Privacy & Data Protection Policy

The Hollies, Dorset
Last updated: 6th May 2025

At The Hollies, Dorset (“we”, “us”, or “our”), your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect any personal information you give us when you book or stay at our property, or interact with our website or services.

1. Who We Are

The Hollies, Dorset is a privately owned holiday let located in Dorset, United Kingdom. For the purposes of UK data protection laws (including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018), we are the “data controller” of the personal information you provide.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following personal data:

Contact details: Name, email address, phone number, home address.
Booking information: Dates of your stay, number of guests, special requests.
Payment information: We do not store your card details; all payments are processed securely by third-party providers.
Communications: Emails or messages you send us via our website, social media, or booking platforms.
Website data: IP address, browser type, and usage through cookies (see our Cookie Policy below).

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your information to:

Process and manage your booking.
Communicate with you about your stay.
Comply with legal and tax obligations.
Improve our guest experience and services.

4. Lawful Bases for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under data protection law:

Contract – To manage your booking and provide accommodation services.
Legal obligation – To comply with legal, tax, and record-keeping requirements.
Consent – For sending marketing emails or collecting optional feedback.
Legitimate interests – To run and improve our business efficiently.

5. Sharing Your Data

We may share your information with:

Online booking platforms you used (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com).
Service providers (e.g., cleaners, website hosts) under confidentiality agreements.
Legal or government authorities if required by law.

We do not sell or rent your data to anyone.

6. Data Retention

We only keep your data for as long as necessary:

Guest records: up to 7 years for legal and tax purposes.
Marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent.

7. Your Rights

You have rights under UK data protection law to:

Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
Ask us to correct or delete your data.
Object to or restrict how we process your data.
Withdraw consent at any time (for example, to unsubscribe from marketing).
Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk

To exercise your rights or raise concerns, contact us at:
📧 Email: claire@theholliesdorset.co.uk

8. How We Protect Your Data

We take appropriate security measures to protect your data against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Our service providers are also required to meet data protection standards.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted here. We encourage you to review it periodically.

Cookie Policy

The Hollies, Dorset
Last updated: 6th May 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website [www.theholliesdorset.co.uk] (“our site”). By using our site, you agree to the use of cookies as outlined below.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, phone) when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, remember your preferences, and provide insights to improve user experience.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Our WordPress website (hosted by DreamHost) may use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies

These are necessary for the site to function properly and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions like setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms.

Functionality Cookies

These remember choices you make (such as language or region) and provide enhanced features.

Third-Party Cookies

If we embed content from third-party services like Google Maps, YouTube, or Instagram, these providers may set cookies via our site.

3. Managing Cookies

You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

See what cookies you have and delete them individually.
Block third-party cookies.
Block all cookies from specific websites.
Block all cookies completely.
Delete all cookies when you close your browser.

To find out more, visit www.allaboutcookies.org or check your browser’s help section.

4. Cookie Consent

When you first visit our site, you will see a cookie banner or pop-up asking for your consent to use non-essential cookies. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time.

5. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Any updates will be posted on this page.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact me at:
📧 Email: claire@theholliesdorset.co.uk