Gateway to Galway

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December 2023
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Location
Privacy Policy
This is the statement of how Shearwater Hotel & Spa, owned by Comer Group Ireland Hotels. Applies the data protection principles to data processed on this website. It is provided to fulfil our obligations under the general data protection regulation (GDPR), which requires greater transparency with regard to your personal information, and which gives you greater control over how we use it.

Who We Are?

We fully respect your right to privacy, any personal information, which you volunteer to Shearwater Hotel & Spa. This will be treated with the highest standards of security and confidentiality.

Throughout this privacy statement, “we”, “us”, “our” and “ours” refer to Shearwater Hotel and Comer Group Ireland

GENERAL STATEMENT

We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of other websites. Any external links to other websites are clearly identifiable as such. Some technical terms used in this statement are explained at the end of this page.

This statement outlines how we protect and manage your personal data. Please also read our Cookie Statement below, which tells you how we use cookies. For a better understanding of our product and service please read our Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions about how your information is gathered, stored, shared or used, please contact our hotel directly 0909630400. You have a number of rights in relation to your information, including the right to object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing or where the legal basis for our use of your data is our legitimate business interests.

To ensure that the personal information we hold on you is accurate and up-to-date, please inform us of any relevant change to your contact details.

As we might amend this page from time to time, we encourage you to visit our Privacy Statement page regularly.

THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT ABOUT YOU

1. Personal Information

As defined in GDPR, personal information is “any information relating to an identifiable person who can be directly or indirectly identified in particular by reference to an identifier”. It is information that identifies you as an individual or relates to an identifiable individual.

We may collect various personal information which you provided us with:
- - Contact information, including: title, name, postal and email address and phone/mobile number.
  - Information about your preferences for your stay.
  - Transaction information, including payment and reservation information and booking details.
  - Meeting and event specifications (if you plan an event with us).
  - Business information from our corporate customers, including job title, employer details (company name and business postal address) as well as booking type preferences.
  - Purchase history; like hotels that you have stayed in, the dates of your stay and other indicated preferences.
  - Guest feedback.
2. Sensitive Personal Information

The term “sensitive information” called in GDPR “special categories of personal data”, refers to information related to your physical or mental health, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or other beliefs, your sexual life, genetic data, biometric data (if used to identify an individual) or trade union membership.

In general, we do not collect sensitive information unless it is volunteered by you. We may use health information provided by you to meet your particular needs during your stay. For example such as any mobility restrictions or specific meal preferences.

3. Information From Online Activities

We collect information about your internet activity using the technology known as cookies, which can often be controlled through internet browsers. For detailed information on the cookies we use and the purposes for which we use them, see our Cookie Statement.

With your permission, we may collect certain information, like your IP address, or browser, and information about your computer’s operating system, application version, language settings and clickstream data which shows the traffic of your visit around this website (for example pages accessed and documents downloaded). We also collect the previous website address from which you reached us and the domain name used (for example .i.e., .com, .org, .net) If you’re using a mobile device, we might also collect data that identifies your mobile device, device-specific settings and characteristics and latitude/longitude details.

If you see our marketing ads on different websites. This is because we may show adverts we think will be of interest to you based on your activity on our site such as visiting certain pages or special offers through our advertising partners. Read more about our Cookie Statement. Our advertising partners include Google and, using the Google Display Network and in compliance with their strict advertiser policies, adverts can appear on third party sites.

4. Personal Information From Children

We do not administer bookings from children under 18 years old and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. As a parent or legal guardian, you should not allow your children to submit their personal information without your permission.

5. Personal Data You Give Us About Others

In situations when you:
5.1. Stay with other guests whose details you may provide as part of the reservation;
5.2. Make a reservation on behalf of someone else;
5.3. Purchase our gift card with the delivery service to another recipient than related to you;

You should only provide us with information about other people if you have their permission to do so. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the other person is aware that you have done so and that this individual has accepted that we use their personal information as outlined in our Privacy Statement.

