1. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit. Cookies let the site remember things about your visit — like that you dismissed the cookie banner, or which pages you’ve already seen.
Cookies are not programs, they cannot execute code, and they cannot access other files on your device. They are read only by the website that set them (or, for third-party cookies, the service that set them).
We also use localStorage, a similar browser feature, to store your cookie consent choice. It works like a cookie but is not transmitted to our servers on every request.
2. Why we use them
NorthStar uses cookies for three specific purposes:
- To make the site work. Booking forms, appointment scheduling, and the cookie banner all need a small amount of local storage to function.
- To understand how the site is used. We want to know which pages are visited most, where visitors drop off, and how long they spend reading — so we can improve the site.
- To remember your preferences. If you started filling out a booking form and navigated away, a preference cookie can help the form remember your entries when you return.
We do not use cookies for advertising. We do not run ad-tracking pixels, we do not share cookie data with advertising networks, and we do not build advertising profiles of our visitors.
3. Types of cookies we use
Essential cookies
These are required for the site to function properly. Without them, the booking flow, appointment scheduling, and cookie preferences won’t work. These cannot be turned off while you use the site.
Analytics cookies
These help us understand how visitors use the site — which pages are popular, how long visitors stay, and where they come from. The data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. You can decline these through the cookie banner.
Preference cookies
These remember choices you’ve made on the site, like a form field you partially filled out or a service category you were browsing. You can decline these through the cookie banner.
4. Full cookie list
Here is every cookie and storage key this site uses, what it does, and how long it lasts:
If we add new cookies in the future, this table will be updated at the same time and the “Last updated” date at the top of the page will change.
5. How to control cookies
Through our cookie banner
The first time you visit the site, you’ll see a cookie banner with Accept and Decline buttons. Declining means only essential cookies are set. You can change your choice at any time by clearing your browser’s cookies and localStorage for this site — the banner will reappear on your next visit.
Through your browser
Every major browser lets you view, block, and delete cookies through its settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Blocking all cookies may break parts of our site — especially the booking and appointment features, which rely on essential cookies to function correctly.
7. Third-party cookies
We keep third-party cookies to a minimum. Currently:
- Analytics provider. A single analytics service (self-hosted, no third-party data sharing) processes aggregated usage data. No Google Analytics, no Facebook Pixel, no advertising trackers.
- Payment processor. If you pay by card, our payment processor may set its own cookies during the transaction to prevent fraud. These are managed by the processor’s own privacy policy.
- Embedded content. Our site does not embed YouTube videos, social media widgets, or external map services that would set third-party cookies.
8. Do Not Track
Some browsers send a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. There is still no common industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT. Our site does not respond to DNT signals directly, but our analytics are configured to honor the choice you make through our cookie banner — which is the more reliable way to control tracking anyway.
9. Updates to this policy
If we change what cookies we use or how we use them, we will update this page and revise the “Last updated” date at the top. For significant changes — like adding new categories of cookies — we will reset the cookie banner so all visitors are asked to make a fresh choice.
For more about how we handle personal information generally, see our Privacy Policy.