On Sunday, January 5, 2024, Oyo announced a significant policy shift affecting couples checking into hotels in Meerut, about 80 kilometers from Delhi. The new rule mandates couples to present proof of marriage at check-in, effectively implementing an unmarried couples hotel stay ban driven by local hotel owners’ requests and aimed at addressing regional cultural norms.

Hotel Stay Rules for Couples: Meerut’s New Restrictions

According to Oyo, the decision allows hotel partners greater discretion in managing bookings, reflecting local societal values. While previously, Oyo did not deny unmarried couples. The updated guidelines now require hotel operators to enforce these restrictions. 

 

As Oyo bans unmarried couples from its properties, this policy has been implemented immediately in Meerut, with the potential for expansion based on feedback and results from the initial rollout. Oyo currently operates 16 hotels in the city, each of which will enforce these new Meerut hotel restrictions.

Oyo Bans Hotel Stays for Unmarried Couples in Meerut

Legal Implications of Oyo’s Unmarried Couples Policy

Legal experts and industry insiders, like Pradeep Shetty, secretary of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Western India, have noted that while identification is required for hotel check-ins, there is no legal basis to deny rooms to unmarried couples under national law.

 

This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for discrimination and moral policing, a practice that has faced legal challenges in India. A notable 2015 case in Mumbai led to a court ruling against unwarranted moral policing by authorities.

Oyo Policy Changes in 2025

Pawas Sharma, head of Oyo’s North India region, emphasized the company’s commitment to safe and responsible hospitality practices. 

 

Sharma highlighted the balance Oyo seeks between respecting individual freedoms and adhering to local laws and societal expectations. 

 

Oyo’s website reaffirms that no national law prohibits unmarried couples from staying together in hotels, indicating that check-ins remain at the discretion of individual hotel owners or managers. This policy shift is part of Oyo’s broader initiative to refine its brand identity, addressing local sensibilities and broader market expectations.

 

The company’s recent campaigns and focus on promoting self-serviced hotels aim to attract a diverse clientele, including families, solo travelers, and business professionals while navigating the complex terrain of local customs and regulatory environments.

 

Stay informed on the latest travel news updates. Sign up for FREE on OneAir and visit our travel blog for expert insights, travel tips, and industry news.