OYO Hotels May Turn Unmarried Couples Away, Meerut Hotel Manager Explains Why

Highlights

• Unmarried couples must provide valid proof of their relationship for bookings at OYO partner hotels in Meerut.
• Couples without documentation may be denied a stay.
• The decision was influenced by feedback from civil society groups and petitions from residents.
• This policy is part of OYO’s efforts to rebrand as a family-friendly and safety-first.

OYO, one of India’s leading hospitality chains, has introduced a new check-in policy for its partner hotels in Meerut, requiring unmarried couples to provide valid proof of their relationship.

This policy applies to both online and walk-in bookings effective this year. Couples without the necessary documentation may be denied a stay.

OYO has directed its partner hotels in Meerut to strictly follow these updated rules. Hotels are also allowed some flexibility to decline bookings for unmarried couples based on their own judgment keeping local social norms in mind. The decision comes in response to feedback from civil society groups in Meerut and petitions from residents in other cities.

A company spokesperson shared with PTI, “OYO has received feedback in the past from civil society groups, especially in Meerut urging action to address this issue. Additionally, residents from a few other cities have petitioned for disallowing unmarried couples to check-in at OYO hotels.”

The Region Head of OYO North India Pawas Sharma emphasised the company’s dedication to customer safety. He explained, “OYO is committed to maintaining safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms and personal liberty, we also recognise our responsibility to collaborate with law enforcement and civil society groups in the specific regions where we operate. We will continue to periodically review this policy and its impact.”

This policy highlights OYO’s efforts to balance individual rights with regional cultural sensitivities while cooperating with local authorities to ensure a secure environment.

The new guidelines are part of OYO’s broader initiative to rebrand itself as a family-friendly and safety-first hospitality chain. The company aims to cater to families, students, solo travellers and religious groups, promoting longer stays and enhanced trust among its customers.

To support this goal, OYO has been conducting awareness seminars with police and hotel partners on safe hospitality practices. It has also blacklisted hotels involved in immoral activities and taken action against unauthorized properties using the OYO name.

The Meerut check-in policy could be a blueprint for other cities in India. Depending on its success in ensuring a safe hospitality experience, OYO may consider implementing similar rules in other regions.

This initiative reflects OYO’s strategy to rebuild trust and maintain relevance in the competitive hospitality industry.

FAQs

Q1. What new check-in policy has OYO introduced for its partner hotels in Meerut?

Answer. OYO’s new check-in policy in Meerut requires unmarried couples to provide valid proof of their relationship. Couples without documentation may be denied a stay.

Q2. Why has OYO implemented this new check-in policy in Meerut?

Answer. The decision was influenced by feedback from civil society groups and petitions from residents in Meerut and other cities urging action to address this issue.

Q3. What broader initiative is OYO’s new check-in policy part of?

Answer. This policy is part of OYO’s broader initiative to rebrand itself as a family-friendly and safety-first hospitality chain aiming to balance individual rights with regional cultural sensitivities.

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