitate premium hospitality services. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Legal Identity: Full name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Contact Credentials: Verified email addresses, telephone numbers, and residential/billing addresses.
- Financial Data: Encrypted payment card details (processed via PCI-DSS compliant gateways).
- Travel Documentation: Passport and visa information, where mandated by local international law.
- Personal Preferences: Dietary requirements, accessibility needs, and specific room configurations.
Note: If providing information for third-party guests, you affirm that you have obtained explicit consent to share their data under these terms.
2. Data Acquisition Channels
We and our authorized service providers acquire information through the following professional channels:
Digital Touchpoints: Direct input during the reservation process or account registration on our secure platform.
Direct Communication: Information shared via our professional concierge desk, including phone consultations, encrypted email, or verified live chat.
Strategic Partners: Information received from public databases, joint marketing associates, and social media integrations, strictly within the bounds of applicable data protection laws.
3. Cookies & Analytical Technologies
To enhance your digital experience, we utilize cookies and tracking pixels. These technologies allow us to recognize your preferences, analyze site traffic, and deliver personalized content. You may manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, though certain service functionalities may be limited as a result.
4. Utilization of Personal Information
Your data is utilized to ensure the integrity of your travel arrangements:
- Transactional Integrity: To process payments and finalize hotel inventory securement.
- Operational Communications: Providing administrative updates, booking confirmations, and itinerary changes.
- Personalization: Utilizing historical preferences to recommend curated properties and exclusive offers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Fulfilling mandatory reporting requirements to local law enforcement or tourism boards.
5. Controlled Disclosure & Third-Party Sharing
We do not sell your data. Disclosure is limited to entities essential to your journey:
- Accommodation Partners: Sharing necessary guest profiles with hotels to guarantee check-in.
- Verified Payment Gateways: Facilitating secure, encrypted financial transactions.
- Affiliate Networks: Collaborating with trusted partners to enhance service delivery.
- Legal Mandates: Disclosure when required by subpoena, court order, or to protect the safety of our guests.
6. Cybersecurity & Data Safeguarding
We employ Bank-Grade Encryption (SSL/TLS) and robust firewall architectures to protect your data. To minimize risk, we do not store raw CVV codes or full card numbers on our local servers; all financial handling is outsourced to Tier-1 PCI-compliant payment processors.
7. Your Data Rights & Global Standards
Depending on your jurisdiction (such as the GDPR or CCPA), you may hold the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a digital copy of the personal data we hold.
- Right to Rectification: Correction of any inaccurate or incomplete records.
- Right to Erasure: The "Right to be Forgotten," subject to statutory retention requirements.
- Data Portability: Transfer of your data to another service provider in a structured format.
8. Protection of Minors
Our services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect PII from children without explicit parental or guardian consent during the booking of a family stay.
9. International Data Transfers
As a global service, your data may be processed in jurisdictions outside your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers are governed by standard contractual clauses and data protection agreements to maintain a consistent level of security.
10. Data Retention Schedule
We retain PII only for the duration necessary to fulfill our service obligations, satisfy legal/tax requirements, or resolve potential disputes, after which data is securely anonymized or destroyed.
11. Policy Governance
Booking Hotels INC reserves the authority to amend this policy to reflect evolving legal or operational standards. Continued use of our services following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Regulatory Inquiries
For data requests or privacy concerns, please contact our Data Protection Officer at info@bookingbuddy-hotels.com. You may also review our Terms of Service and Refund & Cancellation Policy.