Oyo Clarifies Check-in Regulations for Unmarried Couples at Partner Hotels

New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Amid the ongoing debates around Oyo's updated policy for partner hotels, which prohibits check-ins for unmarried couples, the prominent hospitality brand clarified on Sunday that this initiative seeks to ensure a secure environment for families, students, business travelers, religious visitors, and solo adventurers.

Initially launched in Meerut, Oyo instructed its partner hotels to comply with this directive immediately, and based on the response, the travel booking giant may expand this policy to additional cities.

According to the new rules, couples must provide valid proof of relationship at check-in, even for online reservations.

Oyo has granted its partner hotels the authority to decline bookings from couples based on their own assessments, in accordance with local social norms.

In a formal statement, the company affirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and responsible hospitality practices.

“While we honor individual freedoms and personal liberties, we also acknowledge our obligation to collaborate with law enforcement and community organizations in the specific regions where we operate. We will continue to evaluate this policy and its effects regularly,” the company stated.

“This initiative is part of Oyo's effort to reshape outdated perceptions and establish itself as a brand that offers a secure experience for families, students, business travelers, religious visitors, and solo adventurers,” it further elaborated.

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

In September of the previous year, Oyo's parent company, Oravel Stays, announced the acquisition of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 chains, which encompass around 1,500 properties across the United States and Canada, in a cash transaction worth $525 million with investment firm Blackstone.

With the acquisition of G6 Hospitality, the parent company of these two budget lodging brands, Oyo is poised to become a significant player in the US and Canadian hospitality sector, which is predominantly led by Indian Americans.