Oyo Introduces New Check-In Rules For Unmarried Couples; Sparks Online Debate

New Delhi, 8th January 2025: Popular hotel booking platform Oyo has introduced new check-in guidelines requiring couples to provide a “relationship ID” during check-in, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. This policy, initially implemented in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, may expand to other cities based on feedback and response.

Under the new guidelines, unmarried couples will no longer be able to check into Oyo hotels unless they provide proof of marriage or relationship. The policy applies to both online and offline bookings and allows partner hotels to enforce the rules at their discretion, aligned with local norms.

Since the announcement, the decision has triggered widespread discussion online, with memes and comments flooding social media. While some users criticized the move, others expressed humor and frustration. One user commented, “Oyo is digging its own grave,” reflecting the mixed reception to the change.

The company clarified that the decision to implement these rules beyond Meerut will depend on initial feedback and outcomes. Civil society groups in Meerut reportedly played a significant role in prompting the policy change, urging Oyo to discourage check-ins by unmarried couples. Similar petitions have emerged from other cities.

Speculation has also arisen about whether this marks an attempt by Oyo to shift its public image. The move raises questions about balancing local cultural sensitivities with the needs of travelers, especially young couples who have long relied on Oyo’s platform for flexible accommodation options.

For now, the policy remains a localized initiative, but its potential nationwide implementation could significantly impact the company’s customer base and reputation.