Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 26, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how KC Estate LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company doing business as The Hickory Cottage ("we," "us" or "our"), handles personal information collected through this website and in connection with guest communications for The Hickory Cottage, Old Town Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

1. Who we are

KC Estate LLC, doing business as The Hickory Cottage
6319 Marshall Foch Ste 840241, New Orleans, LA 70124
Email: hickorycottagebsl@gmail.com
Short-term rental permit: 2026-137-STR

2. Information we collect

We collect only what you choose to give us:

  • Request form: your name, email address, desired dates, number of guests, and your message. Your phone number is optional.
  • Text message consent: if you check the optional SMS box, we keep a record of your consent, including the wording you agreed to, the phone number you gave, and the date and time.
  • Messages you send us: emails or texts you send us, and the information in them.
  • Booking information: if you book through Airbnb or Vrbo, we receive the booking details those platforms share with hosts (such as your name, dates, guest count and messages). Those platforms' own privacy policies govern what they collect.

Our website host may keep standard server logs (such as IP address and pages requested) for security and operation. This website does not use cookies, advertising trackers or analytics tools.

3. How we use information

  • To respond to your questions and date requests.
  • To communicate about a reservation or stay, including check-in and checkout information.
  • To send text messages if, and only if, you opted in (see section 4).
  • To keep records needed for our business, taxes, legal compliance and security.

4. Text messaging (SMS) privacy

If you opt in to text messages, KC Estate LLC, doing business as The Hickory Cottage, will text you about your reservation or stay only: for example confirmations, check-in details, checkout reminders and replies to your questions. We do not send marketing or promotional texts. Message frequency is about 3 to 8 messages per stay. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt out, or HELP for help.

Mobile information is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates. We use a messaging service provider and wireless carriers only to deliver the messages you asked to receive. Consent to text messages is not a condition of booking or of any purchase. See also our SMS opt-in details and SMS terms.

5. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

  • Service providers that help us run the website and communicate with you, such as our form-handling service, email provider and text messaging provider, and only to perform those services for us.
  • Airbnb and Vrbo, when you book or message through them.
  • Authorities or other parties when required by law, to enforce our rights, or to protect the safety of guests, neighbors or property.

6. How long we keep it

We keep inquiry and guest communication records for as long as needed to respond, manage reservations and meet legal, tax and recordkeeping obligations, then delete or de-identify them. Text consent records are kept for as long as needed to show that consent was given.

7. Your choices and rights

  • Opt out of texts anytime by replying STOP, or by emailing us.
  • Ask to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you by emailing hickorycottagebsl@gmail.com. We may need to keep some records where the law requires it.

8. Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect personal information, but no website or method of transmission is completely secure.

9. Children

This website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.

10. Other websites

This site links to Airbnb, Vrbo, map services and other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy. The "Last updated" date above shows the latest version.

12. Contact us

Questions about this policy: hickorycottagebsl@gmail.com, or write to KC Estate LLC, 6319 Marshall Foch Ste 840241, New Orleans, LA 70124.