Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We may collect, store, and process different types of personal data when you use our services. Our data collection practices are designed to improve your experience, enhance security, and allow you to book homestays online quickly and safely.

1.1 Identity Data

• First name, last name, username, and gender.
• Date of birth if provided during account registration.

1.2 Contact Data

• Email address, phone number, billing address, and any other contact information provided.
• This information is used to confirm your homestay bookings in Darjeeling and provide essential notifications.

1.3 Financial Data

• Payment card details, securely processed through trusted third-party payment providers.
• Bank account information may be collected only in case of refunds or disputes.

1.4 Transaction Data

• Details about homestay bookings, cancellations, and refunds.
• Records of payments made to and from you for services booked via GoHills.

1.5 Technical Data

• Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, device information, operating system, and device identifiers.
• Login data, location data, and time zone to ensure accurate booking and personalized content.

1.6 Profile Data

• Username, password, booking history, preferences, and interests.
• Feedback, reviews, survey responses, and ratings of Darjeeling homestays.

1.7 Usage Data

• Information on how you navigate our website or app, features used, and pages visited.
• Helps us improve user experience, optimize booking flows, and suggest verified homestays in Darjeeling based on your preferences.

1.8 Marketing and Communications Data

• Your preferences for receiving promotional communications, newsletters, or updates about verified Darjeeling homestays.
• Allows us to provide personalized offers, discounts, and booking reminders.

2. How We Use Your Information

GoHills only uses personal data where legally permissible. The main purposes of using your information include:

2.1 Booking and Payment Processing

• To process online homestay bookings in Darjeeling, confirm availability, and ensure smooth payment transactions.
• To manage refunds, cancellations, and disputes according to our refund policy.

2.2 Customer Relationship Management

• To provide timely updates regarding your homestay bookings, account changes, and notifications of promotions or offers.
• To address inquiries, complaints, or requests efficiently through our 24/7 customer support.

2.3 Personalization and Recommendations

• To suggest verified homestays in Darjeeling that match your preferences and previous booking history.
• To improve your experience with personalized search results, recommendations, and content.

2.4 Analytics and Improvement

• To analyze user behavior, booking trends, and usage patterns.
• To improve our website, app interface, homestay search functionality, and overall platform performance.
• Helps us optimize SEO and search rankings for terms like Darjeeling homestays, online homestay booking, verified homestays, safe homestays, authentic local experiences, Darjeeling tours.

2.5 Marketing Communications

• To send promotional emails or notifications about special offers, seasonal discounts, and featured homestays.
• You may opt-out at any time if you no longer wish to receive marketing communications.

2.6 Legal Compliance and Safety

• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
• To protect our platform, users, and local homestay partners against fraud, misuse, or unauthorized access.

3. Data Security

GoHills implements robust measures to protect your personal data and ensure secure online booking of Darjeeling homestays:

• Encryption: All sensitive data, including payment information, is encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols.
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel with legitimate business need can access your data.
• Secure Storage: Personal information is stored on protected servers with regular security audits.

While we take all reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

4. User Rights

As a user, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

4.1 Access and Correction

• Log into your GoHills account to view and update personal details.
• Contact our support team to correct or update inaccurate information.

4.2 Deletion and Account Closure

• Request deletion of your personal data and close your account if you no longer wish to use our platform.

4.3 Marketing Opt-Out

• You can opt-out of promotional emails or notifications at any time.

4.4 Refund and Cancellation Rights

• Manage homestay cancellations and refunds through our platform.
• Our transparent refund policy ensures your rights are protected and your payments are returned promptly when applicable.

4.5 Data Portability

• Upon request, GoHills can provide a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.

5. Sharing and Disclosure

GoHills is committed to protecting your privacy and does not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. Information may only be shared under these circumstances:

• With trusted payment providers to process transactions securely.
• With our service providers to maintain website functionality, app performance, or technical support.
• If required by law, regulation, or government authorities.
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of GoHills, our users, or local homestay partners.

We ensure that all third-party providers follow strict confidentiality agreements and only process data for the purposes outlined above.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience and provide better homestay booking services:

• Functional Cookies: Help you navigate our platform efficiently and remember your preferences.
• Performance Cookies: Analyze usage patterns to improve search functionality and website performance.
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver targeted offers and promotions for verified Darjeeling homestays.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some features of our platform may not function properly without cookies.

7. Children's Privacy

Our platform is designed for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe your child’s information has been collected, please contact us immediately for removal.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website or app may contain links to other websites. GoHills is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of those sites before sharing personal data.

9. International Data Transfers

As GoHills operates online, your information may be transferred and stored on servers located in different countries. We ensure adequate safeguards and comply with applicable data protection laws to protect your data during international transfers.

10. Retention of Data

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our homestay booking services in Darjeeling.
• Comply with legal obligations.
• Resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and protect our rights.

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

GoHills may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in services, legal requirements, or industry standards. All updates will be posted on this page. Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of our website or app constitutes acceptance of any updates.

12. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data:

• Email: support@gohills.org
• Website: www.gohills.org
• Customer Support: Available 24/7 for queries related to homestay bookings, refunds, or account management.

13. SEO Highlights & Keywords

This Privacy Policy is optimized for search engines to help travelers looking for Darjeeling homestays:

• Verified Darjeeling homestays
• Book homestay online
• Safe homestays in Darjeeling
• Easy booking for homestays
• Refund guarantee for homestay bookings
• Authentic local experiences
• Family-friendly homestays
• Budget, mid-range, and luxury homestays
• Online homestay platform Darjeeling
• Trusted homestay booking service
• Darjeeling tourism packages

Conclusion:

GoHills is committed to transparency, safety, and protecting your personal data while providing a seamless platform to book verified homestays in Darjeeling. By using our platform, you enjoy easy booking, secure payments, refund protection, and access to authentic local experiences—all while ensuring your personal data is handled responsibly.