WHEN WE COLLECT AND USE DATA ABOUT YOU

We use your personal information for various purposes:

1. When Have Consented To Us Using Your Personal Data

1.1. Bookings

We use your personal information to administer your booking. If the required personal data is not provided, we will not be able to administer your booking. When you make a reservation with us, we will send a booking confirmation by email. On occasion, we may get in touch with you by email or by phone with information related to your stay, meeting or event. This is to respond and handle requests you have made or to assist you and provide you with other relevant information.

1.2. Direct Marketing

1.2.1. Communication. We also use your contact information to send marketing communication about our products and services, as permitted by law (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations which regulates our marketing activities).
We send our customers regular newsletters by email. There may be other times when we get in touch by post, by phone or by texting you, depending on the contact information you share with us.
We also send you an email related to your upcoming stay, such as how to contact the hotel, and information that we feel might be useful to you in planning or getting the best out of your stay with us. You may opt-out from marketing communication at any time by clicking the relevant link in the e-mail message or contacting the marketing department at events@shearwaterhotel.com.

1.2.2. Guest Review. We may use your contact information to invite you to write a review after your stay, which may ask for information about the property, the surrounding areas, and the destination. If you don’t want your name to show with your review, you can be displayed anonymously.

By completing a guest review, you’re agreeing that it can be displayed on, for example, our websites, in our social media accounts; to inform other travellers about the quality and services of the hotel.

1.2.3. Market research. We may ask our customers to take part in market research. Any additional personal details that you give us as part of the market research will only be used with your consent.

2. To Manage Our Business For Our Legitimate Interests

“Legitimate Interests” means the interests of our company in conducting and managing our business to enable us to give you the best service and products. For example, we have an interest in making sure our marketing is relevant to you, so we may process your information to send you email marketing that is tailored to your previous stay(s).
Whenever we process data for these purposes we will ensure that we always keep your personal data rights in high regard and take account of these rights. You have the right to object to this processing if you wish, and if you wish to do so please email wburke@shearwaterhotel.com. Please bear in mind that if you object this may affect our ability to carry out below tasks for your benefit.

2.1. Online Services

As you make enquiries and engage with us, information is gathered about you. In order to assist you and provide with relevant information, we may process your personal information when you communicate with us using our website, via online chat, contact us or enquiry form or externally via social media to question us or inform us of any requests or preferences you may have.

2.2. Conduct marketing activities

2.2.1. When you participate in our promotional activities (e.g. competitions during trade shows or on our social media channels), your contact information will be collected to administer these promotions. If you agree (opt-in), we will use your contact information to send you regular news and offers related to our products and services. You will only be added to our marketing database with your prior marketing opt-in permission located on the form your contact details were collected. You can unsubscribe/opt-out from marketing communication at any time by clicking the relevant link in the e-mail message or contacting the marketing department at Shearwater Hotel & Spa

2.2.2. If you choose to participate in our social media activities (e.g. competitions, shared offers or other promotions), we may use the publicly available information you voluntarily share with us during the activity (e.g. your photos). This information might only be used in connection with that specific activity.

2.2.3. Provided that you have not objected us using your details in this way, we may contact your business contact information to provide you with information related to our services and products, which we think will be of interest and value to you (meeting, event planning, corporate room rate or any other).

2.2.4. We may use automated decision making to provide our current customers with relevant offers which are delivered by email.

2.2.5. To offer the best service, we have the ability to retain your contact details should you input them on our website using VeCapture by VeInteractive. This enables us if you do not complete your transaction by clicking submit to send you the email reminder to continue with your reservation. Such contact details may be used to contact you to assist with your transaction only. The information you enter into our booking forms may be collected and stored briefly so that we can contact you in relation to the nature of your attempted transaction, even if you don’t confirm the transaction. This may be used to send an email and will not use this data for any other purpose, we won’t store it for longer than necessary and we certainly won’t share it with any other company. Our aim is to provide you with the highest level of service that we can.

