OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

The troubles for OYO, one of India’s most prominent unicorn startups, continue to escalate. According to an Economic Times report, the company plans to lay off 2,000 employees by the end of January as part of its cost-cutting measures, which also include automation of processes. While OYO touts itself as one of the “best places to work,” the planned layoffs come amidst mounting internal and external challenges.

An OYO spokesperson stated, “OYO continuously tracks performances of individuals, and depending on the results and the individual’s interests, we may replace some candidates after giving them the opportunity to go through a performance improvement programme.” However, layoffs are just one part of the growing crisis the company faces.

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Backlash from Hotel Owners

OYO’s problems extend beyond its workforce. The startup is under fire from hotel owners across various markets for unpaid dues and unfavorable contract terms. In India, the dissatisfaction has even led to legal action. Recently, a Bengaluru hotelier filed a cheating case against OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and six others, alleging non-payment of INR 7 lakh per month since May 2019.

Globally, similar issues persist. In the United States, hotel owners have raised concerns about OYO’s partner management system, citing its inefficiency and failure to meet payment commitments. In Japan, Yahoo terminated its partnership with OYO due to increasing complaints from hotel owners. Even in China, where OYO claims to be one of the largest hotel chains, property owners report receiving lower payments than initially promised.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Adding to its woes, OYO is also under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The probe focuses on a commercial agreement between OYO and MakeMyTrip, examining whether the partnership creates an unfair dominant position in the market.

Global Troubles Continue

The startup’s ambitious expansion into the US market has not been smooth, with several hotel owners expressing dissatisfaction with OYO’s operations. The issues of unpaid dues and operational inefficiencies seem to mirror the problems reported in other markets.

Despite these challenges, OYO continues to assert its commitment to growth and operational excellence. However, the growing dissent from hotel owners, legal battles, and regulatory scrutiny highlight a critical need for the company to address its operational inefficiencies and rebuild trust with its partners.

With these mounting issues, the road ahead for OYO appears increasingly complex. Will the unicorn be able to navigate these turbulent waters, or is its ambitious expansion strategy taking a toll on its foundational stability?


IHCL to Debut Ginger Hotel in Kanpur with 100 Keys

IHCL to Debut Ginger Hotel in Kanpur with 100 Keys

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 2, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Ginger hotel in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing its strategy to expand in India’s growing commercial centres. This greenfield project will be developed in collaboration with JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited, marking a continued partnership between the two groups.

Strategically located on Kalpi Road, near the Kamala Cricket Club, the 100-key Ginger Kanpur promises excellent connectivity to key business and leisure districts, making it well-suited for both corporate travellers and tourists visiting the city.

"Kanpur is a prominent manufacturing and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh, making it an ideal location for Ginger’s offering. This signing is part of our strategy to build Ginger’s presence in such emerging cities," said Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President, New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL. "We are delighted to extend our partnership with JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited."

The hotel will feature Ginger’s signature Qmin, a vibrant bar, meeting facilities, and a fitness centre — offering a seamless blend of work and leisure for its guests.

Maneesh Mansingka, CEO of JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited, added, "We are happy to continue our partnership with IHCL. Our projects with the company will contribute to Kanpur’s hospitality landscape."

With this signing, IHCL now has 34 hotels across Uttar Pradesh, including 21 under various stages of development, underscoring its robust commitment to the state’s hospitality growth.

JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited is part of the historic JK Singhania family business, whose legacy spans over 140 years with interests in sectors like cement, paper, tyres, defence, chemicals, healthcare, education, retail, and IT. The group’s real estate arm, originally incorporated as JK Cotton Ltd. in 1924, continues to play a key role in shaping urban infrastructure.

The new Ginger hotel is set to contribute significantly to Kanpur’s evolving hospitality landscape, catering to the dynamic needs of the city’s growing commercial and leisure segments.


