2 days back I booked a double room at OYO pimri finolex, pune for 2 days, through cleartrip.com and payed the full amount. Me, my wife and my 2.5 year old daughter was supposed to stay there.Then I read some reviews and one of the review stated that they have severe limitations in accepting ID proofs.
So I called them to confirm. I told them that I had a pan card which they said is not acceptable. Then I said that I have Adhaar card computer print out, which initially they said acceptable. But when I called again to confirm once again (as I was skeptical), they said that only original ID proofs will be accepted.
I told I have original, but my wife has only the computer print out as her original adhaar card is yet to arrive. They didn’t accepte that. Then to my surprise, they listed out a long list of rules related to ID proofs. they are
Only voter ID, driving license, passport or adhaar card will be accepted. No other documents
Original ID has to be brought, even for adhaar card
All person have to present seperate ID card
In case of couple, the ID card should reflect marriage evidence. In my case my wife’s ID was made on her maiden name. They didn’t accepted that
In case of couples, ID card from local state will NOT be acceptable. (This was the weirdest rule I found with no logic whatever I may think of)
If any of the above rule is not fulfilled, entry will not be permitted
I told them that these requirements were never told to me, to which they had no remorse.I told them that my wives ID is on her maiden name and do not have my name as her surname. To which they asked that how can we prove if we are married. I told them about our daughter, which they said is not a valid proof. This can be a nice joke!! Isn’t it?
Ultimately I asked them that is there any other way. I have original ID, my wife has photocopy, My daughter’s birth certificate is with us and I have our marriage photographs. But as per them they only go by rules. Then why to create such arcane rules at first place?
Ultimately I cancelled my booking, which they did happily. I guess they were relieved to be saved from serving a customer. Suffered a loss of 500 Rs. for cancellation.
Next hotel that I booked, I enquired about ID detail and they said, any government issued ID will work and if wife doesn’t have the ID they will take a photograph of her as record. I found this reasonable and booked it.
Got saved from trouble because I read another review. My advice, please ensure that you have all documents necessary to make a passport and to get a US Visa, before you book OYO rooms. Or else at-least call and check them about it. These are hidden until you have booked the room.