WHO WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH

Our commitment is protecting your privacy. We protect your information from unauthorised use or loss and will only pass your data to our business partners, to fulfil your requirements, improve our services or where we are required to do so by law.

We use a range of third parties to provide services – either directly or indirectly. Where relevant, these companies are required to comply with our data privacy and information security standards when handling personal data and we aim that they do not compromise your personal data and information. We may share your personal data and information if we believe in good faith that such disclosure is authorised by law or is necessary to protect your personal safety. Such disclosure may include a cross-border transfer of personal data and information. If legally compelled to disclose your information to a third party, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to notify you in advance of a disclosure unless legally prohibited.

SECURITY AND RETENTION PROCEDURES

We take security responsibilities seriously, employing the most appropriate physical and technical measures, including staff training and awareness and we review these measures regularly.

We will keep your personal data for as long as it is necessary to enable you to use our services, to provide our services to you, unless a longer retention period is required. This is to comply with applicable laws, resolve disputes with any parties and otherwise as necessary to allow us to conduct our business, including to detect and prevent fraud or other illegal activities. All personal data we retain will be subject to this Privacy Statement. If you have a question about a specific retention period for certain types of personal data we process about you, please contact us via the contact details provided below.

YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

1. The right of access to your personal data

If you have given your personal data and information to us, you have the right to ask us to advise you of the scope of information we process about you, the purpose and nature of the processing, and information on who we share it with.

1. 1. You can do the above by calling the hotel &. requesting your personal information 0909630400

2. The right to rectification

You can also request to update, correct your personal information. We strive to retain only data that is accurate, complete and up to date.

Please contact us to ensure that the personal information we retain is up to date.

3. The right to deletion

You can also request to delete your personal data at any time. However, we may need to retain certain information for legal or administrative purposes, such as record keeping or to detect fraudulent activities. You can opt out of marketing contact upon request. If you are concerned about potential violation of your privacy rights, please advise us of your concerns and we will strive to resolve them as soon as practically possible. You could do so by calling 0909630400. Please write “Request personal information deletion” in the subject line of your email.

4. The right to object processing

You have the right to object to processing your data under our business for our legitimate interests.
Where we are using your personal data on the basis of your consent, you are can withdraw that consent at any time subject to applicable law.
You can do the above by contact the hotel and requesting same 0909630400.

5. The right to data portability

You have the right to data portability which allows you to obtain and reuse your personal data for your own purposes across different services. This right applies where your personal information is being processed based on consent or for a performance of a contract and the processing is carried out by automated means (excluding paper files).
The right also permits the transfer of data directly to another provider where technically feasible. Therefore, depending on the technology involved, we may not be able to receive personal data transferred to us and we will not be responsible for the accuracy of the same.
You can do the above by contacting the hotel 090963400

6. You have the right to complain to the Data Protection Commission or another supervisory authority here

CONTACT DETAILS

If you have any questions about your personal data or if you wish to exercise any of your data rights, please contact us:

Complaint Resolution

All customer complaints are promptly escalated to the relevant manager. We deal with all complaints fairly and promptly and all issues are resolved as quickly as possible. Where any customer is dissatisfied with the outcome of our efforts to resolve their complaint, the matter will be raised with senior management. Where any customer remains dissatisfied, they are notified of their rights to refer their complaint to the relevant Ombudsman.

COOKIE POLICY

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) that hold information about your previous visits to our site. On returning to our site this stored information is fed back to us allowing us to offer you a more personal browsing experience. By using our site you consent to cookies being used in accordance with our policy. For more information on cookies, visit www.ico.org.uk or www.dataprotection.ie

Why Are We Telling You This?

EU law requires website operators to ask for permission before using certain kinds of cookies. To ensure you are completely aware of the types of cookies we use and to enable us to continue to bring you the best possible browsing experience, we are giving you a detailed outline of the cookies we use and their unique role in your browsing experience.

What Cookies Do We Use?

Our website uses the following types of cookies:

1. Strictly necessary cookies – These technical cookies enable you to navigate our site and gain full access to its features and secure areas. Without these cookies essential services, you have asked for, cannot be provided.

2. Functionality cookies – These cookies remember choices you made on previous visits to our site such as your username, language or region so we can provide enhanced, more personal features. They can also be used to remember changes you’ve made to text size, fonts and other parts of web pages you can customise. Functionality cookies can also be used to provide services you have previously asked for such as watching videos or commenting on a blog. The information collected by these cookies may be anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other sites.

3. Performance cookies (Google analytics cookies) – These cookies remember information about how you and other customers use our website. This gives us vital information such as which pages are visited most often and if customers are receiving error messages from certain pages. The role of these cookies is to allow us to analyse and improve the performance of our website ensuring you receive a consistent look, feel and shopping experience. Performance cookies don’t collect any information that identifies the customer and all information collected is aggregated and therefore anonymous.

4. Targeting or advertising cookies – These cookies are used to show you Shearwater Hotel & Spa Hotel advertisements on other websites. This is called ‘retargeting’ and these cookies remember that you have visited our website and the information is shared with other organisations such as third-party advertisers. Third-party advertisers, including Google, use first-party cookies (such as Google Analytics cookie) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) together to inform, optimise, and serve advertisements based on someone’s past visits to our Website. When one of these adverts is presented to you on a site there will be a quick and easy way to click in and opt out of receiving further adverts.

OUR COOKIE DETAILS

Name	Purpose	Lifecycle
TYPE 1
ads/ga-audiences	Used by Google AdWords to re-engage visitors that are likely to convert to customers based on the visitor’s online behaviour across websites.	expires at the end of the session
fr	Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real time bidding from third party advertisers.	3 months
r/collect	Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report the website user’s actions after viewing or clicking on e of the advertiser’s ads with the purpose of measuring the efficacy of an ad and to present targeted ads to the user.	expires at the end of the session
mc	Collects anonymous data on the user’s visits to the website, such as the number of visits, average time spent on the website and what pages have been loaded with the purpose of generating reports for optimising the website content.	13 months
__ssid	This cookie may collect the following information and store it against an anonymous user ID: Product codes (eg special offers) you have browsed and other information relevant to shopping behaviour on our site. This information is used to serve targeted adverts to the visitor on an anonymous basis.	1 year
{Guid}	This cookie may collect the following information and store it against an anonymous user ID: Product codes (eg special offers) you have browsed and other information relevant to shopping behaviour on our site. This information is used to serve targeted adverts to the visitor on an anonymous basis.	expires at the end of the session
tr	Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real time bidding from third party advertisers.	expires at the end of the session
TYPE 2
__cfduid	Used by the content network, Cloudflare, to identify trusted web traffic.	1 year
__cfduid	Used by our live chat service.	1 year
_dc_gtm_UA-#	Used by Google Tag Manager to control the loading of a Google Analytics script tag.	expires at the end of the session
_gat	Used by Google Analytics to throttle request rate.	expires at the end of the session
__qca	Collects anonymous data on the user’s visits to the website, such as the number of visits, average time spe nt on the website and what pages have been loaded with the purpose of generating reports for optimising the website content.	1 year
euCookie	Registers user has accepted our cookie policy for duration of session.	expires at the end of the session
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE	Tries to estimate the users’ bandwidth on pages with integrated YouTube videos	179 days
vsid	Used by our live chat service.	expires at the end of the session
wsid	Used by our live chat service.	expires at the end of the session
euCookie	Registers user has accepted our cookie policy for the duration of session.	expires at the end of the session
TYPE 3
_ga	Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website.	2 years
_gid	Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website.	expires at the end of the session
d	Collects anonymous data on the user’s visits to the website, such as the number of visits, average time spent on the website and what pages have been loaded with the purpose of generating reports for optimising the website content.	3 months
collect	Used to send data to Google Analytics about the visitor’s device and behaviour. Tracks the visitor across d evices and marketing channels.	expires at the end of the session
PREF	Registers a unique ID that is used by Google to keep statistics of how the visitor uses YouTube videos across different websites.	8 months
YSC	Registers a unique ID to keep statistics of what YouTube videos the user has seen.	expires at the end of the session
uvc	Updates the counter for the website’s social sharing features.	expires at the end of the session

MANAGING COOKIES

Can I disable cookies from your website?

