Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 16, 2025

1. Introduction

Peapod Hotels, operated by Peapod Hotels ("we", "our", "us"), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you directly provide to us:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, profile photo
• Young traveller Verification: Educational institution, graduation year, young traveller email (.edu)
• Payment Information: Processed securely by Stripe (we do not store full card numbers)
• Booking Information: Travel dates, guest count, special requests
• Host Information: Property details, photos, availability calendar, bank account details (for payouts)
• Communications: Messages between guests and hosts, customer support inquiries
• Reviews: Ratings and review text you submit

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our app, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Features used, pages viewed, search queries, time spent in app
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (precise location only if you grant permission)
• Log Data: App crashes, system activity, hardware settings

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social Login: If you sign in with Apple or Google (name, email, profile photo)
• Payment Processors: Transaction details from Stripe
• Educational Institutions: Verification of young traveller status (with your permission)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Process bookings, facilitate communications, manage accounts
• Payments: Process transactions, handle refunds, pay hosts
• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, resolve disputes, provide assistance
• Safety & Security: Verify identities, detect fraud, enforce policies
• Communications: Send booking confirmations, check-in reminders, important updates (via email and SMS if you opt-in)
• Improvements: Analyze usage patterns, improve app features, fix bugs
• Marketing: Send promotional offers (only if you opt-in)
• Legal Compliance: Comply with laws, respond to legal requests

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

• Hosts: When you book, hosts see your name, profile photo, and contact information
• Guests: Hosts can see guest profiles and previous reviews
• Public Reviews: Your reviews and ratings are publicly visible

4.2 With Service Providers

We share data with trusted third parties who help us operate:

• Stripe: Payment processing
• Supabase: Database and authentication services
• Twilio: SMS messaging
• OneSignal: Push notifications
• Cloud Storage: For storing photos and files

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect rights, property, or safety of Peapod Hotels, users, or public
• Investigate fraud or security issues

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your information through your account settings in the app.

5.2 Delete Account

You can request account deletion by contacting support@peapodhotels.com. Some information may be retained for legal or business purposes.

5.3 Marketing Communications

• Email: Unsubscribe via links in emails or account settings
• SMS: Reply STOP to any message or update in app settings
• Push Notifications: Disable in device settings

5.4 Location Data

You can control location permissions in your device settings. Some features may not work without location access.

5.5 Cookie Preferences

Our mobile app uses minimal cookies for authentication. You can clear app data to remove stored information.

6. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication with password hashing
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data
• PCI-compliant payment processing via Stripe

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Use our services at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information:

• Active Accounts: As long as your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Up to 90 days after deletion request
• Legal Requirements: Longer if required by law (tax records, legal disputes)
• Anonymized Data: Indefinitely for analytics and improvements

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we learn we have collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly.

9. International Users

Our services are based in the United States. If you use our services from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under CCPA:

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@peapodhotels.com.

11. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or app notification. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests: