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?


IHG Signs Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, Expanding Footprint in Gujarat

IHG Signs Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, Expanding Footprint in Gujarat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 12, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a new Holiday Inn in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The management agreement has been signed with Atithi Gokul Hotel Inns Pvt Ltd, part of the AG Group. The 150-key hotel is expected to open in the third quarter of 2028 and will mark another significant step in IHG’s strategic expansion in high-potential Indian cities.

Located along the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway, the hotel will be a part of Highline, a mixed-use development featuring both residential and commercial spaces. Its prime location ensures seamless access to key government institutions, educational hubs, corporate offices, and IT parks—positioning it as an attractive option for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests will be welcomed with well-appointed rooms and suites, three distinctive dining outlets including an All-Day Dining restaurant and Lobby Lounge, a ballroom for events, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and ample parking—delivering on Holiday Inn’s promise to make travel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in Gujarat with the signing of Holiday Inn Ahmedabad. With its dynamic industrial, commercial, and educational sectors, Ahmedabad is an important destination for us. We’re confident that this hotel will cater to the evolving needs of travellers while also delivering strong value for our partners.”

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He added, “India continues to be a priority market for IHG globally. The Holiday Inn brand family has seen remarkable success here, and we are on a robust growth trajectory with a strong pipeline across key cities.”

Vikram Bharvad, Managing Director, AG Group, shared, “Ahmedabad has shown sustained demand in the hospitality sector, and we are pleased to collaborate with IHG to introduce the globally respected Holiday Inn brand. The city’s strategic growth, quality infrastructure, and commercial vitality make it a strong market for branded hospitality.”

Recognised as a major hub for textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, Ahmedabad is one of India’s most prominent commercial and manufacturing centres. It ranks as the second-largest cotton producer in the country and a top exporter of gems, jewellery, and denim.

With 50 hotels currently operating in India and a pipeline of 63 more in the next 3–5 years, IHG continues to expand across its six brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express.

The new Holiday Inn Ahmedabad further solidifies IHG’s commitment to India’s thriving hospitality market and underscores its long-term vision for growth in urban and emerging destinations.


IHCL Brings Vivanta to Mysuru with New Greenfield Signing

IHCL Brings Vivanta to Mysuru with New Greenfield Signing

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 12, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Mysuru. This greenfield project, developed in partnership with the Farah Group, is part of IHCL’s ongoing commitment to expanding in high-growth cultural and economic destinations.

Located strategically near Mysuru’s Hebbal Industrial Area, the upcoming 115-key Vivanta hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and flexible meeting and event spaces tailored for both corporate and social gatherings.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Mysuru, with its rich cultural heritage and a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, education, and tourism, continues to evolve as a key urban centre. Enhanced connectivity through infrastructure developments like the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway is further boosting travel and tourism in the region. This signing aligns with our strategy of expanding in fast-growing destinations. We are delighted to partner with the Farah Group on this project.”

Mysuru is a city deeply rooted in royal heritage and vibrant traditions, famous for its iconic landmarks like the Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, and the Brindavan Gardens.

Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Liaquath Ali Khan, Managing Director of Farah Builders, said, “We are proud to partner with IHCL to bring the Vivanta brand to Mysuru. This hotel will serve as a contemporary hub for the city’s growing hospitality needs.”

With the addition of this project, IHCL now has 26 hotels in Karnataka, including 12 under development, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the state’s hospitality sector.

About Farah Group:
Founded by visionary Mr. Sadath Ali Khan, Farah Group has been a key player in shaping Bengaluru’s real estate sector for over five decades. Under the leadership of Liaquath Ali Khan, the group has expanded into commercial, residential, and now hospitality sectors, building a strong reputation in the city’s real estate landscape.

About IHCL:
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries are home to iconic brands including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger. With a legacy that began in 1903 with The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, IHCL operates a global portfolio of 388 hotels, including 139 under development, across 14 countries and over 150 locations. Recognized as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand in 2024 by Brand Finance, IHCL is listed on both the BSE and NSE.


The Westin Mumbai Garden City Earns Top Green Certification: A New Standard for Hotels

The Westin Mumbai Garden City Earns Top Green Certification: A New Standard for Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 11, 2025

The Westin Mumbai Garden City is proud to share that it has received the highly respected LEED Platinum Certification. This is one of the highest global honors from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for being a leader in energy and environmental design. This achievement places the hotel among the best sustainable properties worldwide, showing its strong dedication to environmentally friendly hospitality.

Being sustainable is a core part of how the hotel operates, from its green infrastructure to its daily activities. Recently, they've upgraded their sewage treatment plant (STP) to make sure all treated water is reused for flushing toilets, in air conditioning systems, and for gardening. In guest rooms and public areas, you'll find special showers and sensor-controlled faucets that help save water, and a smart maintenance system keeps water use in check. Even in the laundry, they use eco-friendly green chemicals to save both water and steam.

When it comes to energy, the hotel uses efficient LED lights, a central air conditioning system that uses variable frequency drives, and carefully optimized boilers and laundry systems to reduce how much energy they use. On top of that, the property actively uses renewable energy, has gotten rid of single-use plastics, and makes sure their ingredients and supplies are sourced sustainably. This means serving cage-free eggs and seafood with a green certification, and using ethical linens and toiletries.

“We are honoured to achieve LEED Platinum certification, which reflects the hard work and passion of our team in making every aspect of our hotel greener and more responsible,” said Sumeet Suri, General Manager, The Westin Mumbai Garden City. “Our guests can enjoy world-class luxury with the confidence that their stay contributes to a healthier planet.”

Located in Mumbai's busy city, The Westin Mumbai Garden City continues to set new trends in modern hospitality. It combines elegant style, focus on well-being, and sustainability, proving that luxury and caring for the environment can truly go hand in hand.

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