It is possible to stop your browser accepting cookies from particular websites. However, disabling cookies from our site will mean you lose a lot of functionality, which will have a detrimental impact on your browsing experience and mean that you only have limited access to personalised areas of the site.

HOW TO BLOCK OR DELETE COOKIES

We have explained to you what cookies are and what they do, you can delete or disable cookies if you want to and the links below will explain how to do this. It is possible to block some or all cookies, or even to delete cookies that have already been set, but you need to be aware that you might lose some of the functionality of the website by blocking strictly necessary cookies that are outlined above.

If you wish to restrict or block the web browser cookies set on your device, you can do this through your browser settings; the Help function within your browser explains how to change these settings.

Microsoft Internet Explorer – How to delete cookies in Microsoft Internet Explorer

Google Chrome – How to delete cookies in Google Chrome

Firefox – How to delete cookies in Firefox

Safari – how to delete cookies in Safari

You can also visit www.allaboutcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to manage cookies on a wide variety of desktop browsers.

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED:

Web browser; the piece of software you use to read web pages. Examples are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator and Opera.

IP address; the identifying details for your computer (or your internet company’s computer), expressed in “internet protocol” code (for example 192.168.72.34). Every computer connected to the web has a unique IP address, although the address may not be the same every time a connection is made.

Cancellation Policy

Contact us up to 48hrs before arrival by 12 noon to cancel your booking free of charge providing that your reservation is not specified as prepaid at the point of booking. This is only applicable to those bookings made directly or via our hotel website.
Please note that in the event of late cancellation or no show, the first night's stay is fully chargeable.
Booking 4 rooms or more are seen as group bookings. Our reservations team will be in contact regarding the terms and conditions. Deposits will be required to secure group bookings and cards will be required to secure the group.
Please note that if your booking is on the 27th, 28th,29th of September and the 4st, 5th, 6th October 2024 then a booking deposit of €150.00 which is non-refundable is applicable. Please note from the 28th of September to the 6th October 2024 our Leisure Centre and Spa will be closed due to a deep clean and staff training.
Our Advance Purchase rates are prepaid at time of booking.
Health & Safety Info
As has always been the case, our team at Shearwater Hotel & Spa have always maintained that a safe environment for our guests and team members is of utmost importance. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic we have been working to implement preparatory measures and guidance to assist our guests in mitigating the potential risks posed by the Coronavirus (Covid-19). We have put together an informative reference guide to offer reassurance and secure knowledge that we are taking every possible measure to ensure the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our valued guests and customers is maintained at all times.

We will review regularly and update as the situation evolves, keeping policies and procedures relating to Covid-19 under constant review and updating accordingly. This information has been developed based on HSE and World Health Organisation guidelines and does not constitute legal advice and is purely for guidance and reference purposes.
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
- Sanitising Stations
- Disinfecting Mist
HYGIENE POLICIES & ENHANCED CLEANING PROTOCOLS

We ensure the highest levels of hygiene at our property as a general standard at Shearwater Hotel & Spa, and in our actions against Covid-19 we have re-evaluated our policies and procedures and have increased cleaning measures across the property. We have implemented more in depth and frequent cleaning throughout the property, with hourly sanitisation of all identified common touchpoints across all public areas and will continue this process going forward. We have reviewed our cleaning products to ensure the correct levels of antibacterial disinfectant and continue to maintain a sufficient stock of these products.

We have appointed a designated team to ensure that these hygiene measures are consistently maintained and have created detailed cleaning schedules and checklists to ensure that all team members maintain these cleaning policies, procedures and standards.

