OYO says no hotel rooms for unmarried couples in this city: Details here

Travel and hotel booking company OYO has issued a new policy restricting unmarried couples from checking into OYO hotels in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The decision follows criticism from civil society groups and residents.

Under the new rules, which apply to all couples, including those with online bookings, proof of a valid relationship must be shown at check-in. The new OYO rule, which states that unmarried couples won't be allowed to check in to OYO, is already applicable in partner hotels in Meerut and will be effective immediately.

The move is expected to change public perception of the OYO brand as family-unfriendly and unsafe for women, OYO's Region Head for North India, Pawas Sharma, said. OYO is positioned to ensure a safe stay for families and business travelers.

This policy is being enforced as a response to suggestions by different civil society groups and to local petitions, and thus, Meerut has to be the first place to pay the price. Previously, a few residents of Meerut had called on OYO to not permit hotel bookings for unmarried couples. Other cities have also proposed similar policies, but there is currently no information about this regulation going beyond the Meerut region.

So, it may be limited for now to Meerut, but OYO is evaluating the ground feedback before a wider rollout. The company has also been active in introducing safe hospitality practices to the ecosystem, such as putting immoral hotels on the blacklist and working with both police and hotel partners to secure their compliance with the law.

This policy is a radical departure from the company's earlier practices, as the platform was once known for its relatively progressive attitude toward couples reserving hotel rooms together. Still, the shift is a reflection of OYO's efforts to address societal concerns while trying to paint itself as a safe and reliable option for all travelers.

With this move, OYO has reiterated its focus on responsible hospitality. Whether the "no unmarried couples in OYO" rule will be followed in other places depends on demand and opinions.