OYO Updates Check-In Policy: Unmarried Couples Not Banned, Partner Hotels Given Discretion

OYO Revises Check-In Policy: Unmarried Couples Still Welcome Based on Hotel Discretion

On January 5, leading news channels raised controversy by reporting that OYO Hotels & Homes has disallowed unmarried couples from entering their properties. Such headlines as "No Room for Unmarried Couples, OYO Changes Check-In Rules" and "No Entry to Unmarried Couples: OYO Changes Check-In Rules" had the general public confused, particularly unmarried couples, who have stayed at OYO for so long because of its very liberal check-in policies.

What the New Guidelines Actually Say

Contrary to the headlines, OYO's revised policy does not place a blanket ban on unmarried couples. Earlier according to old policies, partner hotels cannot deny to unmarried couples and according to the improvised policy, the company has allowed its partner hotels to decide whether or not they want to accept bookings from unmarried couples. The change marks a departure from the earlier mandate placed by OYO on its partner hotels that prevented them from refusing rooms to unmarried couples.

The new policy balances personal freedom with local social norms. While some partner hotels may still welcome unmarried couples, others now have the discretion to decline such bookings. The guidelines have initially been implemented in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and may expand to other cities based on feedback.

Reason Behind the Policy Change

OYO said it has taken the decision in view of feedback from civil society groups and local communities. Pawan Sharma, OYO's Region Head for North India, elaborated, "While we respect personal liberties, we must also align with the sensibilities of local markets and law enforcement. This policy will be reviewed periodically."

Trend of OYO in unmarried couples in last 5 years

Increase in Check-in in OYO hotels ; The online search for hotel accommodation for couples has increased tenfold over the past five years. It is ironic that 60% of the couples are residents of the same city where they wish to book their hotel accommodation.
OYO has responded to this demand by offering "OYO for couples," ensuring safe and secure stays for unmarried couples

Criminal activities taking place in OYO hotels in last 5 years

Death of a couple in an OYO hotel
In October 2023, a 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were found dead in an OYO hotel room in Delhi's Maujpur area. The post-mortem report said that the woman was strangled to death and the man had committed suicide after killing her.
 

Blacklisting of a hotel
In March 2024, OYO blacklisted and terminated its contract with Hotel Resort Stay Inn in Nagpur after allegations of flesh trade. OYO also decided to take the hotel and individuals involved to court.
 

Allegations of embezzlement
In October 2021, Eneskay Hospitality Pvt Ltd filed a case against OYO Rooms and its group companies for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and forgery.

Safer hiding place for drug peddlers

On 04 oct, 2022 Kochi police up ante as peddlers use budget hotels for drug deals. Cops say apart from cost factors, low-price hotels offer protection from authorities. City Police Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam said budget hotels like OYO rooms have become a big problem as most of them rent out rooms through online medium and do not maintain physical records of the guests. "Some opt rooms for hourly stay. It is easy to carry out drug, alcohol and other immoral activities in these cheap rooms without any accountability.".

OYO's Safe Hospitality Initiatives

In addition to the new policy, OYO has introduced various initiatives to make hospitality responsible. These include:

Joint seminars with police and hotel partners on safe hospitality practices.

Blacklisting hotels found promoting unethical activities.

Action against unauthorized properties using OYO branding.

Impact and Future Plans

Though the policy change is a step to address societal concerns, it also ensures that OYO remains inclusive for those seeking safe and responsible accommodation. The rollout in Meerut will be a testing ground before further expansion. OYO now demonstrates a keen attempt to rebalance personal rights versus societal rights towards a much-desired hospitability promise - safe, responsible, and reliant.