Radisson Hotel Group Debuts Radisson Individuals Property Near Statue of Unity

Radisson Hotel Group Debuts Radisson Individuals Property Near Statue of Unity

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 2, 2025

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has expanded its presence in Gujarat with the opening of D Square Statue of Unity Kevadia, a member of Radisson Individuals, strategically situated in Ekta Nagar. Nestled in the picturesque Narmada district, this hotel blends local charm with contemporary hospitality, serving as a gateway to one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations.

Located close to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, the hotel also offers convenient access to attractions like Ekta Mall, Jungle Safari, Children Nutrition Park, and the Narmada riverfront. Its proximity to Ekta Nagar Railway Station enhances accessibility for both domestic and international travellers. Select rooms even feature panoramic views of the Statue of Unity, the lush valley, and the upcoming Tribal Museum, making it an exceptional base to explore the region.

"With the opening of D Square Statue of Unity Kevadia, we further strengthen our footprint in Gujarat, one of India’s fastest-growing tourism corridors," said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. "We remain aligned with the government’s vision of transforming Ekta Nagar into a model tourism and smart city destination. Our hotel stands as a testament to high-quality hospitality that complements the area’s cultural and sustainable growth."

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The hotel houses 91 tastefully designed rooms, blending warm aesthetics with modern amenities to create a comfortable retreat. Guests can indulge in flavourful vegetarian fare at Sankalp All Day Dining Restaurant, known for its signature service and refined dishes. For celebrations and business gatherings, the hotel offers versatile event spaces — the Silver Pavilion, perfect for weddings and conferences, and Sapphire, suited for intimate meetings or private events.

Shivalik Goenka, Co-owner of D Square Statue of Unity Kevadia, noted, "The hotel is a tribute to Gujarat’s spirit — rooted in culture, driven by progress. We aim to deliver experiences that are both meaningful and memorable."

Adding to this, Fakruddin Khan, General Manager, shared, "Our focus is on offering a warm, welcoming experience that beautifully marries comfort, service, and the natural splendour of Ekta Nagar. We’re excited to host guests from across India and beyond."

With this opening, Radisson Hotel Group continues to invest in India’s emerging leisure destinations, reinforcing its commitment to offer high-quality stays that celebrate local heritage and drive sustainable tourism.


Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Caps Off Green Month with Tree-Planting Drive

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Caps Off Green Month with Tree-Planting Drive

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 2, 2025

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park wrapped up its month-long third anniversary celebrations on a green note by hosting a special tree-planting drive in partnership with SayTrees Environmental Trust. The event saw 17 Heads of Department (HODs) from the hotel roll up their sleeves and plant saplings at the Rail Wheel Factory in North Bengaluru, underlining the hotel’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and community.

This drive marked the culmination of the hotel’s unique anniversary initiative — the “Book a Room, Plant a Tree” campaign, launched in May. As part of this initiative, a tree was planted in the guest’s name for every room booked, turning each stay into a living tribute.

"This final planting is a celebration of purpose," said Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. "We began the month by planting trees with our guests. Today, our leadership team joined hands to reinforce our pledge — that hospitality can and should leave the world better than we found it."

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So far, around 2,000 trees have been planted, each geotagged and cared for by local farmers to ensure a survival rate of over 90%. Guests can even track their tree via a digital dashboard, adding a personal, lasting touch to their stay. This model doesn’t just help the planet — it also supports farmer livelihoods, making the impact both ecological and social.

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata’s daily operations. With over 98% of its energy sourced from renewables, a solar-powered system heating 15,000 litres of water daily, and an in-house glass bottling plant eliminating 2,500 plastic bottles each day, the hotel is setting benchmarks in responsible luxury. Its guest rooms are free of single-use plastics, featuring reusable mugs and refillable dispensers instead — small details that add up to big change.

Opened in 2022, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata has quickly emerged as a go-to address for business travellers in North Bengaluru, offering 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space and world-class amenities. As one of South India’s largest dual-brand properties, it continues to redefine what sustainable hospitality can look like.

While this campaign may have wrapped up, its impact will keep growing — tree by tree, guest by guest.

For bookings and more information, call +91 8069012345 / +91 8069112345.

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