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?


TSG Hotels Brings Smiles with CSR Dinner

TSG Hotels Brings Smiles with CSR Dinner

By Hariharan U

Published on April 23, 2026

In a thoughtful CSR initiative, TSG Hotels & Resorts organized a special dinner for children at Pranab Kanya Sangha on April 20, creating an evening filled with warmth and happiness.

Guided by the vision of Managing Director Mr. G. Bhasker, the team spent quality time with the children, turning the gathering into more than just a meal. Conversations, shared laughter, and genuine interaction made the evening memorable for everyone involved.

Corporate General Manager Mr. Chiranjit Das, present at the event, reaffirmed the brand’s continued commitment to meaningful social initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the team at Pranab Kanya Sangha for the opportunity to contribute and engage with the children in such a positive setting.

The joy on the children’s faces reflected the impact of the gesture, as they enjoyed the dinner and the attention that came with it.

Through initiatives like this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to highlight its dedication to community care and social responsibility, going beyond hospitality to create real human connections


The Lind Hotels Expands Beyond Boracay with New Openings in Coron and Siargao

The Lind Hotels Expands Beyond Boracay with New Openings in Coron and Siargao

By Hariharan U

Published on April 22, 2026

The Lind Hotels is expanding its footprint beyond Boracay, with new properties planned in Coron and Siargao, marking a significant step in building a curated multi-island portfolio.

The brand, known for The Lind Boracay, has established a strong identity through a guest-first and adaptive approach. Located along the prime stretch of Station 1 White Beach, the property has built its reputation on personalised experiences, strong guest loyalty, and continuous evolution based on feedback. It also holds the distinction of being the first MICHELIN Guide-listed hotel in Boracay, a milestone that continues to shape its positioning.

Moving into its next phase, the brand is focusing on destinations that align with its philosophy rather than pursuing rapid scale.

The upcoming Lind Coron, scheduled to open next year, will introduce a villa-led, more personalised hospitality experience. Set on a peninsula, the property is designed to offer seclusion while remaining connected to the mainland, with plans for multiple dining venues, a dive centre, and expanded wellness and recreation facilities.

Meanwhile, Lind Siargao reflects a strategic move into high-potential destinations with limited premium supply. Known as one of the Philippines’ most sought-after island escapes, Siargao presents an opportunity to establish an early presence in a fast-evolving market while maintaining the brand’s distinct identity.

The expansion underscores a deliberate approach, focusing on long-term potential, destination relevance, and differentiated guest experiences rather than scale alone. The brand continues to operate independently, allowing it to remain agile and responsive to changing guest expectations.

As it grows, The Lind Hotels aims to carry forward the same ethos that defined its Boracay property, independent, adaptable, and consistently shaped around the guest experience, while tailoring each destination to its unique environment.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Reveals ‘Constellar’ Ballroom with Unique Design Story

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Reveals ‘Constellar’ Ballroom with Unique Design Story

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 21, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has unveiled ‘Constellar’, the official name and identity of its expansive 10,000-square-foot ballroom facility. The announcement adds a new layer of meaning to the space, bringing together thoughtful design, symbolism, and a narrative that reflects the hotel’s architectural style and its legacy of refined hospitality.

Introduced earlier this year, the ballroom has already positioned itself as one of Mumbai’s most sophisticated venues for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. With the introduction of ‘Constellar’, the space now carries a strong visual and conceptual identity, giving it a deeper presence.

The name ‘Constellar’ takes inspiration from constellations, symbolising connection, brilliance, and timeless beauty. This idea is reflected in the logo, which features a four-circle icon drawn from the ballroom’s architectural detailing, especially the circular patterns seen at the grand entrance. These elements come together to form a balanced and elegant motif, linking the interiors with the visual identity. A subtle star formed within the design further connects to the theme of constellations, while the four circles also represent the Four Seasons legacy, making the brand an integral part of the design story.

“Constellar, inspired by constellations, redefines how we envision celebrations coming together with intention, beauty, and meaning. With Constellar, we have given our ballroom a distinct character rooted in contemporary design, advanced technology, culinary craftsmanship, and a passionate team. It is ultimately brought to life by our esteemed guests, who make each celebration unique and memorable,” shares Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels Mumbai.

Located in Worli, the 10,000-square-foot facility brings together scale and elegance. It begins with a 500-square-foot private arrival foyer that opens into a 1,300-square-foot pre-function area, leading to a 7,000-square-foot banqueting space. At its centre is a 5,700-square-foot pillarless hall with a 19-foot ceiling, designed to host large gatherings with ease. The interiors follow a modern and contemporary style, while features such as a 1,000-square-foot LED wall, digital signage, and modular setups offer flexibility for different event formats. Seamless connectivity to The Great Room ensures smooth transitions for weddings, soirées, and large-scale launches.

Every event here is shaped by Four Season’s approach to personalised service, supported by dedicated specialists and attention to detail. With ‘Constellar’, the ballroom moves beyond just a venue, offering a space where design, technology, and meaningful experiences come together.

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