OYO Review [2023]: Rooms worth the affordable price?

Traveling is fun, but it can get pricey! Whether you're traveling to Thailand, Europe, or Mexico, costs add up quickly. Flights and accommodation usually put the most significant dent in your wallet, especially if it's your first time traveling to a new destination and you need help knowing where to stay for the best value.

That's where companies like OYO come in. This startup has evolved from a room-finding site into a fully-fledged, internationally-recognized hotel brand in a very short time. No matter what city you're in or what country you're visiting, OYO rooms are consistent when providing guests with enjoyable experiences. 

Considering OYO has branched out worldwide, you will come across this brand name somewhere. So, is OYO worth all the hype? Let's find out in this in-depth OYO review! 

What is OYO? 

As an international platform, OYO provides branding, support, and a technological framework for small businesses and entrepreneurs that provide accommodation. OYO amps up earnings and eases stress in everyday operations by offering full-stack technology. 

The results? OYO provides pocket-friendly accommodation for guests all over the globe. Better yet, rooms can be booked in an instant! 

Standing for On Your Own Rooms, OYO is one of the fastest-growing startup companies in India. This hospitality-based startup has quickly expanded to over 300 cities in India, as well as other locations across the world. 

After just six short years, OYO has spread to countries such as China, Malaysia, Nepal, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  

Who is OYO Owned by? 

Founded by then-19-year-old Ritesh Agarwal, OYO has grown quite a name for itself. Backpacking across India, Ritesh noticed the lack of reliability when selecting accommodation, so he thought of a solution—OYO.

What is OYO's Mission? 

OYO targets budget hotels that aren't hitting their ideal performance. By rebranding them as part of the OYO network, the company takes care of back-end reservations, pricing, and technology services. OYO also monitors other standards like WiFi and cleanliness. 

In driving more sales through their mobile app, OYO increases accessibility for budget travelers. In return, OYO gets a percentage of the monthly revenue. Seems pretty fair, right? 

How Does OYO Appeal to Budget Travelers? 

Now's the time to uncover how OYO makes a difference for budget travelers and backpackers. OYO hotels offer clean rooms with basic, reliable amenities. No matter where you're traveling to, whether it's the United Kingdom or Japan, you're guaranteed to find the same level of service. 

Usually, there's free WiFi, air conditioning, and a TV included in most OYO hotels. Some even offer a mini fridge, microwave, and iron, but the specifics can vary slightly depending on the location. 

How Does OYO Work? 

Thanks to OYO's straightforward setup, booking a budget hotel is simple. Enter the desired destination, select your dates, and add the number of guests. You can use filters to narrow down the search results. These include price range, hotels, and facilities such as parking, mini bar, TV, hair dryer, etc. 

The next step is to review your OYO accommodation's description, amenities, and location before selecting your payment method. If you've got all the details down pat, you can book your room in under 15 seconds. That's perfect if you're in a rush!  

Cancellation and Refund Policy of OYO Rooms 

In case your plans change, OYO has a reasonably simple cancellation process. If you cancel more than 24 hours before check-in, you can get a free cancellation with a 100% refund. During your stay, you'll be charged for one night if you decide to shorten your booking before 2 pm, and if it's after 2 pm, you'll be charged for two nights. 

What are People Saying About OYO Rooms? 

Judging by online reviews, people are generally pleased with the service of OYO rooms. The rooms are set at a budget price, so expectations can be low. But travelers consistently say they are happy with the WiFi services, clean linen, and general amenities. 

Compared to other hotel booking platforms like Hotels.com, Hotelscan, or Hotels by Day, OYO rooms generally offer the most affordable options. 

On the flip side, some visitors complained about the sound levels in the hotel and that you can hear everything. With zero soundproofing, there might be better choices than OYO rooms for those needing a good night's rest. Other travelers talk about experiencing bad customer service and unpleasant interactions with staff. It seems like communication could be improved in some OYO hotels. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of OYO 

The benefits lie solely in the price tag of OYO rooms. OYO is an ideal option for backpackers and budget travelers looking to book their stay quickly. You know you'll have reliable WiFi and basic amenities, which can make all the difference when traveling to a new destination. 

The disadvantages of OYO are the lack of soundproofing in the hotels, topped by possible bad customer service. Your experiences may be significantly dampened if you're trying to get help or if something isn't your liking. 

Is OYO Worth it?

OYO is worth it if you're a backpacker or a budget-conscious traveler. With low-cost rooms and basic amenities, you can expect reliable services anywhere in the world. That said, if you're a globetrotter who enjoys a good-quality night's sleep and decent customer service when things go differently than planned, OYO might not be for you. 

Our Rating: 3.3/5

Pros:

• Affordable budget accommodation 
• Straightforward booking process 
• Standard amenities like WiFi and clean linen 

Cons:

• Zero soundproofing in rooms
• Possible poor customer service 

Booking Hotels and Beyond! 

If you're looking for inexpensive accommodation, OYO is an ideal option. But why stop there? Before you jet off to your next destination, start planning your trip with Pilot!