Before you arrive
- We will have thoroughly deep cleaned each room, and used a disinfecting mist in the room, as well as ensuring that the room has been well ventilated for a minimum of 2 hours per day.
- Where possible, we will endeavour to allow a 24 hour interval between departure and arrival of guests in any particular room.
- All key cards will be thoroughly disinfected when returned and again before they are given to a guest.
- Linen will be washed at higher temperatures using disinfectant detergents.
When you arrive
- Hand Sanitiser points and sanitising stations will be clearly displayed in all public areas.
- Public areas will be sanitised through increased cleaning and the use of disinfecting mist.
- We will aim to keep any contact to a minimum, this can be achieved by using contactless payment methods. Our payment terminals will be disinfected on a regular basis.
PREVENTION

Preventative measures which we have taken at the property include;
- Promoting regular hand-washing – we have displayed posters throughout customer and employee toilet facilities, which encourage good handwashing techniques using soap and water.
- We encourage proper cough and sneeze etiquette, using tissues which are immediately disposed of in closed top bins.
- We have prominently displayed alcohol-based hand sanitisers in various areas such as Hotel Reception, Bar & Restaurant, lift lobbies, carpark entrance to hotel. We refill these dispensers regularly and ensure that they are never emptied.
- Regular cleaning and disinfectant of public areas – focusing deep cleaning on areas such as elevators, bathrooms and common touch points such as door handles and taps.
STAY SAFELY TEAM

We have designated Compliance Officers at our property who have undergone specific intensive training in relation to Covid-19. These compliance officers will work with Management and team members to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to and will be equipped with the knowledge on how to deal with a potential case of Covid-19.

Our Compliance Officers, alongside representatives from each department will form a “Stay Safely” Team, who will work around the clock to ensure that each Department meets specific outlined requirements in maintaining ultimate hygiene and sanitisation levels. The “Stay Safely” team will work to coordinate and oversee all policies and procedures relating to the prevention of Covid-19 throughout the property and will work with all other team members to ensure that all tasks and responsibilities are completed and fulfilled.

As part of our reopening procedures, all team members will be fully inducted before returning to the workplace to ensure that they remain knowledgeable on Covid-19 and what is expected by the company in relation to our policies and procedures across the property surrounding the virus. As part of this process, team members will be fully trained on carrying out and maintaining increased hygiene standards.

We have identified a team of management and staff to handle all issues in relation to COVID-19 and contact numbers have been shared internally. This team will ensure appropriate communication and coordination between different departments (front desk, housekeeping, management, night porters and food and beverage staff).

MANAGEMENT

As a Property and as a Group, Shearwater Hotel & Spa and Comer Group Hotels are continually reviewing information and updates provided by the relevant authorities including the Irish Government, HSE, Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs. We are dedicated to complying with all recommendations and regulations so that we are secure in the knowledge we have done everything possible to keep you safe.

We have conducted risk assessments throughout the property and will continue to reassess any potential risks at the property, immediately implementing any necessary changes to policies and procedures.

We are continually providing updates and refresher training to employees to ensure that our teams remain knowledgeable and aware of their responsibilities. We trust that our team members understand the importance of assisting in the fight against Covid-19 and that each individual will do their utmost to carry out their duties in complete compliance with company policies and procedures.

We continue to look forward to resuming business as usual and welcoming our guests back to Shearwater Hotel & Spa and wish to sincerely thank you for your co-operation and support during this challenging time.

Thank you!

Why Book With Us?

Categories

Gateway to Galway

Family Breaks

Spa Getaways

Upcoming Concert Packages

Work Stay & Getaway

Stellar 50 Stay's

2024 Stay & Save Offers

Special Offers

Categories

Gateway to Galway

Family Breaks

Spa Getaways

Upcoming Concert Packages

Work Stay & Getaway

Stellar 50 Stay's

2024 Stay & Save Offers

Special Offers