Privacy Policy

1. About Hostelova

Hostelova is a student accommodation platform that helps users find, compare and book verified hostels, PGs and flats.

Bookings can be paid online through the platform. Users may also deal directly with hostel owners for anything arranged outside Hostelova.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information from users and hostel owners:

Personal Information

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Profile photo

Account Information

• Login credentials
• Account preferences
• Password recovery information

Device & Technical Information

• Device type
• Browser information
• IP address
• App usage information
• Operating system details

Location Information

We may collect approximate location information to improve hostel recommendations and search results.

Payment Information

Bookings are paid through our payment gateway, Razorpay. Your card, UPI and banking credentials are entered with the gateway and are never sent to or seen by Hostelova.

We retain only what is needed to show you a receipt and to process a refund: the amount, the payment method type (for example UPI or card), the gateway's transaction reference, and the booking it belongs to.

Hostelova does not store card numbers, CVVs, UPI PINs or bank account credentials.

Booking Profile

When you book, we ask once for your college or workplace and an emergency contact, so the owner can verify the booking and reach someone if needed. These are stored on your profile and reused for later bookings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Create and manage user accounts
• Display hostel listings and recommendations
• Improve platform functionality and user experience
• Verify hostel listings and owners
• Respond to support requests
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized activities
• Send updates, notifications, and service-related communications

4. Hostel Listings & Verification

Hostelova manually reviews hostel listings before approval.

Some hostels may receive a "Verified" badge after basic validation and verification checks performed by our team. However, Hostelova does not guarantee the complete accuracy of all listing information.

Users are advised to independently verify hostel details before making final decisions or payments.

5. User Reviews & Content

Users may post ratings and reviews on hostel listings.

Hostelova reserves the right to:

• remove fake or misleading reviews
• remove abusive or offensive content
• suspend accounts involved in spam, fraud, or misuse

6. Users Under 18

Users under the age of 18 may use Hostelova under parental or guardian guidance.

Hostelova may request student identification or admission-related verification in certain cases to maintain platform authenticity and safety.

7. Data Sharing

Hostelova does not sell personal user data to third parties.

Information may be shared only:

• with hostel owners during inquiries or booking requests
• with trusted service providers supporting the platform
• when required by law or legal authorities

8. Third-Party Services

Hostelova may use third-party tools and services including:

• Firebase services, if enabled
• Analytics tools, if enabled
• Google Fonts and CDN services
• Communication and support platforms
• Payment processors, if online payments are introduced in the future

These services may collect limited technical information according to their own privacy policies.

9. Advertisements & Sponsored Listings

In future versions, Hostelova may display:

• advertisements
• sponsored hostel listings
• promotional content

If sponsored or promoted placements are introduced, they will be disclosed clearly and handled separately from ordinary user reviews and organic listing information.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.

However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

11. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on applicable law, users may request access to personal information, correction or updating of inaccurate information, deletion of account data, and support for privacy-related grievances.

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected]. We may ask for basic verification before acting on a request.

12. Account Deletion Policy

At Hostelova, users have the right to request deletion of their account and associated personal information.

How to Request Account Deletion

Users can request account deletion by:

• using the in-app deletion option, if available
• contacting us via email at [email protected]

What Happens After Deletion

After receiving a valid deletion request:

• the user account will be removed
• profile information may be deleted
• access to the account will be permanently disabled

Some limited data may be retained temporarily for legal compliance, fraud prevention, and security purposes.

Data That May Remain

Certain public activities may remain visible after deletion, including anonymous reviews, ratings, and moderation records. This data will not personally identify the deleted user.

Processing Time

Account deletion requests are generally processed within 7-15 business days.

Abuse & Fraud Prevention

Hostelova reserves the right to retain limited information where necessary to prevent fraud, investigate abuse, or comply with legal obligations.

For the full policy, see our Account Deletion Policy.

13. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Hostelova may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• improve user experience
• analyze platform performance
• personalize content and recommendations

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Hostelova reserves the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time.

Updated versions will be posted on this page with the revised date.

15. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or support, contact us at:

📧 [email protected]

16. Consent

By using Hostelova, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy.