Privacy

Last Updated: February 26, 2025

Inclusive Lodging LLC d/b/a Soul Fam Hostel (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable laws.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

1.1 Information You Provide to Us:

  • Full name, contact details (phone number, email address), and ID or passport number during the booking process.
  • Payment information (e.g., credit card details)
  • Special preferences or requests.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically:

  • IP address, device information, and browsing behavior when using our website​
  • CCTV footage for security purposes on hostel premises.

1.3 Sensitive Personal Information:

  • We may collect sensitive data only where necessary and with your explicit consent, such as health information (e.g., for medical emergencies or special needs).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Process bookings and provide accommodation services.
  • Communicating with you about your reservation or respond to inquiries.
  • For billing, payment processing, and fraud prevention.
  • Improving our services, website, and customer experience.
  • Complying with legal obligations (e.g., record-keeping and reporting requirements).
  • Marketing and promotional purposes (with your consent)

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in the following ways:

  • Service Providers: With third-party vendors and service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, email delivery).
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and property.
  • Emergency Services: In case of medical or safety-related emergencies.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of assets, or other business transfer.

All third-party service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and required to handle your information securely.

4. Data Security

We implement strict security measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Encrypted transactions for online payments.
  • Secure storage of personal and payment data.
  • Restricted access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no security measure is completely foolproof, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal requirements.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for specific purposes (e.g., marketing).

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with our website. This helps us improve your experience and provide personalized services. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

7. Retention of Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website and updating the “Last Updated” date at the top. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us via WhatsApp using the chat widget in the bottom right of your screen.