OYO has launched a new policy that requires unmarried couples to provide proof of their relationship at check-in. Now couples must prove that they’re a couple.
This policy applies to all bookings and gives partner hotels the option to decline reservations based on their own judgment. OYO says this is to align with local societal norms.
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Of course, Twitter couldn’t hold back. One user sarcastically asked, “So, does proof of relationship mean showing your wedding certificate, or will a couple selfie do? Asking for a friend!”
Another tweeted, “If we’re not married, can I just show our WhatsApp chats? Or do I need the panchayat’s approval?” The confusion was real.
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It didn’t stop there. Many people pointed out that OYO already had a certain reputation. “The main reason is that everyone thought OYO was just for hookups, so people felt awkward even saying OYO in public.
Now unmarried couples won’t be able to check in at all,” one user said. Another added, “Why would married couples go to OYO when they have their own home? Are these rooms just for large families seeking privacy? Maybe OYO should stick to Tier 3 towns and villages!”
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Critics didn’t hold back on OYO’s overall image either.
One user commented, “Brand value? Lmfao! Have you ever visited their hotels? They’re in the worst locations with bad service and staff. They survive because of unmarried couples and single men who can’t afford expensive hotels. 80% of OYOs are in dirty places!”
While a few defended the policy as respecting local values, most felt it was a step backward and would alienate the younger, urban crowd OYO relies on.
OYO’s attempt to balance cultural norms and brand image has definitely made waves, but not for the reasons they hoped.
