OYO Revises Check-In Policy, Unmarried Couples No Longer Allowed To Book Rooms

OYO, a leading travel booking platform, has introduced a new check-in policy for its partner hotels, initially in Meerut, which will come into effect this year.

As per the updated guidelines, unmarried couples will no longer be permitted to check in, PTI reported.

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All couples, including those with online bookings, will be required to provide valid proof of their relationship at check-in, according to the new OYO policy.

The platform has granted its partner hotels the discretion to decide whether to accept or deny couple bookings based on the hotel's judgment and local social norms, the company explained.

The ban on check-ins for unmarried couples will first apply to hotels in Meerut.

OYO has directed its partner hotels in Meerut to implement this policy immediately. Based on feedback from the ground, the company may extend this policy to other cities, sources familiar with the change said.

"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," they said.

According to Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, the initiative is part of OYO's programme to transform its outdated perceptions and position itself as a brand capable of offering a safe experience for families, students, business travellers, religious groups, and solo travellers, the company stated.

The programme also aims to encourage longer stays and repeat bookings, thereby enhancing customer trust and loyalty.

OYO has launched pan-India initiatives, including joint seminars on safe hospitality with police and hotel partners, blacklisting hotels allegedly promoting immoral activities, and taking action against unauthorised hotels using the OYO brand, it added.