OYO, a well-known travel and hotel booking platform, has announced a major change in its check-in policy for partner hotels. The new rule, starting in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, states that unmarried couples will no longer be allowed to check into OYO hotels in the city. OYO stands for On Your Own. It is an online hotel booking platform. With its help, a room can be booked for a stay in any city in the country.
New Policy of OYO Hotels for Unmarried Couples
Proof of Relationship Required for Couples: As per the updated guidelines, all couples—even those with online bookings—must present valid proof of their relationship during check-in. This policy has been introduced to address concerns raised by local communities, according to a report by PTI.
Policy to Begin in Meerut and May Expand to Other Cities
The policy is being launched first in Meerut, based on feedback from the ground. OYO has already instructed partner hotels in the city to enforce the rule immediately. Depending on how it performs in Meerut, the company may consider expanding the policy to other cities.
Why the New Policy?
According to sources, civil society groups in Meerut have been asking for stricter measures regarding check-ins by unmarried couples. Similar requests have also come from residents of other cities, urging OYO to address this issue.
“OYO has received feedback in the past, particularly from Meerut, requesting action to address this concern. Residents from other cities have also petitioned for a similar policy,” said a source familiar with the matter.
OYO’s Focus on a Safer Brand Image
Pawas Sharma, Region Head for OYO North India, explained that this initiative is part of OYO’s efforts to improve its brand image. The company wants to project itself as a reliable option for families, students, solo travelers, and business professionals.
To support this goal, OYO has introduced various nationwide measures:
- Hosting joint seminars with police and hotel partners on safe hospitality practices.
- Blacklisting hotels involved in unethical activities.
- Taking strict action against unauthorized hotels misusing OYO’s branding.
With these steps, OYO aims to ensure a safer and more trusted experience for all its guests.
Some more things related to OYO:
- OYO was founded in the year 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal.
- Initially, it was named ‘Oraval’.
- OYO is considered to be India’s largest and perhaps the first startup company.
- It is a multinational hospitality chain for hotels, houses, and living spaces.
- OYO operates in many countries and is one of the largest hotel chains in the world.
- It provides affordable and standardized accommodation options such as budget hotels, boutique hotels, service apartments, vacation homes, etc.
- OYO is also expanding into other segments such as co-working spaces (OYO Workspaces) and rental housing (OYO Living).