Cookie & Privacy Policy
Last updated: 19 March 2026 · Version 1.0
HotelMonitor.co.uk is operated as a sole trader based in the United Kingdom. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
1. Cookies
HotelMonitor does not use HTTP cookies for tracking, advertising, or analytics. We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any third-party tracking scripts.
We use localStorage — a browser storage mechanism similar to cookies — for one strictly necessary purpose:
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | PECR Category |
|---|
hm_email |
localStorage |
Remembers your email address so you don't have to re-enter it when viewing your bookings or watches in the same browser. |
Until you clear your browser storage |
Strictly necessary — no consent required |
Because this storage is strictly necessary for the service to function as you'd expect, it does not require your consent under PECR Regulation 6(4). You can clear it at any time by clearing your browser's local storage or site data.
2. Personal data we collect
When you submit a booking or set a price watch, we collect:
- Your email address — to send price alerts you have consented to receive
- Hotel name, dates, price paid, and cancellation fee — to monitor your booking
- IP address and browser user agent — recorded at the time of consent as required by UK GDPR Article 7 to demonstrate lawful basis
3. Legal basis for processing
We process your personal data on the basis of consent (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(a)). You provide explicit consent when you tick the "Price alert emails" checkbox on our forms. You can withdraw consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send you.
4. How we use your data
- To monitor hotel prices and send you alerts when a saving is found (if you consented)
- To send you occasional promotional emails about travel deals (only if you separately consented)
- To maintain a consent audit log as required by UK GDPR
We never sell your data, share it with advertisers, or use it for any purpose beyond what is described above.
5. Affiliate links
When you click a "Book now" link in our emails or on our site, you are taken to a third-party booking platform (such as Expedia or Hotels.com) via an affiliate link. If you complete a booking, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. These third-party sites have their own cookie and privacy policies which we encourage you to read.
6. Data retention
- Active bookings and price watches: retained while active and for 12 months after expiry
- Consent log: retained for 7 years (legal requirement to demonstrate lawful basis)
- Email alert logs: retained for 12 months
7. Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or port your personal data. To exercise any of these rights, email us at privacy@hotelmonitor.co.uk. We will respond within 30 days.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
8. Changes to this policy
We will update this policy when our practices change. The version number and date at the top of this page will always reflect the current version. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of the current policy.
9. Contact
For any privacy-related questions: privacy@hotelmonitor.co.uk