Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 06/07/2025
Last Updated: 06/07/2025

At Queerstay, we care about more than just where you lay your head, we care about your privacy too. This Privacy Policy outlines what personal data we collect, how we use it, how it’s stored, and your rights under the UK GDPR and applicable data laws.

1. Who we are

QueerStay is an independent LGBTQ+ travel platform based in the United Kingdom. We provide curated hotel recommendations and city guides to help queer travellers find inclusive places to stay. The website is hosted and operated through Wix.com.

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, you can contact us at: team@queerstay.co.uk.

2. What personal data we collect

We only collect personal data in the following circumstances:

Newsletter subscription: When you sign up for our newsletter, we collect your email address. This is the only personally identifiable information we request.
Site usage data: Through Wix’s built-in tools and cookies, we collect non-identifiable information such as page visits, session duration, referral sources, and click patterns. This helps us improve the user experience.
Affiliate link tracking: If you click on a referral link to a third-party booking site (e.g. Expedia), your activity may be tracked by cookies on those external platforms. We do not see or store personal information related to these bookings.

3. How we use your data

We only use your data in the following ways:

To send newsletters and marketing updates (only if you’ve opted in).
To analyse website performance and improve content using anonymised statistics.
To track conversions from affiliate links, so we can earn referral commissions.

We will never sell, rent or share your data with other businesses or advertisers.

4. Newsletter & communications

When you opt in to receive our newsletter, you consent to receive occasional updates, curated hotel picks, and Queerstay news. You can unsubscribe at any time using the web forms across the site. We use Wix’s built-in mailing tools to manage email communications. Your email address is stored securely on Wix’s servers, in accordance with their privacy policy.

5. Cookies and tracking technologies

Queerstay uses cookies and similar technologies to:

Analyse how users interact with our site (via Wix analytics).
Enable basic website functionality.
Track affiliate link clicks to third-party platforms.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. By continuing to use our site, you consent to the use of cookies as described here.

6. Data storage and security

Your data is stored securely on Wix.com servers. These may be located in the United States, the European Union, or other jurisdictions with adequate data protection standards. Wix is fully GDPR-compliant, and we rely on their secure systems for data encryption, access control, and breach prevention.

7. Your rights under GDPR (and UK GDPR)

If you're located in the UK, EU or any jurisdiction with strong data rights, you have the right to:

Access the data we hold about you.
Correct or update your data.
Request that we delete your data (your "right to be forgotten").
Withdraw consent at any time (e.g. unsubscribe from the newsletter).
Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at team@queerstay.co.uk

8. Children’s privacy

Queerstay is not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe your child has provided personal information, please contact us.

9. Third-party links

Our website contains links to third-party booking platforms, including Expedia and Hotels.com. Once you leave Queerstay, the data you provide on those sites is governed by their respective privacy policies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites.

10. Policy changes

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, legal obligations, or user feedback. Updates will be posted here with a revised “Last Updated” date. If changes are substantial, we will notify you via the website or email if you are subscribed.

11. Contact us

Have questions about your data? Want something clarified or removed?

Email us: team@queerstay.co.uk. We’ll respond as quickly as we can — and always respectfully.