No check-in for unmarried couples in OYO Rooms in Meerut; company brings new policy

Ritesh Agarwal-led hospitality giant OYO has announced new check-in rules for its partner hotels in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, requiring unmarried couples to provide valid proof of relationship before they can stay.

The policy applies to both online and offline bookings and gives hotels the discretion to refuse entry based on local social norms.

According to a company statement, the initiative went into effect this year, with the possibility of expanding to other cities depending on feedback from the ground.

Why the change?  

OYO said it had received concerns from civil society groups, particularly in Meerut, urging the company to address what some called “unacceptable practices” in the hospitality sector. Similar requests came from residents in a few other cities who wanted unmarried couples to be disallowed from checking in.

In response, OYO launched the revised guidelines to align with local expectations while maintaining its broader goal of providing a safe and responsible hospitality experience.

Balancing liberties and local sensibilities

Despite recognizing individual freedom and personal choices, OYO emphasized its responsibility to collaborate with local law enforcement and community groups. In a statement to PTI, Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, said the company will regularly assess the policy’s impact and remain open to further changes.

OYO also aims to shed outdated perceptions by positioning itself as a family-friendly brand that caters to travelers seeking safe accommodations, whether they are families, students or business professionals.

Initiatives for safe hospitality  

As part of its larger strategy, OYO has started organizing seminars on responsible hospitality practices. These sessions include discussions with police officials and partner hotels to ensure compliance with local laws and to promote customer safety.

Additionally, OYO said it has blacklisted hotels suspected of promoting immoral activities and taken action against unauthorized establishments using its brand name without proper affiliation.