OYO Bans Hotel Check-ins for Unmarried Couples
OYO, a well-known hotel and travel booking platform, has announced a controversial new policy aimed at restricting unmarried couples from checking into its partner hotels in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Under this updated rule, all couples—whether they’ve made online bookings or not—will be required to provide valid proof of their relationship upon check-in.
OYO, a well-known hotel and travel booking platform, has announced a controversial new policy aimed at restricting unmarried couples from checking into its partner hotels in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Under this updated rule, all couples—whether they’ve made online bookings or not—will be required to provide valid proof of their relationship upon check-in.
The policy will initially be implemented in Meerut, where the platform has instructed its partner hotels to enforce the new guidelines immediately. OYO has said that based on feedback from the region, the policy could be extended to other cities in the future.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that OYO’s decision comes after repeated requests from civil society groups, particularly in Meerut, urging the platform to take action on the issue of unmarried couples staying in hotels. Residents of other cities have also petitioned for similar rules to be adopted across the country.
Pawas Sharma, Region Head of OYO North India, stated that this move is part of OYO’s broader strategy to rebrand itself as a company offering a safe environment for various types of guests, including families, students, business travelers, and religious or solo visitors. This initiative also aims to address outdated perceptions about the platform’s customer base.
OYO has been proactive in implementing policies to ensure a safer and more regulated hospitality environment. It has conducted joint seminars with the police and hotel partners on safe hospitality practices, blacklisted hotels involved in promoting immoral activities, and taken action against unauthorized hotels using the OYO brand name.
This move has sparked a mix of reactions, with supporters praising the company for prioritizing safety and security, while critics argue that it might discriminate against unmarried couples and violate personal freedoms. The new policy is yet to be tested at scale, but it marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to hotel management in the region.
As the policy rolls out in Meerut, OYO will be closely monitoring its impact and could expand it based on community feedback. For now, those planning to check into OYO hotels in the city will need to ensure they have proper documentation to prove their relationship status if they are in a couple.
Sources BY Agencies
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